10 Questions with ... Rascal!

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

They keep paying me so I keep showing up!

1. What got you into radio?

Joey Medina (yes, the comedian) He used to be the morning guy at KOHT (Hot 98.3) in Tucson. I worked in the radiology department and would crank call him in the morning while I was pretending to work. One day he asked who I was, and to come down and meet him at the station. He said we was moving to Hollywood to be a stand-up comedian and was looking for a replacement. We’ve been friends ever since. Joey Medina (yes, the comedian) He used to be the morning guy at KOHT (Hot 98.3) in Tucson. I worked in the radiology department and would crank call him in the morning while I was pretending to work. One day he asked who I was, and to come down and meet him at the station. He said we was moving to Hollywood to be a stand-up comedian and was looking for a replacement. We’ve been friends ever since.

I didn’t get the job because I had ZERO experience. He turned me on to a brand new station starting up across the street that was going to be the competition, KSJM (Power 97.5). It was ALL of our first real jobs in radio and it was the greatest experience of my life. We forged lifelong friendships!

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

It was a toss-up between becoming a superhero making the Bay Area safe for women and children, or a DJ. My 10th birthday my mom got me a Realistic mixer so I guess I had to be a DJ. The Bay missed out on a kick ass Superhero!

3. What makes Phoenix such a special place to live and work?

This city is ALIVE!!!! It's not just Phoenix proper it's the whole Valley! There is always something to do! I don't know if it makes sense but when you are here you can FEEL the city! The energy, creative vibe, culture, the sun! (and the tacos are fire)

4. What could Phoenix use a little more of?

Water! We got hella beaches here….just no Ocean!

5. What were some of your first impressions of your first time inside a radio station?

Okay… when I grew up, I remember listing to the greatest radio stars. Marvin Robinson, Rick Chase, Dr. Don Rose, Cameron Paul! In my head, I had an idea of what it was supposed to look like. Kind of like the bridge of the Enterprise. The first time I got to see past the veil (the front desk) it was better than everything I had in my head. I knew I was home. Can I be any cheesier? Sure, you bet!

6. I'm at my happiest when _____________?

I walk into the station! Don’t look at me like that, I’m serious! No matter what’s going on in my life or the world, as soon as I walk in the station…It all makes sense. Yup, I’m really that much of a geek!

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

I was serious about that superhero thing man. I’d totally be a superhero…but, you know, like Batman with no powers, and not as rich, athletic, charismatic, or good looking… FML!

8. Pre-Covid-19, what did you like to do in your spare time? Any new hobbies or interests since the coronavirus pandemic began?

I do a lot of writing, I used to punch scripts for Cartoon Network between radio gigs for a couple years. I’ve gotten into yoga more during this whole corona-mess. That and Scotch!

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

Definitely Wipe Out, because I stopped maturing at 13. And it looks AWESOME!

10. If you could have one Avenger-like superpower, what would you pick?

Probably, Dr. Strange from the MCU. If you’re talking comic book Avengers, Moon Knight!

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

Beans and rice. I believe in keeping stereo types alive!

What do you think your strongest memory of this Covid-19 pandemic will be?

How important it was for radio to become local again. I think some of us forget. I know I needed to be reminded of how much of an impact we have on our communities!