10 Questions with ... Senen "Slim" Rodriguez

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

OMG!! Next year will be my 30th year since my first job in radio. I'm only 32! This may be a little fuzzy at this point so let me try to spit this out. So, in 1993, I got the opportunity to begin this awesome ride at KKHI (95.7 Classical) in San Francisco. Yes, classical music! Moved to promotions at KYLD in San Francisco to be a part of the WILD Street Team in 1994, worked with an amazing staff of people. In 1997, I started at KMEL, and received some more amazing opportunities, working on the morning show, and doing weekends. Moved to Denver in 2001 to do nights at KQKS, and in 2010 moved to working with Max Media of Denver. I've held every time slot during my time here with Max Media, and I've probably worn every hat there is here in the programming department. It really has been an amazing rewarding experience.

1. What got you into radio?

Rick Chase and the 106 KMEL Morning Zoo was a big part of it. Winning a weekend contest with Michael Erickson to see George Michaels Faith tour on KMEL in the 80s probably solidified it. I remember telling myself after winning that, the next time you hear me on this radio, I'm going to work there.

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

I wanted to be a singer. I was in the San Francisco Boys Choir as a kid, and we got to go on tour and do some amazing things. Planted the seeds for my journey into radio. You know, that part where you realize you can't sing, so you go into radio.

3. Has the COVID-19 pandemic taught you anything about yourself?

I don't like working from home. It's just not for me. I did solve a Rubik’s Cube. May I never have that much time on my hands again.

4. Have the events of the last couple of years helped you be a better leader and manager?

Tough question. Have been so many hard choices and decisions to make. It has been a big learning experience. You are only as strong as the team around you.

5. What would probably surprise most people about Denver?

Well, if you're new here...maybe the fact that its 82 degrees on Tuesday, snows on a Wednesday, and is 90 on Friday. And that's in May.

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

I'd be a middle school teacher. Who knows...still might happen one day.

7. Got any hobbies? Pick up any new hobbies during the pandemic?

I collect video games, 80s toys, and spend a lot of time with some amazing dogs. I'm lying...I collect anything. I'm part hoarder. Don't go in my basement. I don't know why I have 5 CRT TVs there.

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

Wheel Of Fortune. But I need to be on that old version where the prizes spin around the rotating stage and you have to pick it under stress. That was the best.

9. What programming skills would you like to sharpen?

All of them. Everyday.

10. Who are some of your radio mentors?

This is a long list. And I will forget MANY people. Geoff St John, Jammin James Scheidel, Zac Davis, Sean Rhodes, Jeff Norman, Cat Collins, Lucas - KWIN, Rick Thomas, John E Kage, Michael Martin, Trace Dogg, Bob Hamilton, JoJo Wright, Rosary, Adrian Scott, Joey Arbagey, Michelle Santosuosso, Brian Huen, and really just an endless list of amazing people I've worked with or who I know that give their heart and soul to this business.

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

Can I choose chicken? When in doubt...always choose chicken.

What did you start doing because of the pandemic that you’ll continue to do going forward?

Exercise! Thank you, pandemic, for teaching me to work out at home. Exercising 4 days a week. The best thing. I feel...10...um...5 years younger!