10 Questions with ... Chris Rollins

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

From intern to morning show host, wow! It's been 22 years on PST, and it still feels like a dream! My career stops have been few - actually, only one -- and I owe it all to radio legend, my former PD, inspiration and friend, Michelle Stevens. She recognized a talent in me that I didn't know I had. I'm still not sure what I have is a talent, I'm just being me! I also followed some good advice from my forever friend, Mike Kaplan, and will always be grateful for everything my current PD, Dave McKay, has done and continues to do for me every day. Don't tell him I said so, but, he's sooo smart! He knows his stuff! He makes me laugh, too, daily, except when he hides my phone in the vending machine! I've worked with some amazing talent over the years, had some challenges, but, still love coming to work and chatting with my friends every day.

1) You've been doing mornings for 22 years now. How do you explain your incredible longevity in the key-est of key dayparts?

I truly believe my longevity has a lot to do with my real factor. Just like friends, listeners can sniff out a fake. They don't want a fake friend, chilling with them on their commute, at school, in the gym or wherever. I'm just me in the morning, telling them about me and my life. My interests, my triumphs, my challenges, and my struggles. I hear from my listeners constantly how they've been through the same things as me. They take comfort in it. It's a great relationship!

2) What was it that initially led you to a career in radio?

I'm a people person. I like being in the center of things. I didn't want a boring job, so when my college required me to do an internship, I thought doing one at my local radio station would be cool, and I loved the vibe instantly!

3) Chris & The Crew consists of yourself and three other players in the studio; please give us a rundown on who they are and what their roles are.

My Crew is the best! We make a great team. Dave is the voice of reason, the naturally funny guy, the dirty boy, yet happily married and head over heels in love with his hunny-bunny. Adam is hilarious! A fantastic story teller. Our Mama's boy. He lives at home and is in no rush to move out. He's sooo single, but, won't let me put my matchmaking skills to good use. Tiffany is full of life. She loves hard. We listened in as she planned her wedding. She wants the fairytale. She's sensitive and emotional ... the perfect combination to be relentlessly teased by Dave. She's a good sport!

4) As you mentioned, WPST's PD Dave McKay is part of The Crew. What are the pros of having the boss in the studio every morning?

Ahhh, yes, my PD sits beside me every day. It's great for the most part. He brings out the best in me. But, when he's quiet, which isn't often, I wonder what he's thinking about, or if I messed up! When I do screw up, he's got a great way of telling me, though. I appreciate any and all feedback he gives me.

5) Your station is in Trenton market (Central New Jersey), and also covers Philadelphia as well as parts of Jersey that are a part of the New York City market. There's a lot of legendary call letters and morning show performers up and down the dial to choose from. How do you make sure that the listeners in the Trenton market go to you first?

I have to be honest; I don't think about the others much. I can't get too caught up in comparing myself to anyone. That would drive me crazy. I just do my thing, and I'm so grateful that I've been so well received for so many years.

6) Your show is very pop-culture oriented. You're exceptional at opening doors and having your audience be a part of the conversation. Is everyone on the team responsible for prepping the show?

Yes, we all prep the show. We are all in different phases of our lives and have different experiences and they all make great show material.

7) Obviously, the job doesn't end at 10a when you get off the air. What kind of social media responsibilities do you have these days?

LOL! No, the day never ends at 10. It's kind of a 24/7 commitment. I tweet and post whenever something interesting (and not so interesting) happens, and I run into listeners all the time, out and about in life, and they love talking about the show and my life, so I stop and chat!

8) In Fantasyland, you can add one person to The Crew. What would that person's role be on the team?

Hmmm ... Probably someone to help me keep up with all of the messages people send me on social media. I sometimes get behind in my commenting.

9) Who have your mentors been over the years who helped get you to where you are today?

Every single person who I've worked with, good and bad, have helped me get where I am today. You live and learn. But Michelle Stevens and Dave McKay have been constant supporters and mentors.

10) You are frequently out and about at appearances and mixing it up with your listeners. What's the greatest promotion that you've ever been a part of? And, of course, the worst?

Oh geez, we've done so many cool things. I've married a couple at a surprise wedding ... he was the only one surprised! LOL! Our Summer Bash with Fifth Harmony, Charlie Puth and a bunch more was amazing. Grab Your Gift is always great. Our Girls Nights Out and our Mountain of Toys for the less fortunate are fabulous ... I could go on and on!

Have you ever actually broken an alarm clock?

Believe it or not, I've had the same alarm clock for the entire 22 years I've done the show! I swear! I've never missed the opening of a show. I'm scared to get rid of it. I don't think any other alarm clock will ever be as reliable as mine! Oh God, I hope I didn't just jinx myself!