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10 Questions with ... Brian "Jo Valentine" Rust
March 21, 2023
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1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
"And we are going to pause for station identification right now for our local stations, this is the Boston Red Sox, radio network" followed with amazing acrobatics up and over the board and Ethan Hunted while hitting the cart start button and tumbling roll and not missing one second of the ID. It built character.
2. What led you to a career in radio?
100% pure ego. Thinking the night guy in my home town CHR sucked and I could do better and then being challenged.
3. You get to live and work in paradise. You've been in the market for over 15 years now, what is it about Magic Broadcasting that you love so much?
Location Location Location. I work a few miles from some of the most beautiful beaches in the world so that helps. This is my second stint with the company and I thought I was going to retire from full time radio but circumstances led to my return which started just doing a Talk Show and ended up with an office. Also my long term relationship with the owner and a GM that let's me do my job adds to the love.
4. Are you excited about the opportunity to build a new morning show?
At the time I answer this question, Island after the Playhouse with JJ & Kat is jockless but a rebirth of the station is happening with new imaging and new voices.
5. In addition to overseeing WILN, you also helm the company's four other properties in town. Any tricks to share about making sure that all the balls stay in the air?
First stay single. Second learn to stay organized and prioritized. Next you must learn to be blunt without being mean, time management is everything. I have a very limited staff so every moment counts when getting tasks done. And the last trick is to build great relationships with the rest of the team from the front desk girl to the bookkeeper.
6. You also host a talk show every weekday morning. What is that part of your day like?
Crazy. I have been described as if Dan Bongino and Greg Gutfild had a baby… that is me. It is my favorite part of the day and prepares me for the rest of the madness I call my day
7. How do we become more attractive to the potential Gen Z and Generation Alpha audiences to Top 40 radio?
Pay attention and listen to them and remember that today is not the same as yesterday and what worked then is not guaranteed to work today. Thinking outside of the radio format box we tend to think inside of will help us attract them.
8. What's your all-time favorite backstage memory?
So many… aside from my big hug from Britney. I would have to say it was Smash Mouth at Pensacola's Springfest being new to the legendary WABB the current staff was taking me under their wings and we went for a meet and greet with Smash Mouth and as they were pumping me up to meet them, the tour manager stepped off the bus and screamed my name and called the guys out who did the same. The look on the other jocks' faces was priceless.
9. What was your favorite station(s) to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?
96 TIC FM Hartford and Kiss108 and 945ZOU Boston. So many legendary talent.
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
Early on Sean Valentine was one… hence the alter ego. But my biggest influence and the person I learn so much about the listener and the client relationships which has shaped much of my live was Bernie Dittman, the late owner of WABB in Mobile.
Bonus Questions
With the venue of choice at your disposal and an unlimited budget, which 6 acts would you pull together to throw a massive listener concert?
Multiple answers to that but I'll base it right now off CHR. Shawn Mendes, Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Nicki, Doja and just because I think he is stupid talented Conor Maynard
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