10 Questions with ... Bennett

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• WSPK Hudson Valley, NY for 5 years
• WTDY Philadelphia, PA for 7 years

1. Your father (Mike Bennett) is a radio legend in the Hudson Valley. How did having a parent in the business shape your ideas about wanting to crack the mic too?

My father has everything to do with why I'm in this business. I grew up watching him doing things the right way in this industry. He uses his platform for good. He has the biggest heart in the world, which is evident with all the charity work he does. He has a way of being heartfelt and sincere, while also making you laugh. That's a lethal combination and the reason why he's been doing this for over 40 years. I couldn't pick a better role model.

2. How would you describe your first radio gig?

My first radio gig was at WSPK in Hudson Valley, NY -my hometown radio station! I grew up listening to the famous top 9 @ 9 countdown and I'd record it on my cassette player. I later went on to host that countdown which was very cool to me. It was a great time.

3. What are some of the roles that you play as WTDY's APD and MD?

I work very closely with our program director Nathan Graham. From scheduling music, to writing imaging, to airchecking talent, to looking for the next star. We work side by side in one of the best working environments I've had. Nathan has only just begun to show radio what he can do.

4. You do afternoons in one of America's great radio cities. What's it like for you to be driving them home in Philadelphia?

Philly is so passionate which makes doing radio here so much fun. My show is very interactive and I'm given so much creative freedom to be me. In Philly you have to be authentic. If you're fake or if you're trying too hard, they will let you know about it. I love that.

5. How does social media augment what's coming out of the speakers?

Social media helps with show prep. With social media, you can see what your audience is talking about every second of the day. The idea is to take what they're talking about and put your own unique spin on it.

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

I do a lot of work with the Pennsylvania SPCA. I'm a big-time animal lover. My fiancé Colleena and I have a dog, 5 cats, and 8 turtles. So when I'm not being Ace Ventura at home, I do plenty of events with the PSPCA like our monthly trivia nights at the major comedy club in town. We've raised over $40,000 for the PSPCA with just those events alone.

7. What is your favorite part of the job?

Interacting with listeners is hands down my favorite part of the job. I just want to make a small difference in someone's day. There is a lot of toxicity in the world. If I can make someone laugh and forget about life for even a second, then my job is done.

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

Eminem. If I could hold it together, I'd consider that a success.

9. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid? Favorite jock(s)?

WSPK of course! Terry Donovan, Skywalker, Woodman, Donnie Michaels. So much talent on that station.

10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?

Scotty Mac, who was my first PD. What he taught me goes deeper than radio. He believed in me when I didn't believe in me. Scotty is 1 of 1 and I wouldn't be here without him. Shelly Easton, one of the most brilliant minds in our industry. I wouldn't be here without the incredible support from Bobby Smith and David Yadgaroff. Buster and Evan Rose (Chunky) also really shaped who I am now as a personality. They are wired a bit different, like me. I'm also a big fan of Miguel in Miami, Julia in Chicago, Jason Cage in Houston, Syke in Long Island, Jeremiah in the Hudson Valley. Ralphie Marino, oh and MY MOM! No one has supported me like my mother. Aren't moms the best? Go give your mom a hug or go hug my mom. Just hug a mom!

If we're going for cheesesteaks, where are we going?

Hands down Dalessandro's or Jim's! or both. Ok definitely both