10 Questions with ... Ryan Kramer

Email: ryankramer@iheartmedia.com.
Mahoney's Email: www.thebeatatx.com

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Overnights, KHTT/Tulsa 2003
Overnights and Nights, KJMM/Tulsa 2004-2005 
Middays, MD/APD then PD KSME/Ft. Collins 2005-2013
APD KHFI and KPEZ/Austin, then PD KPEZ/Austin and KZEP/San Antonio 2013-Current

1. What got you into radio?

When I realized a baseball career wasn't going to be reality, I started searching for what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I tried the college route but was so tired of traditional schooling. I thought about my passions and sports and music were the two things I landed on. I figured that radio was a perfect outlet for both of my passions, so I found a 10 month broadcasting school in Denver and the rest is history.

2. What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?

It never swayed from wanting to play baseball. I did everything I could to get to that point but ultimately I moved around too much. Tough to make elite and travelling teams, not to mention high school ball, when the coaches haven't seen you grow up.

3. What was the biggest change in the move to Austin?

I had to be my introduction to PPM. It was amazing to me the difference in programming a diary station as opposed to a PPM station. I don't want to say they are polar opposites, but in a lot of ways they are. It took me a decent amount of time to adapt to that because my entire radio career had been diary up to that point.

4. How has your experience as a PD helped you in coaching youth baseball?

The leadership quality you have to have as a PD is something that has helped me greatly. Understanding how to deliver constructive criticism and keep your staff motivated is the exact thing I need in coaching kids. Adults can handle some tough criticism, kids like to shut down. Really, I think coaching youth baseball has helped me become a better PD, not the other way around. 

5. You’re in such a dynamic, live music market. What’s probably been your favorite concert/show experience in Austin?

SXSW and Austin City Limits have been amazing to experience. I had done the ACL style of festival before, but SXSW was a totally new experience that was unlike any other. If I had to choose just one show, it would have to be Maxwell at Moody Theatre. That's where they film all the ACL Live features and that venue is so small and intimate.  It was just an amazing experience.

6. Spring training is winding down. What’s your 2017 prediction for you beloved San Francisco Giants?

Had you asked me this question a week ago before a key bullpen piece went down to Tommy John surgery, I would've told you to just mail the World Series trophy to 24 Willie Mays Plaza, SF, CA.  Now? I still feel good about their chances, but they have to shore up that bullpen in a hurry. I still think they're a 1st place team with a shot to contend for a title though. 

7. If you weren't in radio, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?

I get asked this question a lot, and I always tell them "I really don't know". I've always been the type of person who grabs something and doesn't look back. I try not to think about what I would've done because I love what I'm doing. I always had a dream of owning my own sports card shop one day, but that's not viable these days with the market for sports cards, so I really don't know.

8. We know your radio job keeps you very busy but what do you like to do in spare time you have?

My spare time these days is spent with my family. My wife of (almost) 12 years Kelli and my kids Tyson (6) and Braedyn (3) keep me very busy and happy. When I have a spare moment aside from them, it's usually spent watching whatever sports event I can find or playing softball. 

9. If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?

There's a relatively new show called "Hunted" that has me very intrigued. Basically you're on the run from the authorities for 28 days and only have a few resources at your fingertips. I've got a childhood friend who works in law enforcement (we'll leave it at that) who I'd team up with and use his expertise to avoid getting nabbed. I think we could win it. 

10. What do you think would surprise many people about living and working in Austin?

That it's even more beautiful than you think it is. Sure, you hear about all the live music and lakes, but until you experience it, you can't imagine the beauty that is this city. I find myself playing softball at some fields where you can see the Austin skyline and I find myself getting lost in it thinking "how did I land in such a beautiful city?"  I really should make more of a point to experience the city, though. 

If you had to eat one type of meal everyday for a month, what would it be?

That's a tough one. I'd say it's a tie between Italian and Cajun. So much I love from both it's hard to choose. 

Perennial minor league baseball player or CEO of a huge international media company?

Why does this have to end on such a tough question? I love media, but cringe at the idea of being a CEO. Nothing against CEOs, but I don't know that I have the mental makeup to be in charge of an entire company and it's survival and all the employees lives hinge on your moves. I'll opt for the long bus rides through cities I've never heard of and just play baseball forever. If I gotta be Crash Davis, I think I'd be ok with that :)