10 Questions with ... Twisted Todd

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

I grew up listening to local radio and just found myself longing to get into the business. I went to college to become a school teacher but ended up in broadcasting. I had a difficult time getting internships in radio because all the positions would be filled when I started my summer breaks. I finally caught a break and worked all day as an extra hand at a big station event in the early days of 93.3 the Planet. That got the attention of our then program director and the rest, as they say, is history.

2. What was the defining “radio” moment which made you realize “this is it”?

When I finally got my first full time gig (the position I currently hold) after eight years as a part-timer.

3. How long have you been at WTPT (93.3 The Planet) and what makes this station so unique?

A grand total of 22 years not counting a brief stint at 99X in Atlanta that lasted about a year. I think we resonate with our listeners in ways few other stations do. Our devotees are called P1’s and they can register a P1 name on our website and it becomes a handle in a fairly tight-knit community.

4. You have the dual role as MD and Afternoon host. How do you balance your time so both roles are effective?

Very carefully! Haha, no seriously, I just try to manage my time and plan accordingly using whatever resources I have available to pull it off. With the pandemic and working now both in the office and at home has definitely brought new challenges. Having a 3-year-old son makes working from home VERY challenging!

5. Your sister station is WROQ (Classic Rock 101.1). How do you differentiate yourself from WROQ musically?

We tend to be the more current side of a two-sided coin of rock. We do play a handful of classics we share with our sister station but never more than two an hour. The majority of our golds come from the ‘90s mixed in with songs from this century (or millennium).

6. What's your take on current Active Rock music and the Rock format as a whole?

I think rock stations and bands in our format have done exceptionally well keeping fans connected during this pandemic which I think will really pay off as we approach the light at the end of the tunnel and concerts make a return. I think the rock community will be out in force!

7. Here’s another music question. Name THREE great new Rock bands or songs you like so far this year so and why?

Not so sure about many new bands but I have greatly admired and appreciated great new music from bands that have been around. The new music from The Pretty Reckless is amazing and Taylor Momsen has taken female fronted rock to new heights! And I love me some Offspring so I’m stoked to have new music from them as well!

8. With all of the new Rock out there on a regular basis, I know the station does a daily Smash or Trash feature. How much does a great showing on that feature help a new Rock song get more consideration for regular airplay on 93.3 The Planet?

I’d like to say that it held great bearing on which new songs get added and which ones don’t. The fact of the matter is that it is a fairly small sample size in the grand scale of our audience. Don’t get me wrong, the ones who vote on a regular basis are some of our die-hards and we love them but it doesn’t give a full reflection of how a song will do on the air.

9. I’ve heard you’re an accomplished Rock Bass player. How long have you been slapping the Bass? Also…please share some of your best musical highlights.

I have been playing bass for over 27 years. I have played in numerous local bands and have opened for a handful of national acts but nothing compares to actually sharing the stage with Skillet back in August of 2014 to perform their “Monster” hit with the band in my hometown of Simpsonville, SC! Recently I got to be a part of a tribute to the late, great Eddie Van Halen in the form of a Zoom-style video cover of “Panama” with some great local musicians! I am very proud of it and you can check it out right here!

10. Finally, I know it’s been a few years, but I know that you and your wife Tessa are the proud parents of your son Gideon. How is parenthood going for you and your wife?

Being a parent is the greatest job I’ve ever had and being a dad is the greatest title I’ve ever held and hat that I’ve ever worn. Don’t get me wrong, it is challenging as anyone who has ever raised a son will tell you and especially so since he shows signs of either having autism or severe ADHD but I would not trade it for all the sleep or lazy days in the world.