10 Questions with ... Stickontheradio

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WBLI/Long Island, WBTS/Atlanta, KZQZ/San Francisco, WSPK/Hudson Valley, WIOQ/Philadelphia, WKSS/Hartford, WAKS/Cleveland, WHTZ/New York City, KYLD/San Francisco, WXXL/Orlando, KTFM/San Antonio, WNOU/Indianapolis, KAMP/Los Angeles.

1) What’s one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

There are three that I like to use: and they are: 1) Imaging, 2) Usage, 3) Promotion

I’m only working part time at the moment. It’s been almost a year since I’ve cracked the mic. I walked away from a full-time job to change my life about three years ago. Not everything goes as planned. So right now, I’m in rebuilding mode. I’m just hoping my rebuild takes less time than the Lakers.

2) Are you wearing more “hats” than you have in the past?

In addition to my duties here at CBS Radio/Los Angeles, I also have been doing some acting here and there. It is Hollywood after all. Some of the stuff I’ve been seen on includes: Shameless, Grey’s Anatomy & the upcoming Disney film, “Magic Camp.”

3) If you could add one full-time position to your budget right now, what would it be?

Utility player. People forget the true power of the person who can pull a shift on any station, and perform all the duties of an essential staff member. Remember when you had a bench of players ready to step in and kill it for you?

4) What is your favorite part of the job?

Since my days in high school, I had a group of friends who would essentially compete for the best line constantly. I grew up with some real quick-witted, funny people. I can read situations quickly. I enjoy being funny in the moment. Communicating through satire and laughter has always been fun to me. It was only natural it became part of what I do everyday.

5) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?

Stickontheradio. Let me tell you about this guy. He would be the hardest working guy on your staff. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, without being some know-it-all. The best hire you haven’t made yet.

6) What's the most unbelievable on-air bit you were allowed to do?

Guilty as charged, I did War Of The Roses and had a ton of success with it. Mind you, that was a totally different time where I feel like you could still do that in PM drive. Now we’re so obsessed with getting to the next song, we leave out the opportunity to entertain. Bits may not be the way to go now, but we should still take the opportunities to bring something unique to the table.

7) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?

You mean when I’m not hunting for full-time work, or acting? I love spending time with my two-year-old daughter Callie. Becoming a father has been the greatest gift of all.

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

When I get hired, I do big things. Every station I have been involved with, I’ve had my hands in music, programming and promotions. I have held additional duties with every position I’ve ever had. Even here at AMP, I’ve also done work for our entire L.A. cluster on the voiceover and production front as well as running the board for KROQ and Jack-FM.

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

Ask. Listen. Watch. You don’t know anything yet, and that’s okay. You will, but don’t skip steps. Be thorough.

10) What is the current state of the radio ‘talent pool’?

There is an actual talent pool. We’ve watched over the years as talented folks have been shown the door and had to claw their way back in. Some programmers will shy away from hiring people who are out of work. The old adage, “It’s always easier to find work when you’re already employed,” unfortunately still applies. I could rattle off quite a few amazing talents sitting on the sidelines fighting for their next shot.

Remember being in this place? Pick up the phone, reach out to someone you know who’s surfing All Access every day trying to unearth that diamond in the rough opportunity. Help them, network with them and for them. You never know when the shoe may be on the other foot.

What was your last non-industry job?

I took on the role of Executive Producer for Business Rockstars, an entrepreneurial effort hosted by Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Pat O’Brien, which aired locally in Los Angeles, as well as Houston, on the TV side. For radio, it aired on iHeart, play.it and countless other platforms. I was responsible for procuring and working with on-air talent, overseeing a small staff of producers and the writing of the show daily. It took much of the skill set I earned and learned from my radio experience.