10 Questions with ... Dave Rickards

1. What was your first job in radio and early influences?

My first job was at WMTH/Maine North High School, Des Plaines, IL. My influences are Larry Lujack, John Landecker, Bob Sirot, Steve Dahl, Jonny B, but mostly, my father, Reese Rickards/WJJD Chicago.

2. What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize “this is it”?

My father had a long career, most of it in Chicago. He was good enough to take his little boy with him to work every once in a while. From the age 5, there was nothing else I was ever going to do.

3. Congrats on the DSC Show celebrating 30 years in the San Diego market. Let’s go back to the beginning when the show first started. What were the origins of the DSC Show?

In 1990, I was just about to get dumped at KRFX in Denver. I had been in San Diego a couple months earlier and heard KGB. When I saw they had an ad for a morning show, I jumped on it. “Chainsaw”, the ‘C’ in DSC hired me to lead. He had already procured his friend Shelly to be the ’S’. A major league head hunter in the south east strongly advised against hiring me. Chainsaw saved me.

4. During your 30 years, I’m sure you’ve worked with some great morning show partners. Who is on the DSC Show with you now?

Chainsaw and I are still together, like an old married couple. Shelly made it to a couple years ago before retiring. Chris Boyer has been with us since the start. Emily “Suave” Maguire produced for years, before moving up to co-host. Our producer now is Sarah Beebe, who also has been with us for years. Nina Reba was also on the show for over 20 years. Funniest is, our stunt boy, “Bromo” is a big shot PD in Bismarck. Anna Reynold joined us recently. She’s our next star. All of them are the best crew I’ve ever been blessed to know.

The DSC Show (L to R) Cookie “Chainsaw” Randolph, Dave Rickards, Chris Boyer, Emily Maguire and Sarah Beebe

5. Describe a typical morning show meeting for you guys. a) What is the process? b) How much show prep do you do and what are some of the key benchmarks of your show?

We don’t meet a lot. Our PD Shauna Moran gets with us every Monday and guides us through upcoming promotions, like the legendary KGB Skyshow. Show prep is all day long. Chainsaw is in the studio by 3:30 and is the consummate writer and prep tweaker. His once an hour sports reports are legendary, and easily the most recognized and popular bit in Southern California radio. Then whatever nonsense I’ve prepared takes up the rest of the morning.

6. I know there must be many, but can you tell us some of the best DSC Show morning show moments in the last 30 years?

April 1 is our anniversary date, so we’ve had some pretty fun April Fools jokes. We had the audience convinced that the space shuttle Discovery had been diverted to land at a Cessna airport here. Thousands turned out for the spectacle. The DSC audience laughed. DSC bosses screamed bloody murder. There’s also been an inordinate amount of public male nudity to pay off lost bets.

7. I’m sure doing morning radio in 2020 is very different than when you started. With the advent of the Internet and Social Media being obvious, what are some of the other major differences in doing morning radio today than back in the day?

I love technology. Digital tech, smart phones and instant information have made preparation a million times easier. In 1990, we had to research things with clumsy, heavy things called books. That sucked. Today is great.

8. Speaking of Social Media, how active is the DSC show on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and how do you think this benefits your morning show?

I depend so much on my audience to run with a bit. Facebook is my best friend. The night before, I give my audience an idea, and dare them to finish the bit. They never disappoint. I’m sick of the Coronavirus news, so tonight I asked them to give me the latest headlines from their quarantined house. And voila…they turned up this week’s best bit.

9. This might be a simple question but I’m curious, of all the markets in America, what makes doing mornings in San Diego so special?

When Goose and Maverick got sent to Miramar/Fightertown here in San Diego. Marine Corps Air Station Miramar is a fighter jet station that is smack dab in the middle of our city. Then down by the bay we’ve got warships by the dozens. And just north is Camp Pendleton. This town is the mightiest military city on earth. To be able to do your show on the one year anniversary of 9/11 from the flight deck of an aircraft carrier is an extraordinary honor.

10. Finally, who is the funniest person on the DSC Show and why??

They are an anonymous collection of callers that we call “Bandits”. Their mission is to prevent any contest or call in event from ever being successful. Each has their own catch phrase, and more are born every year. Their anonymity, their evil intent and determination to foil our plan has made them the bad guys you root for.

You talk for a living but give us the lowdown on your favorite music…both artists and songs?

DSC and rock and roll go together like peanut butter and an eager beagle. We did some bits this month that highlighted rock songs that were ruling in 1990. I was reminded how much I love rock and roll. Ultimately, The Rolling Stones are the greatest band ever. But we played “Friends in Low Places” this week, and that was pretty good, too.