10 Questions with ... Joe DePaolo

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I've been in radio since 2007, having split time at two national news talk networks (Air America Media and the Business Talk Radio Network). I broke in as a board op, and then began producing. I've been privileged to work with some wonderful talent, including Ron Reagan, Arianna Huffington, Bob "Sully" Sullivan and Russ "T. Nailz" Stolnack. Most recently, I produced and co-hosted a daily horse racing podcast for Churchill Downs Incorporated with Claire Novak of ESPN.

1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?

I've found it helpful to go through my day just as if I were prepping for a show. I still visit all the websites that I previously had bookmarked on my computer. I get a sampling of the newspapers around the country and read a number of blogs. My daily routine hasn't really changed since I've been out of work, and that has helped me to keep a positive outlook.

2) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

It's in my blood. Radio is part of who I am at this point. The job market might be tough, but I'm confident that I will find the right opportunity at some point. I'm in radio for the long haul, no question.

3) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?

Without question, All Access is, far and away, the most comprehensive job source out there. Corporate websites and industry contacts are helpful, but nobody can match the volume and quality of job leads that All Access features on a daily basis.

4) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?

I want to produce News or Sports Talk. Growing up in New York City, I got to listen to some of the best Talk radio in the country. I developed a curiosity for the behind-the-scenes workings of these programs. I'm the kind of person who wants to be Don Hewitt, not Mike Wallace.

5) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?

An interviewer once showed me a network clock, and walked me through it. He then said; "Our first network break is at 20 after. Can you point to that on the clock?" At first I thought he was joking. But it turned out that he was serious. He actually wanted me to take my pen, and circle :20 after on the clock. I was floored. Was the ability to tell time lacking amongst this company's applicant pool? Kind of scary.

6) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?

More. I love the medium. I love to study different formats. And I feel like I pick up something new every time I listen.

7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

I was very proud of my tenure producing "Seven Days in America" with Carlos Watson and Arianna Huffington for Air America. I really felt like we were beginning to get some traction. We were booking great guests. And the talent, whose media experience had previously centered on television, really embraced radio and were starting to hit their stride. Unfortunately, Air America was forced to cut the show due to budget constraints late last year, just prior to their eventual demise.

8) What do you miss most about radio? The least?

I miss the one-on-one connection that is forged with the listener. Radio has the unique ability to forge such a bond. That's what makes it so special. And that's why, despite the media alternatives that have emerged, radio isn't going anywhere.

I don't particularly miss dealing with agents, publicists and the like. I take pride in being able to book top-flight guests, but the legwork that is involved in doing so can become a bit tedious, at times.

9) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?

Stephen King once said something that struck me as good advice for someone trying to break in. He said that the first question mediocre aspiring writers tended to ask him was, "How do I get published?" Whereas the more talented writers would ask, "How do I get better?" So that would be my advice to those trying to break in. Rather than obsessing over your big break, focus on the craft. Work harder to get better at what you do. If you keep improving your skills, the jobs will eventually come.

10) Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?

Be it five years, 10 years, or 20 years, my answer to that question is the same. I see myself producing top-quality Talk radio. I don't have a strong desire to be on the air, or become a PD or anything like that. I just love to produce radio, and it's the only thing I can see myself doing.

Care to contribute a low-cost recipe to our "ON THE BEACH" cookbook?

I've discovered that there's only so much you can do with Ramen noodles, Hot Pockets, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. So I'm afraid I can't contribute much to this "ON THE BEACH" cookbook. In fact, come to think of it, I need to see this cookbook. Is there any way you can get me a copy?