10 Questions with ... Brady

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• Interned in college with iHeartMedia/Springfield, MA
• Nights - KC101/New Haven, CT
• APD/Morning co-host - KISS 95.7/Hartford, CT
• Afternoons - 103.5 KISSFM Chicago, IL

1) What led you to a career in radio?

I fall under the "always had a passion" category. My mom would blast the radio morning, noon and night, so music was always playing in my house. I knew at an early age that this is what I wanted to "do." Also, the episode of KKTY on Saved by the Bell sealed my fate.

2) "Local local local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?

Having the honor of working and living in America's greatest city, it's extremely easy to maintain the local aspect of Chicago with KissFM. This is a city that is proud of who it is. And the two things the city loves -- it's food, and being charitable.

So whether it's starting a dance team for Lurie Children's Hospital or hosting a 5K for Back On My Feet, there really are endless ways to stay involved with the city.

On-air we keep it as local as possible. We have imaging that "speaks" to Chicago, breaks dedicated to being local and countless events that make our station visible throughout the year in Chicagoland.

3) What is your favorite part of the job?

Making listeners feel emotion. Crying when they win meet-and-greets. Laughing when I say something absurd. Screaming when I play their favorite song.

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

This wasn't "cool" per se, but it was the most important. After the Sandy Hook tragedy, our entire cluster held a 'teddy bear drive' for the students. We had one day to plan and promote the drive, with the goal of one teddy bear for each student. People came out in droves. Literally trucks full of teddy bears. That's the power of radio and community right there.

5) What artist would we be surprised to find on your personal playlist?

Michael Bolton -- I celebrate his entire catalog.

6) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

I've never eaten Nutella.

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

WKSS Kiss 95-7, which was a dream job when I ended up there on-air!

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

I've become somewhat of a runner. I'm planning my first full marathon this year!

9) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?

Everything. The ability for every day to be a new adventure and something unexpected to happen is a feeling that few get to experience on a professional level.

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

Have fun. Be kind. Try and stand out. Go above and beyond as much as possible for co-workers. Treat clients and listeners like family.

What was your last non-industry job?

I was an Applebuddy for Applebee's (complete with flare).