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10 Questions with ... Stroke Mastro
August 8, 2017
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1) What was your first job in radio and early influences?
In 2004, I walked into my favorite radio station growing up and asked to intern. I did not receive a call immediately. So, being the determined person I am I decided to go back and try again. This time the secretary told me the PD was outside smoking. So, I found him and introduced myself. So, within a few months I was hired on to do nights on 97X. So, I worked for WYYX worked up to PD and morning show host.
I have always admired great entertainers such as Howard Stern, Tom Leykis, Wolfman Jack, Glenn Beck, Johnny Carson, Neal Boortz and Robin Quivers. I may not agree with all their opinions and/or stunts, but they all are great entertainers and know how to captivate an audience.
2) Was there a defining moment that led you to radio and made you realize "this is it?"
I was that kid who was always trying to make others laugh or spark some emotion. Many times, I would find myself in trouble as a kid for being the "class clown." One day, my sister mentioned to me that I would be great on the radio. I briefly thought about it, and agreed. The job seemed like it would be a lot of fun and it's another way to influence a person's day. Hopefully, for the better.
Every jock remembers the first time they opened the mic. I remember thinking this is not that bad; I can actually do this and get paid. Honestly, it felt great! I felt as if I finally found my calling in life.
3) You've worked for WYYX (97X)/Panama City as PD/MD and morning host since 2004. What did you take away that most that prepared you for your new role at 98 Rock in Sacramento?
When you work for a small independent company, you work with little budget. We were always being as creative as we could to make the promotion budget last. Also, my hands were involved in every department in some way.
I learned to self-market. The biggest challenge I faced was in 2016. The WYYX tower blew up. We were off 97.7 for nine months and we were moved to another frequency. Sadly, very little was budgeted toward informing our listeners where we were. So, with social media interaction and heavy street presence we were able to inform the community where we were.
4) Your morning show at 97X was called "Stroke Radio Show." What were some of the most memorable antics and bits that you and your team did?
Our biggest stunt was working our way onto national television and brawling on the "Jerry Springer Show. That circulated a lot of attention and was one of the best moments in my life. We have fought with Westboro Baptist Church in lieu of them protesting a family's funeral. One of my former producers and his wife had a baby boy. So, I requested the placenta and we cooked it for him on-air. But the most talked-about bit was the time a listener brought in their dead fathers cremated ashes and we did a game where the loser on the show had to mix it with liquor.
5) Congrats on your new gig doing afternoons at 98 Rock in Sacramento. How did this move come together for you?
I heard of this legendary programmer in Sacramento for years named Jim Fox. He's not your typical programmer. He thinks "outside the box." So, as I was on All Access one day, I saw he had an open position in afternoons. So, I applied. In fact, I didn't hear anything for a while, so, I applied again. Eventually, he reached out and we connected. After one phone call, he flew me out to meet. When I met him, I knew the man was a programming genius and I wanted to learn under this man. 98 Rock is a very unique and well recognized station in the industry and I am proud to be a part of its legacy.
Left to Right: Ian, Stroke and Mikey6) You're doing the afternoon show with Mikey and Ian. Tell us about your partners in the show and what roles do you all have?
Ian Massengale interned for me on my morning show in 2012 and eventually became one of my co-hosts. The guy's ambition to do radio was so passionate that he literally rode his bicycle to the station every morning. Thirty minutes one way ... rain or shine. Eventually, we had to get him paid so he could drive. Ian is exactly what we needed on 98 Rock because he doesn't mind being the bad guy or the punching bag. Not to mention, he's great at on the street bits.
I did not know Mikey Muscatello before 98 Rock. So, we didn't exactly know his role. The two of us did a lot of rehearsals in the studio and we just have that chemistry that makes radio. He's smart, witty, and understands great radio. Not to mention he has killer production skills.
7) After doing a morning show all these years in Florida, besides the obvious time of day, how different will this show be from your standard morning show?
In Florida, we were very edgy and targeted men. On 98 Rock, we still have the edge we just are being a little more creative with the way we do things on air. Also, integrating a lot of lifestyle into segments. The show will get to a point where it will have the feel of a "Mini Morning Show." I did a multiple-person afternoon show in Florida and we dominated the market. Now, there are three of us and a producer. It's rare to find what we are doing in afternoon radio.
8) How much music if any will you be playing on this new Afternoon Show?
As of now, we are playing about seven songs an hour. We will slowly increase talk breaks into the clocks. Jim will be giving us a little more rope as we go. Introducing the market slowly is the plan for now.
9) How are you guys marketing the new Afternoon Show on 98 Rock?
We have a goal of being in front of 40,000 people a month. So, on the street presence is major. Plus, interaction on social media. Plus, I am kind of old school. I try to wear a staff 98 Rock shirt every day in public and find ways to introduce myself to strangers. Not to mention in September we are doing a promotion called, "30 Bars in 30 Nights." We will have a chance to really brand the show.
10) Finally, moving your family across the country from Florida to California is definitely a major life and career move. How has this transition gone for you so far?
After 13 years, I knew it was time to leave my hometown and chase my dream. It's never easy packing up your family and leaving your comfort zone. I've learned that the people in North California are overall very friendly. So, making new friends can ease the adjustment somewhat. I've learned this so far ... Everyone in California believes people from Florida are crazy." It's actually true.
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