10 Questions with ... Coach

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Knocked on the door the first day the station launched as a wide-eyed college kid. Worked my way up the ladder over the course of a decade and here I am 14 years later.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

Used to do my own radio shows in my room as a kid and when I got to college, I joined the college radio station 88.1 WARY and fell in love with the medium.

2. How long have you been at WXPK?

Fourteen years! Started as an intern.

3. Being in" New York's backyard," what is your approach for the morning show?

I approach my morning show as if I'm sitting at the breakfast table and we're hanging out having a conversation. I never take myself too seriously and I'm always as real as possible. I never pretend to be an expert if I'm not. I'm also willing to bare my soul as I think any good broadcaster should.

4. What do you like best about your job?

Connecting with the audience. Sometimes I forget how many people I'm speaking to in the morning. When there is a station event and listeners come up to me and tell me how much they enjoy my show and how I made them laugh the other day, that really means a lot to me. So much in this world these days is upsetting to people, so I try to make people feel good and have some fun in the morning.

5. What has been your biggest career highlight?

I have two that are tough to choose from. I got to hang out with U2 backstage for about half-hour before their show at MetLife stadium and listened to some tracks off the upcoming album. I also got to hang with Sting in his New York apartment and interview him. Nothing as cool as either of those will ever happen again.

6. Do you get involved in the music at all at WXPK?

I do. Each week I sit in on our music meeting with Chris Herrmann and our afternoon jock Jimmy Fink. Jimmy calls us "The Triumvirate"

7. Do you represent the station at many events?

I represent the station at most events. It's a great way to get out there, meet the listeners and see who you're talking to.

8. Best advice for any young folks who might want to get into radio?

I would say no matter what it is, not just radio, do it wherever you can. If you're doing a podcast in your closet, just do it. Also, always be as well prepared as possible. Don't limit yourself to just music. Make sure you're well versed in news, sports and everything you can. If you're a board op for a news station and the guy calls in sick be able to step up. You never know. Also have a tight two to three-minute demo tape to send to people that sounds professional.

9. Are there any organizations in the New York area you like to support both on-air and off?

A close friend organizes a huge cancer walk that benefits the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic cancer research. I attend and help each year. I also support a great non-profit called the Clay Arts Center. They are my neighbors (literally) in Port Chester. They do all kinds of great things over there including providing art classes and after-school programs for children and adults.

10. If you wanted to completely change careers today, what would you do?

I want to be a bad guy professional wrestler in the worst way. Talk smack and have everyone boo me. I'm a closeted pro wrestling fan.

Last non-industry job:

Working at my Dad's autobody shop. I can give you an estimate on the damage to your car right now if need be.

First record ever purchased:

Nirvana. Yeah, I'm that guy.

First concert:

Korn. Yeah, I guess I'm that guy too.

Favorite band of all-time:

Nirvana

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?

I love seeing live music. I am fortunate to live a few blocks away from a tremendous venue, The Capitol Theatre. At this point I'm there so often I should probably just start getting my mail there. Security doesn't even check me anymore.