10 Questions with ... Joe Pesh

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I won a radio contest to become an intern on the Gregg and Michelle Show WKRK -- now WXYT/Detroit -- to become an intern and get a scholarship to Specs Howard School of Media Arts. I interned until I was hired at WKRK as the Asst. Producer/phone screener for Parker And The Man. Then:

• WTNR/Grand Rapids, MI - Producer, morning show co-host
• WSTO/Evansville, IN - Morning show host
• WNOW/Indianapolis, IN - Morning show host

1) What led you to a career in radio?

One factor was my 1.7 GPA in high school and the other was my grandfather Charlie Kilkenny, who did the morning show at WMVO/Mt. Vernon, OH for 50 years. Seeing him broadcast live from his house on Christmas morning got me hooked on radio.

2) What makes your station unique? How would you compare it to other stations you've worked at?

We have our own TV studio to create unique content. Twice a month, I tape a segment called "Joe's Drink of The Week," where I have a bartender friend come in and make different drinks while we have a fun conversation at the same time.

3) What are you doing social media-wise?

My morning show team of Alex Clark, Producer MYK and Liv The Web Girl crush it daily. We do FB live using an Irig for sound, create video teases on our Twitter and Instagram stories for what's coming up on tomorrow's show, and 20-40 second highlights of discussions on the show. See for yourself on our Twitter & IG @joeandalexshow

4) What is your favorite part of the job?

Two things....

1. Being able to do personality radio. Yes, it still exists! In the past, if I said something on-air and my boss got a complaint I'd be in trouble, Now I get a free lunch!
2. Our listeners! They are interactive on the phones, social media and in person. My wife was walking our dogs the other day and a listener stopped her and said "I know you, you're Lindsey and those are Joe's dogs, Benny and Paddington."

5) What's the coolest promotion you've ever been involved with?

"Blares Bears for Haiti." While at WTNR, a kid named Blare -- who was originally from Haiti -- saw the devastation on TV after a major earthquake and wanted to start a teddy bear drive to send to Haitian kids. His goal was 2k and we ended up with close to 20k!

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

I feel like I'm leaving a lot of people out but I'll go with Falen from the Dave Ryan Show on KDWB. She is so damn funny and talented. If I were building an "All-Star Morning Show," she would be on it.

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

I grew up on the eastside of Michigan, listening to WKQI (Channel 955)/Detroit. Not because of the music, but because of Mojo in the Morning and Big Boy at Night. I would always laugh at the crazy $hit they would do.

8) Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?

Michelle McKormick and Gregg Henson: If they didn't give me an opportunity to intern I would not be answering any of these questions right now.

Bobby Bones: He and his co-hosts share everything on-air and made me realize that it's cool to be open and honest. I would not share half the things I do on our air if I didn't hear him do it first.

Fitz In The Morning: He's the definition of larger than life. I love the energy that he brings every morning. You always laugh when you listen to his show.

Mojo In The Morning: I grew up listening to him, Spike and Rachel. I will never forget the time they flew a plane with a sign in the back of it that said, "Don't Drop The Soap, Kwame! Love Mojo 95.5" after the mayor of Detroit was found guilty on 24 counts of corruption.

Dave Ryan: I feel like everyone has stolen a bit from him. He's a legend and he keeps on churning out original content and bits.

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

Does sleeping count? I enjoy golfing, playing disc golf and fishing. All those actives are a great way to relax and clear your mind, plus you can do them alone when all your other friends are working.

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

Always work hard even when it seems like nobody is watching because someone is. Everyone in radio knows the big names like Elvis Duran, Ryan Seacrest, Bobby Bones etc. ... but I guarantee at one time they were just like us, unknown and busting their ass until someone noticed and gave them that big opportunity.

What was your last non-industry job?

People say that radio has perks, but my job at Howell Soft Cloth Car Wash might have been better. I got free car washes, free car detailing and on a nice Saturday after cars were covered in dirt and salt from snow I made tons of tips from drying off cars.