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10 Questions with ... St. John
September 10, 2019
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Voiceover demo: Click here.
ALSO
SOCIAL MEDIA: twitter @PAULHTALK
STATION: WPHT-A
MARKET: Philadelphia
OWNER: Entercom
E-MAIL: paulhtalk@gmail.com
WEBSITE: CBSPhilly.comI began my career doing radio while in high school. I interned/hosted weekends at an AM daytime Oldies station and eventually began experiences in Top 40 at Z104/Norfolk (weekends). While I attended college in Boston (Brandeis Univ.) I worked for CBS (then 1033WHTT) then on to 94.5WZOU and KISS108.
From there I enjoyed multiple stints with Emmis (KXXX/SF, WLOL/Minneapolis and Power 106/LA) as well as stops at B97/New Orleans and 15 minutes at Power 99/Atlanta. Then on to begin a 20+ year working relationship/friendship with Michael Martin at Wild 107-949/SF (afternoon drive/ station voice/Prod. Dir.) and KBIG/Los Angeles (afternoon drive/station voice) and eventually KMVQ/SF (afternoon drive/station voice). Along the way I've also developed a thriving voiceover business and also recently began doing weekend fill-in on 1210 WPHT/Philadelphia (interesting as I don't really fit the station's political slant...but it is challenging and fun!).
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
My first radio gig was far from glamorous, but it was awesome, and definitely a great place to get my chops up. I did weekends on a daytime am Oldies station, and when I say weekends, I mean weekends. 5:30 am to 7 pm--transmitter on to transmitter off. 20 to 25 songs an hour and talk breaks almost every time. I can only imagine how unlistenable it was. But it was a great training ground/boot camp and I looooooved every second of it. I certainly got comfortable in front of the mic and learned everything about the roots of current music. It was awesome.
2. What led you to a career in radio?
I literally never wanted to do anything else. I've always been a huge music person (can't remember a time in my life where music wasn't front and center). The first time that I visited a radio station I was hooked.
3. You're in the thick of things, holding down pm drive on 99.7 Now. How do you prepare for the show daily? And what do you do to make sure that everything stays fresh?
I start daily by working out for an hour and taking time to organize and schedule my day.
In terms of prepping content wise, it sounds trite, but I just live life, stay observant of things I see and I learn from everyone around me. I'm blessed to work in a situation where our company (Bonneville) is committed to doing radio that resonates and impacts our community and our PD Jazzy Jim is a friend and partner. We discuss topics and go through show agendas daily, and I'm surrounded by people who love radio and our community. Also I read a ton. In terms of staying fresh, I stay engaged and (although it may not be the best way to do it) i just try to entertain myself while I'm on air, of course, keeping in mind what our listeners are up to at the same time.
4. What kinds of social media engagements are working best for you these days?
It all works together, but for me Instagram is the most immediate platform. The best social media reflects or gives a "behind the scenes perspective." Authentic posts are best. The things I care about resonate the hardest. My silly recurring Insta posts include "world's worst selfies" shoepics and a series of weird poses with artists (again, stuff that jumps out and makes me laugh). I find that most promo posts generally suck and are annoying.
Doing an "ask me anything" on Facebook (or anything that's engaging) is cool. Twitter is great for checking trending topics, etc--but I use Twitter more to post for Talk Radio/politics.
5. "Local local local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you keep yourself visible and involved in the community?
Being visible is sort of in our DNA. Wild was built on being integrated into the community and that's what we brought to KMVQ when we came here. I do a number of outside appearances that range from community service oriented events to being a featured supporting artist (as an EDM DJ mixing) to open for many of the Bay Area's high profile arena or festival shows. On a more organic level, it's as simple as living life--meeting people (at stores, restaurants, etc.) and being interested and engaged.
6. What is your favorite part of the job?
It's all my favorite part. While I got into radio to entertain and weave all the components together and make the music flow seamlessly, I equally enjoy meeting people one on one and making a difference in their lives. While I don't relish dealing with things like mass shootings or other tragedies, some of the most rewarding moments--and the ones where we actually make a difference happen here, while we're just having authentic flawed vulnerable human moments. I also love driving our engineering staff crazy.
7. What's the coolest promotion you've been involved with recently?
Not a contest per se, but I love our Camp997 promotion where we give local kids who might not otherwise have the chance experience a week at sleep-away camp. It really is life changing and a huge growing experience for both the kids and their parents.
8. Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?
Maybe not a dream guest, but I'd kill to have Kanye back on with me--actually Kanye and Kim. I think there's sooo much they have to say, but most interviews are geared toward the "gotcha" questions and sensationalist bullshit. I'd love to get a real moment or two with no TMZ or label agenda, for both music and talk radio.
9. What was your favorite station growing up as a kid? Favorite jock?
Being a radio geek of sorts (and hearing a ton of California airchecks) the stations were KFRC, WRKO, WKBW, WLS, KHJ, Z100, KISS108, WPLJ, WBCN. WCOZ, the list goes on.
Jocks: Lujack, Landecker, Dr. Don Rose, Dale Dorman, Sunny Joe White,, and Howard Stern, of course and too many talk radio legends to name.
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
It's literally everyone I've worked with or worked for or heard and enjoyed. Early influences included Harry Nelson and Sunny Joe White, who really showed me the loose, fun side of radio. In terms of career influences, the list would include obviously Michael Martin (who gave me the opportunity to be a part of building legendary radio stations in San Francisco, not once but twice). Rick Cummings at Emmis (who gave me unbelievable opportunities in San Francisco, Minneapolis and Los Angeles). Greg Strassel, who really let me cut loose in the production and programming departments at WLOL/Minneapolis. For my outside voiceover work, credit to Mark Adams, who gave me my first outside client station B95/Fresno, as well as mentor/champion/friend Greg Lawley of Lawman Promotions.
My current muses -- shout out Jazzy Jim (who challenges me daily not only in radio...but also as a live performer) and finally Jared Hart at WPHT/Philadelphia, who's guidance and input is helping me take long form Talk to the next level.
Bonus Questions
What has been the "song of summer" for your listeners? and what has been the "song of summer" for you?
- MTV says: "Boyfriend"/Ariana Grande
- Social media says: "Old Town Road"/Lil Nas X
- Listeners say: "Sucker"/Jonas Brothers
- I say: "Bad Guy"/Billie Eilish
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