10 Questions with ... Jeremiah Wood

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I began my career in radio as a morning show intern on K104 in Feb 2008. In July of that year I started doing overnights and weekends part-time as well. In September 2010, I took over overnights full-time. May of 2013, I went down south to do afternoons on Island 106 in Panama City Beach. A year later, I returned home to K104 to do weekends and then eventually overnights and co-hosting on the Woodman In The Morning Show!

1. How would you describe your first radio gig?

Probably the way a lot of people describe theirs ... a learning experience. When I was an intern I was super-naive and thought, "Oh I've got this, it's just talking!" Obviously I couldn't have been more wrong. I spent my first year in radio just trying to keep my head above water. Learning how to do a show, run a board and everything that comes with being on-air.

2. What led you to a career in radio?

When I was in college, a teacher I became friends with (who actually used to be Woodman's co-host back when I was growing up) started a radio class. I had taken some TV classes with her and needed an elective, so I thought it might be fun to try radio and help her out. I never thought that radio could be a career for me (I was super-quiet growing up), but while doing my first show, I fell in love and haven't looked back!

3. You've got a dual role at K104.7. First off, how do you approach the overnight shift?

I start with as much caffeine as humanly possible. But seriously, when I do overnights I just try to be as upbeat as possible, be informative and most importantly, have fun. Doing overnights gives me the chance to really be my weird self.

4. You also co-host The Woodman in The Morning show. What's your role on that show and what's it like to be in the trenches with such a seasoned winner?

I'm the third mic/producer and I also handle putting together imaging for the show. Being part of a show with a host who has such a long history of winning really helps bring out the best in me. Wood has set the bar in our market extremely high and it's up to the whole show to keep the standard that has been set.

5. What kinds of social media engagements are working best for you these days?

We've had a lot of success doing polls based off topics we do during the show, as well as doing giveaways via social media.

6. "Local, local, local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you keep yourself visible and involved in the community?

I try to stay visible in the community by shopping local and showing support at community events. We as a show help raise money for local charities throughout the year. Also, every year from September through November, we take the show on the road and broadcast from different local eateries. We as a station host and attend community events throughout the year.

7. What is your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of the job is always going to be connecting with the listeners. Our listeners have let me be part of their lives for over a decade now, growing from a 20-year-old intern to an almost 32-year-old new dad.

8. What's the coolest promotion you've been involved with recently?

Our summer concert KFest took place at Bethel Woods, the site of the original Woodstock. It was extra-special this year because we kicked off the 50th anniversary summer of Woodstock.

9. Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?

My wife is currently staring at me telling me I should choose her. But my dream guest is Jon Taffer. Bar Rescue marathons are a staple of our household and I would love the chance to pick his brain and learn some of the science behind how he turns bars that are struggling into money makers.

10. Who were your mentors?

My mentor is my current PD, Scotty Mac. The amount I've learned from him about radio and life the last decade has made me both a better on-air talent and person. I truly believe that I work with the best PD in the country.

Who would you say has influenced your career the most?

Some other people who have influenced my career:

Michael Bennett from 96.5 TDY in Philadelphia. I took over overnights from him in 2010 when he took over the night show and I always looked up to him for the way he interacted with listeners and carried himself on and off-air.

Annie, formerly of 95.5 PLJ in New York. The support and knowledge she's imparted on me over our many years of friendship has been invaluable to my career. Knowing I have someone as talented as Annie in my corner is a great feeling.

Miguel Fuller from Hot 101.5 in Tampa. I met Miguel at Island 106 in 2013 and no matter the distance, he's always pushing me to be my very best. Always willing to give advice and help any way he can.