10 Questions with ... Keven "Nudge" Savell

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started interning at Q102 in Philadelphia during my senior year of high school while working weekends at WAYV in Atlantic City (where I cracked the mic for the first time). After high school, I briefly attended Temple University for Broadcasting before getting my first full-time gig doing nights at Kiss 96 in St. Cloud, MN (and weekends at KDWB). From there, I moved to Miami to be part of the morning show at Y100. Then I got to go back to Q102 to be on the air. Nights at Star 94 in Atlanta came after that; I was there for four years before coming to Los Angeles to start the syndicated show in 2008.

1) You were recently featured on "The Price Is Right." How'd you get hooked up with that?

Just for fun, a friend and I requested tickets. It was one of those things I've talked about crossing off my bucket list while I'm living in Los Angeles. There are 325 people in each audience and only nine names get called! You "audition" with a producer as part of the check-in process, but you don't find out who gets called until the show is taping. I was just excited to be there, but the next thing I know, they called my name and told me to "come on down!"... it was definitely a peak experience!

2) What did you win?

As soon as I got to "Contestant's Row," my bid was closest and I won a 33-piece makeup kit. Anyone want some makeup? I then got to play the easiest game in Price is Right history. They gave me two prices and all I had to do was pick the correct one, the odds were 50/50! With help from the audience, I picked the right price and won a trip to South Beach Miami. By the way, the big wheel is actually pretty heavy!

3) Could this be the beginning of a TV career for you? Or will you stick with radio?

Radio is my first love and a true passion. I am just as excited about it today as I was the first time I ever cracked the mic. It still amazes me that one person can talk into a microphone and be heard simultaneously by so many people. How is that possible!? Don't answer that! I know there is a good answer ... but I like the magic of it! That being said (I absolutely hate that saying), if a TV opportunity presented itself I would love to entertain it. I have done some on-camera work before and think it would be a great compliment to the radio show. I would want to do it in addition to radio, not instead of. Check out my "demo reel:" Tinyurl.com/NudgeOnPrice (at the 21-minute mark)!! OH! I am also currently looking for a great morning or afternoon-drive opportunity.

4) Tell us about your syndicated show ... what makes it unique?

The "Nudge at Night" show is a combination of pop culture, comedy, listener interaction, and fun bits. It is fast-paced yet conversational. I don't like talking to listeners ... I talk with listeners. I always make sure my breaks are delivered with a one-on-one mentality. Not only do I want listeners to be the star, but I also want them to feel like we know each other. I consider myself a fellow listener who is lucky enough to be on this side of the mic. Also, the show is pre-recorded and delivered via Mr. Master or FTP so affiliates can schedule their own music and the breaks can be customized. It is available through Benztown Radio Networks (benztownradionetworks.com).

5) How would you describe your first radio gig?

Exciting and brief! My first full-time radio gig was doing nights and music at the now defunct Kiss 96 in St. Cloud, MN. That is a great town; I really enjoyed my time there. It was a lot of fun and educational. I also did weekend/swing at KDWB. I was only there for six months before moving to Miami for a gig at Y100.

6) What led you to a career in radio?

D. It is written. (sorry, corny Slumdog reference). Seriously, though, since I spoke my first word I knew that I was meant to be on the radio. As a little boy I would tell everyone that's what I was going to do and I never lost focus. After many years of playing radio on My First Sony, I got my foot in the door as an intern ... and there was no stopping me.

7) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?

You might be surprised to find out that I have never owned an iPod.

8) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

Growing up in Philadelphia, I was always listening to Q102 ... 24/7. That is a great example of a radio station with a soul. Still to this day, something happens when I listen ... it brings me back!

9) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

Connection is king (okay, fine, and content, too). Being able to evoke emotion through radio is so exciting -- yet impossible without connecting with the person on the other side of the speaker.

10) What advice you would give people new to the business?

Don't try too hard to be funny. Be yourself, be real and true comedy will take place.

What ringtone do you have on your cell?

My current top 2: Rebecca Black, "Friday." And the legendary Action News theme from ABC-TV in Philadelphia.