10 Questions with ... Stacy 'Carolina' Gantt

1) What led you to a career in radio and what was your first radio job?

I've wanted to do radio since I was nine years old or so. However, it wasn't until I turned 30 that I decided to finally follow my dream and enrolled in the Connecticut School of Broadcasting in Charlotte, NC. My first gig was on the legendary KFMA in Tuscon, AZ.

2) Who are some of your radio mentors up until now?

I have been very fortunate to work with some incredible people in the industry. In school I was taught by Chuck Nance and Sean Donoghue. My internship in school was with The Ace & TJ Show on WNKS. Chris "The Ego" Firmage, "Creepy Pete" McNair, Rey "Razor" DeCarlo, and Beth Simmons all took me under their wings while working for KFMA. Having such an amazingly talented pool of peers by my side certainly helped me to fine tune my skills.

Eventually, Larry Mac saw something in me and paired me up with Shmonty for the chance of a lifetime to create what would become a top rated morning show. Most recently, I had the chance to soak up knowledge from Johnny Maze. Though my time with him was brief, it was incredibly beneficial.

3) You did mornings with Shmonty at KFMA in Tucson. How was that experience for you?

The time I spent working with Shmonty is, by far, the best period of my career thus far! I learned so much from Shmonty and our team! He is such a creative person and our personalities meshed so well. I brought a little edge to his quirky humor and would seriously wake up every day in disbelief that I was actually getting paid to have so much fun "at work." I mean, really, what other job could a girl ever have where she would get the chance to shave her co-worker's head live on-air?

4) How long have you been at WZBH (93.5 The Beach) and what makes this station so unique for you?

Though I joined Adams Radio Group in June of 2016 in Las Cruces, NM, my time at WZBH has been brief. I transferred to Maryland this past June as MD; WZBH is a heritage station with faithful listeners. The Delmarva area is quite unique. The listening area is expansive and reaches several towns up and down the Eastern Shore.

5) I understand that this is your first programming gig. How did you deal with this initially and how are things going for you now?

I took what I had learned and observed from Johnny Maze and ran with it. Having seen the work of some amazing programmers along the way, I try to demonstrate the same skills in my day to day. I have a great support team within Adams Radio Group, including JJ Fabini in our Ft. Wayne market. The best advice I have gotten thus far was from Chuck Nance: "Be organized, be fair, be open, and be decisive. In that order." I take this approach every day.

6) You're also the afternoon host on the station. Do you do any special features on your show?

I keep afternoons as music-intensive as possible. However, I do enjoy taking a moment to revel in the not-so-smart criminal mind. I also do a "This Girl Knows Sports" segment. I will also be introducing the 4-play soon.

7) Okay ... put on your music hat now. What's your take on current Rock music and the Active Rock format as a whole?

Rock music fascinates me. The fact that we have bands putting out new music today that have been around for 20+ years is exciting to me. It just goes to show that we have a format with artists who know what to do, and they do it well. It also means we have listeners who know what they like, and will support the music through the years.

8) Name three "new" Rock bands you think will become breakout bands at the format in the next year?

• Greta Van Fleet
• Ded
• Prophets of Rage

9) How much does 93.5 The Beach use social media (Facebook/Twitter) and its website to interact with its listeners'? Are you doing anything unique and different with your social media presence in the market?

Social media plays a huge role in radio today. It's a great way to share new music, music news, and of course, contesting! In such a spread-out market like we have here in Delmarva, Facebook Live is a great way to allow the listeners to participate in events that may be going on two towns over.

10) Finally, as a first-time PD, what have you learned in your short time doing this that you didn't know before you started?

Radio isn't all fart jokes and cranked speakers. It is a living, breathing being, which requires love and constant attention. I have learned that there are one million moving parts that all have to be tended to at the same time. I have also learned that I truly do love this industry and can't wait to see what it holds for me in the future!

When you're not in "radio" mode, what do you like to do for fun and relaxation?

I am notoriously known as the Tattooed Cat-Lady. My ideal weekend is a Saturday night out with Mr. Carolina doing karaoke and spending all day Sunday watching football.