10 Questions with ... Michael 'Big Mic' Buhrman

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• KQKS/Denver 6/2001 - 6/2018 (Left as APD/MD/PM Drive)
• Comedy 1031/Denver 1½012 - 06/2018 - Program Director

1. What got you into radio?

Was a P1 KQKS listener who called and bugged the radio djs every day and literally won a prize every other week. Ended up being the new night jock (Kobe) first Phat 5 @ 9 winner, and then he would let me sit on the phone and listen as he took calls and one day he said I should just come in and intern and 15-year old me who never even thought that was possible got my foot in the door.

2. What did 10-year old Michael Buhrman want to be when he grew up?

WWE World Champion (well, it was WWF, at the time) I was a huge professional wrestling fan, but I knew at that age that entertainment in some form was what I was hoping to do. So instead of developing a 6-pack I just got into radio.

3. What's been the biggest change in the move from Denver to Sacramento?

THE TEMPERATURE lol. My very first day in Sacramento after my fun 18-hour drive back in the first weekend of June happened to be the first day it was 100 degrees in Sacramento. Plus it didn't rain a single drop since I had moved there until just last week which was crazy compared to Denver where we had daily thunderstorms. But this week watching my Denver friends have highs below freezing while I enjoy the 80's has made me very happy! haha.

4. What has surprised you about living and working in Sacramento?

From a personal stand point, having previously lived in Denver my entire life and been with KQKS for my entire 17-year radio career (and then additionally Comedy 1031 for 5 years as well) I was surprised of how quickly I was able to adjust. I literally got the job offer and then within weeks uprooted and made the move out and I don't think I've ever been more nerve wracked than leaving what had been home, my friends & family, etc. From a city standpoint, I was surprised in how little traffic I've had out here. In Denver there is traffic no matter what day it is, here outside of a few days I've been able to get everywhere I need traffic free. Plus from a work aspect KSFM is such a strong name in the community and been awesome seeing the same kind of passion for it like we had at KQKS in Denver.

5. KSFM's air staff was completely over hauled as you came in as PD. How is your air staff doing?

The airstaff is great. Really have a great roster on our team. In our most recent ratings book we were back to Top 5 in practically every daypart! Mia has been killing it in the mornings with growth 3 consecutive months in a row. Nina has been rocking it in the middays. Soosh*e is a Sacramento superstar who the audience and a lot of the artists love. Plus there's this afternoon drive guy Big Mic who I think is pretty awesome!

6. Perhaps the biggest change in being APD/MD at a Rhy station to PD at a Rhy station?

Just the weight of every music decision you make falling entirely on your shoulders. Obviously as an APD/MD I always wanted to make the best music choices possible for KQKS, but now every change you make from what's going to be my powers, to what new music am I going to put in, etc falls entirely on me and its great that I can bask in the successes when they come, but also have to accept if I ever put a stiff on.

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

Probably politics. Have always been a big political nerd and probably could see myself trying to help in campaigns or in grassroots movements for causes I believe in.

8. As a PD, what would you like to do better as the year winds down and 2019 begins?

The past several months have just been about acclimating to the city and trying to get to know all the movers and get adjusted to a new office and new work culture and so definitely just want to put all the pieces together and put together some big things for KSFM in 2019!

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

Back in Denver, I actually auditioned to be on Wheel Of Fortune and I answered one of the word puzzles and totally think I would kick ass.

10. You're a bit of a foodie. Have you planted the "Buhrman" flag in a couple of local favorite restaurants?

If you're looking for tacos, definitely got to do Taco Tuesday at Chandos out here...great tacos! Iron Horse Tavern is pretty awesome as well as the Taqueria across the street from the station. One thing I've been missing though that I can't find anywhere in Cali is some green chile! In CO anything you get "Smothered" comes smothered in green chile and I've been missing that! I'm going to just have to learn how to make it.

Last binge? Stranger Things, vodka or tacos?

I think I did all 3 at the same time?

Your perfect woman? Constructed from one singer, one actress, one journalist and one politician.

Oh everyone is perfect in their imperfections. But...some combo Jennifer Lopez, Rosario Dawson, Ana Cabrera and I'm sure Id be on my way to the jewelry store to buy a ring (I'm not even going to mention a politicians because that's impossible to do nowadays lol)