10 Questions with ... MichaelJohn Roach

1) What makes Dance Show with MJR unique on the radio landscape?

My show is unique, as it's an EDM show and I play a great mix of radio hits and also music that fans of electronic music can't usually find on radio.

2) How many stations are currently running the show?

Twenty-four stations across 15 U.S. states and four different countries.

3) Was it hard to get the syndication aspect of your business up and running?

Very much so! It takes a lot of time and perseverance, a lot of stations have said 'no,' but I should also mention that I've got 24 great programmers who have fortunately said 'yes' and allowed me to share my show with their audience.

4) What advice would you give someone who wanted to take the same kind of shot?

Get ready to work hard and never give up because a lot of people are going to say no. In fact, a lot more people will say no than yes, but keep on trying because it's very rewarding, especially when you get to celebrate adding another station to your network.

5) You're based in Phoenix; what is your background in that market?

I got my start at 90.7/92.7 The Goldmine through the East Valley Institute of Technology in June 2011. I also spent some time at Rivera's Hot 97.5 & 103.9 where I got to learn an incredible amount of things working with Mikey Fluntes and Marc Young...and also got a lot of mentoring from Tino Cochino as well.

6) What led you to a career in radio?

Growing up listening to all the great radio stations in Philadelphia. I was big a fan of Q102, WOGL, WMMR and WYSP.

7) Who were your radio heroes growing up? Stations and jocks...

Bob Charger, I used to meet him at car shows in South Jersey with my dad. He used to give us shout-outs on his show at WOGL and as a kid that was everything!

8) How important is social media to what you're doing?

For me, I do my show from my house. I don't currently have a home station, so all of my promotion is dependent on me. Social media is a free outlet so I take advantage of it as much as I can.

9) Who were your mentors?

Steve Grosz over at EVIT was incredibly helpful when I got my start in radio, He taught me a lot about radio and has always been in my corner. John Moug, who does mornings at 91X in San Diego, is another great mentor of mine. I met Moug back in 2014 when he was doing nights at KLUC in Vegas. He's given me a lot of guidance and has played an active role in developing Dance Show With MJR. In fact, he's also the imaging voice you hear on the show.

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

I have to work very hard perhaps harder than most people as someone who lives with autism; it can test my patience and sometimes be very hard to understand because there's a disconnect in how others perceive me and how I perceive them.

If someone were coming into town for a first time visit, what would make sure that they have to see?

You should go catch a Diamondbacks game at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix, The Phoenix Zoo and Hike South Mountain.