10 Questions with ... Caleb James

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

This is my first gig...

Jk. Started out in Toledo, OH with Cumulus. Almost did a decade in South Bend, IN with Artistic Media Partners. Then I was off to launch a station in Lincoln, NE with NRG Media. NRG Omaha liked the work I did for NRG Lincoln, and moved me to their cluster in Omaha to take over Power.

1. What got you into radio?

My unwillingness to take another foreign language in high school. I'm not even joking. I was looking for a credit, and they told me I couldn't take gym again, and that lunch doesn't count as a credit. So, I took "intro to radio/tv" and got hooked! I'm not even making that up. First day of class they had everyone write a paper on why they wanted to be in radio. I wrote that!

2. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

As a kid, I never wanted to work. It sounded terrible. I wanted to be a lion because they sleep 23 hours a day. Lol Thank God I found something that I consider just part of my life. To me, radio is definitely something you have to work at, but I don't consider this work. I love it, and I'm grateful every day on my way to the studio when I see construction workers doing real work. My father was a butcher for 25 years. Stood on his feet all day in freezers. I sit at a desk with climate controlled conditions. Thank God I didn't take another foreign language! And shout out to my father! He did a lot of sacrificing for his kids, and always pushed us to do great things! I love my dad.

3. Not a huge move, distance-wise but what was the biggest change in the move from Lincoln to Omaha?

There's certain doors that open up in a monitored market. With that, there becomes a lot more reasons for you to protect your station. (

4. Who were/are some of your radio mentors?

Have you heard of this guy named TicTak? Tak has always given me advice that sounded insane, but resulted in some of the best radio I've ever done. He's a true friend. Phil Becker is the guy I get on the phone with if I need to vent. He has a very unique approach to guidance, and I've always admired him for that. I got an invitation once to job shadow Tony Travatto for a day. He doesn't know it, but I learned more in that day than the prior two years in radio. Justin "Puddin" Barclay is someone I get on the phone with frequently. Puddin has not only been a great mentor in radio, but also in life. Shout out to Pat Grooves! He always has my back.

5. What would probably surprise most people about Omaha?

Warren Buffett lives about two blocks away from the studio. That's cool even though I've never seen the guy. The night life is weird as hell here. I've been working on getting the station a club night, and options are limited. It's very bizarre. Mmm...the college world series is here. I have yet to experience that.

6. Hypothetical situation...Netflix wants to do an original series based on your life in radio. Who do the producers cast as "Caleb James" and who do they cast as "Ryan Wild" and "Rob Sparks"?

They'd cast someone handsome to play Caleb. That's for sure. Hmm...Danny Devito as Ryan because he looks like a giant walking baby. (inside joke) A much smaller Ralphie May would be Rob. The country twang and his dry idgaf comedic attitude is perfect.

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

Once you start thinking about this question, it becomes a little scary. I'm not too sure. I treat radio like I'm all in. Now that I'm older and look back, I know I would have done well in the military. I'm getting a little too old to be considering that as a backup, though, so I really don't know how to answer this. Damn you Pete!

8. What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love movies. My living room is a decked out movie experience. There's a theater in Omaha called the Alamo Drafthouse. I spend a lot of time there, and if you have one in your city check it out! I also have a pretty cool road bike. As in a bicycle... ha! I enjoy biking all over. Basketball is my game, and I'll probably out box ya, too. Oh! I have a hot tub! That's fun.

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

Naked and Afraid. That's all...

10. Describe the worst roommate you've ever had?

Hell no! I have never once had a roommate! Have you heard stories of other people's roommates? Sounds like a terrible situation to be in. I do this as a topic on the radio pretty often because the drama is so much fun to listen to.

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

Macaroni and Cheese from this restaurant here in Omaha called Leadbelly. I'm about to pick up an endorsement from the place because I eat there so much. That's not a joke either. They hit me up the other day asking about rates! I'm so stoked!

Your biggest celebrity crush?

I would watch Denzel Washington all day, every day. I don't care what anyone thinks of that. Were you expecting some hot thot from me? Too bad! I never get bored watching Denzel.