10 Questions with ... O.C.

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I was born on a cold February morning in Dublin, Ireland! Mom experience a lot of pain ... wait ... oh, you mean just my career stuff? Sorry! Let's start over ... I started as an intern for Clear Channel/Raleigh during the summer going into my sophomore year at North Carolina State University! From that I landed a spot on the night show on G105 with Jo Jo Devoe as producer and sidekick part-time, and eventually got the esteemed honor from then-PD Chris Edge to work overnights on Saturday nights on-air! That progressed to more swing shifts and permanent host of "The Booty Call" mix show on Saturday nights! After three-and-a-half years at G, I was offered a night position with KQIZ (93.3 The Beat)/Amarillo, TX. Along with The Beat ... I have successfully branded The "O" Show in Tallahassee, FL (Hot 104.9), Lexington, KY (104.5 THE CAT) and currently Harrisburg, PA on 99.3 KISSFM. Shouts to all my former PDs, MDs and peers in the biz who have helped me along the way! There are too many to name and I don't want to leave anyone out.

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

My first radio gig was AMAZING! I thought I would never make it in radio after a small mishap during a movie premiere appearance as an intern for G105/Raleigh. Let's just say it's not a good idea to throw out metal key chains in the shape of crocodiles with jagged teeth (Lake Placid was the movie) into the crowd! I was lucky the guy didn't need stitches. I learned a lot about the biz from some great people at CC/Raleigh and they helped me get to where I am today. Thanks, guys!

2) What led you to a career in radio?

I was ALWAYS the class clown at school and in my family; I loved to entertain whoever would watch and listen to me! When I used to listen to the radio as a kid I always thought they were some of the coolest people with the coolest jobs. When I got to college and realized that I could make people smile on a regular basis ... play music I love ... occasionally meet celebs, score concert tix, CDs and have a check pop up twice a month ... I WAS SOLD!

3) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?

Kenny G! Yeah, I said Kenny G! Ladies love jazz and my dad was a BIG FAN! Take note, fellas! Kenny is the s***!

4) Could you give us a little insight into your on-air staff?

We are anchored in the morning by the syndicated Dave and Jimmy Morning Show. They both have been doing radio for years and definitely know how to execute an entertaining morning show! Kelsey is definitely easy on the eyes, so our website loves her. Ghandi and Patrick make the show what it is as well. Our fearless leader J.T. Bosch holds down the two commercial-free hours in between D&J and Ryan Seacrest. He has been in the Central PA area for awhile so he is a big piece of the on-air puzzle on KISS.

After J.T. middays are hosted by the world-famous Ryan Seacrest! What can I say about Ryan? He JUST GETS IT ... and gets A LOT OF MONEY FOR IT! (Hey, Ryan ... let me borrow some money!) You can't beat a show hosted by the biggest name in radio and television and the luxury of having the biggest celebrities on the earth featured on your radio station five to six days a week (including American Top 40). Afternoon drive is lead by Mike Miller, a student and teacher of radio, and it's a blessing to have someone on KISS who was here when the station signed on. He is a man of many talents (on-air, imaging, wedding DJ, baby daddy, tap dancer ... etc.) and being from the area he knows what the listener wants and expects from KISS. I really enjoy listening to Miller on-air.

I hold down the night show. I look like Chris Rock, play music and people think I am funny. It has worked in five markets during my career, so I am thankful to my parents for the talents and looks. Last but not least, our PT air staff kicks ass and are always ready to step up when needed. Shouts to Big Mike, Aaron Price, Heather and Adam!

5) If you could add one full-time position to your budget right now, what would it be?

It would definitely be an (in-house) morning show! No disrespect to our current morning show, Dave and Jimmy out of Columbus, but I feel like it is tough to connect directly with listeners in your market when they can't come out and meet you in person. It's tough to be local when your show is broadcast from a different market that is five hours away. It takes away from the local content and relationships listeners can gain from a morning show if they are not easily accessible. Some markets have figured out how to do it, but nothing beats a LIVE, IN-HOUSE ... LOCAL morning show!

6) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?

I am a HUGE fan of Big Tigger at WPGC in DC! He just gets radio and has been a fan of the industry for years! I have always wanted to do television and I feel like he has successfully mastered balancing TV and radio without taking anything away from either. He makes me aspire to be what I like to call "The Black Ryan Seacrest!" (Check's in the mail, Tig!)

7) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

WJMH/Greensboro, NC (102 JAMZ!) They always kept me entertained and did some of the most creative promotions and giveaways. Tap Money is still without a doubt one of my favorite DJs in the country! Kyle Santillian is the man as well!

8) What music do you listen to when you're not working?

I listen to a little bit of everything! I am HUGE fan of Hip-Hop and R&B, but don't be surprised to hear me belting out a Carrie Underwood or Rascal Flatts tune!

9) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?

I absolutely LOVE to entertain and make people laugh! If I can play your favorite music, make your radio smile for a few hours a day and get paid ... I AIN'T GOIN NOWHERE!

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

I try and stay away from the politics of the business when I can. I believe talent will win over politics in the end! It may take some hurdles and bumps and bruises to get where ya want to go, but if ya have TALENT you will get there in due time!

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

An actor on the Cosby Show! I had the BIGGEST CRUSH on Claire Huxtable!