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10 Questions with ... Double J
January 22, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- KBOS/Fresno Intern
- KWIN-KWNN/Stockton Nights
- KSEQ/Fresno Nights
- KPAT/Santa Maria, CA Mornings / APD / Imaging Director
- KNKK/Lake Havasu City Mornings / PD / Imaging Director
- KWIN-KWNN/Stockton Mornings
- KDLW/Albuquerque Afternoons
- KDND/Sacramento Weekends / Fill In
- KHTN - KUBB/Modesto-Merced Afternoons / Imaging Director / Promotions Director
- KAGM/Albuquerque Mornings
- I am also currently the Imaging Director for KDON, KOCN, KNKK, KPRT, KHQX and all morning show imaging for KAGM
1. What got you into radio?
Back in Jr. High I use to listen to Rene Roberts (KHTN & KSEQ OM / PD) and Victor "Humpty Hump" Vargas at Power 102 in Fresno. I was that annoying kid that called the request lines EVERY NIGHT... FAITHFULLY. One day they foolishly invited me down to the station (I'm pretty sure it was because my family owned a Little Caesars & they were just trying to get a free pizza) I digress..... I grabbed a pizza and head to the station. BTW, the studio was in single wide mobile home, on a ranch, in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by cows and cow pies...did I care? Nope! I swear if there had been a camera in the studio that night, the picture would still be used today as the poster child for ADHD...All the 'pretty lights and big buttons'...I was hooked.
Then once John "What A Guy" Christian hired me at KWIN / KWNN, he took me under his wing and taught me Selector, the philosophy behind scheduling music and I really owe him a lot as mentor in this business.
2. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Head fry cook..... no, I wanted to be an accountant. I loved numbers and trying to figure out mathematical puzzles. Unfortunately for me, my math teacher was not too fond of me and (what I thought at the time) were constant hilarious jokes in class. Really makes it hard to learn advanced calculus when you're getting sent to the principal's office.
3. How's Albuquerque treating you?
Amazing! I love this city! In the last 15 months, I have realized that to succeed, it's not about "me" or "you" but about "them"... the listener. I have made it a point to really get involved with the community and to help as many people as I can championing for single mothers and the struggles that they go through and am currently working on setting up a charity that will help to ensure no Albuquerque kid goes without a Christmas present next year. Plus, I love the diversity that is Albuquerque. The people in this town have not only embraced our crazy morning show but have now moved us to within a half share of the heritage Top 40 in the market.
4. You've done your share of moving around in this business.
This has been a long stint. What gives? I am working for a great company (American General Media). With an amazing owner like Rogers Brandon, a fantastic GM (Suzy Rufail) great OM (Jeff Jacott) and an awesome PD (Eddie Go). Guidance, direction, and the confidence they have in me to deliver a consistent product every morning is all the reason I or anyone would need to continue working here. They have allowed me to continue to be creative in my own weird way. We have a great staff, including my co hosts LB Johnson & Intern Mitch. Plus I met the woman of my dreams (yes I am whipped now) who helped me to realize that it was time to settle down, be a man and act my age..... I'm still working on the latter.
5. How many tattoos do you have now?
To many... I'm in the process of removing some of them, and let me just say that it is WAY MORE PAINFUL TO GET THEM REMOVED. Lesson learned.
6. What's been the most fulfilling thing you've done with the morning show at KAGM?
Tragically a little 2 year old boy was killed by another drunk driver a few months back. The family had no money and their car was totaled in the hit and run. The next day we went on air with the story and 2 hours later had the family a new SUV. The family didn't know we were going to do what we did and was incredibly thankful. We were getting phone calls from people talking about how they use to drink and drive and after hearing the shows we did on it refuse to do it anymore. After that we have continued to help raise awareness about the DWI epidemic in this state and am working on having New Mexico Governor Martinez on the show next month to talk about changes that need to be made and will be made here in New Mexico. If we can help change the laws and save even one life, it's all worth it.
7. Isn't this the second time you have worked for KAGM PD Eddie Go!?
Yes. In 2008 I got a call from Eddie asking me if I was interested in coming to work for him at KDLW (Wild 97.7). A year later they flipped formats and I headed back to Cali to work simultaneously for Dan Mason at KDND and Rene Roberts at KHTN. Then in September 2011 Eddie called me again and asked if I was interested in coming back and doing mornings here at KAGM. It was the best decision I have ever made.
8. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Golf, cooking, and Imaging. I currently do imaging for KDON, KOCN, KNKK, KHQX, KPRT and all the imaging on my morning show at KAGM. When not in front of the computer working on some imaging, you can usually find me on the golf course or in my kitchen trying to act like a professional chef, forcing anyone and everyone to taste my latest "masterpiece". There's only so many ways you can make top ramen though
9. If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?
Ok, I have 2.... First choice "Big Break Greenbrier". I love to play golf. Hopefully, one day I'll be good enough to compete on that show..... Just need to remember to shave strokes off my score when no one's looking. Second choice would be "The Joe Schmo Show". I think I'd make a great Schmo.
10. Hypothetical question...If you were getting married in two months and you could have any group or singer perform at your reception, who would you choose?
Chris Brown. He could sing and perform security.... wait... what?
Bonus Questions
Your dream celebrity interview?
Kim Kardasian's baby after the DNA tests on Maury.
Your dream celebrity co-host for one week?
Honey Boo Boo's Mom, June 'The Human Thumb' Shannon. What a fascinating creature. I'd love to learn her language.
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