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10 Questions with ... Mike 'Sandman' Sanders
January 13, 2009
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NAME:Mike 'Sandman' SandersLAST WITH:WSOC/CharlottePHONE:(704) 614-5711
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
I did College radio at the University of Alabama while still in high school. It kept me out trouble. Then I went to work at radio stops in Tallahassee and Jacksonville, FL (WQIK) before heading out to the Rockies with part-time stops at KIMN, KYGO and Jones Radio Networks. Since I enjoy hurricanes, I moved back to Florida and WMEZ/Pensacola for afternoons. I wanted to get back into Country, so I headed to the Midnight of the Good and Evil, Savannah, GA, as MD/afternoons at WGZR, then it was off to work at legendary Country WSOC as night host of Night Time with Sandman. This journey all started in '87. Now let's move on...
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
This business is about change and moving forward, and once you get that, it opens up your eyes to new opportunities ... and doing pilates naked.
2) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?
NEXT QUESTION.
3) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
I would say networking and staying in touch with past employers, PDs and jocks in the business, even if you have moved on to other markets ... and do it year round not when you need a reference, or just left or lost your gig.
4) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
I walked in with a six-pack (two missing for show, of course) over my shoulder and asked the PD, "When do I start?" Didn't get the job, but at least we had a beer.
5) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I would like to stay in the Country format in an afternoon-drive position and do heart surgery.
6) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
This question cracks me up, as we all know "the courtesy level" left the building about the same time we had to splice/edit with a razor.
7) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?
"After we're done here, could you give me a ride to pick my car at the shop?"
8) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
Not as much. I just got back from vacation and stayed away from it ... doesn't mix well with boat drinks, but I still listen.
9) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Staying in the business that I truly am blessed to be a part of, and bringing the highest night numbers that WSOC had in over six years.
10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
I would say be patient and look into other parts of the industry. Not everyone can make it on the air. It's good to learn as much about radio as possible
Bonus Questions
Uh oh ... now you're on your own for getting new music. If applicable, name your three most recent purchases since leaving the biz.
Flip-flops, sunscreen and a cooler .... I am the SANDMAN, after all...
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