10 Questions with ... Marino

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• WSPK/Poughkeepsie, NY: Promotions/Imaging/parttime On-Air
• WFLY/Albany, NY: parttime
• WBHT/Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA: Imaging/APD/MD/Afternoons/Janitor
• WHZT/Greenville/Spartanburg, SC: MD/afternoons

I had parttime/weekeend stops along the way at: Z-100/New York, WIHT/Washington, D.C. and WIOQ/Philadelphia.

1. Why Radio?

What a loaded question. I just wanted to get on my hometown station more than anything (WSPK/Poughkeepsie, NY). So I kicked the door down, tried not to annoy everyone that worked there and made the PD (Scotty Mac) notice me. I never thought it would turn into a career with some great stops along the way.

2. To date, what is the highlight of your radio career?

My first auditions for weekends at Z-100 and Q102. It was a little nerve-wracking. All I can remember was me telling myself over and over again "ok... don't screw it up, don't screw it up... DON'T SCREW IT UP!!!" They both ended up being tremendous experiences and huge highlights in my career. I'm forever grateful.

3. Do you remember what stations you listened to in your formative radio years?

K104 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Also, since I grew up right outside of NYC, I spent a lot of time with Z100, BLI, KTU, and HOT 97. I think the stations and personalities you listened to growing up really shapes the way you react to radio now; both on and off the air.

4. You're the MD and the afternoon guy at Hot 98-1. What do you like the most about each gig?

The Music Director gig is great because, well... I'M IN TOP 40! It's always fast-paced, ever-changing and dynamic. I'm always anxious to see what's next musically, who's next to collaborate and you never know what will crossover.

The afternoon gig is cool because I roll out of bed just in time for the show...joking! I mean... Here's the real answer: There is a certain energy on the show that I love with listeners on the way home from work. Whether they are happy to leave work, or just a bit more awake. The afternoon show is LOCAL and designed to make the listener the star. I let them take over. It's their show, their music. I'm just there to keep the peace and press the buttons.

5. If you could pick any female celebrity to co-host your afternoon show for one week who would you pick?

Hmmmmm... I'm a HUGE Entourage fan. So probably Emmanuelle Chriqui (Sloan). But then again, nothing would get done on the show because I'd be too busy staring at her. I think Katy Perry or Gaga would be awesome, too.

6. Have you ever thought about leaving Radio and why?

I did. Well, not completely. At one point I got out of it fulltime, but still did weekends. It actually worked out, because I got tons of experience and made lots of great connections. But for those that have never left radio...trust me on this one: It makes you appreciate working in the 'biz a whole lot more once you're back in.

7. What's your favorite song on the station right now?

Taio Cruz - Dynamite, but that could change at any given moment.

8. Who do you consider your mentor(s)?

There are a few. I'd say Scotty Mac, Skywalker and Terry Donovan from K104. Those three guys helped me get started and they are still my go-to guys for advice and a few laughs. I also learned tons just by listening to Kid Kelly, Cubby, and Elvis Duran, along with John Garabedian from OHP. Even though they may not realize it, they helped shape me as a personality and it helps that they are all really cool guys.

9. Where do you go to get away from it all?

I'm logging tons of beach time since I'm here in South Carolina. Myrtle Beach and Charleston are great. I also head to Florida (Jax Beach) and still visit everyone back up north in NY every now and again.

10. Where would we go to find you at midnight on a Friday or Saturday night in Greenville?

Downtown Greenville is one of the nicer little cities in America, hands down. They also have a pretty cool night-life scene. I would imagine you can find me downtown somewhere. You thought I was going to say "in jail" didn't you?!?!!

If you could only eat one dish for dinner for 2 weeks, what would it be?

My uncle owns an Italian restaurant in NY named Gino's. Go there and you WON'T be disappointed. It would have to be his Chicken Parmesan!