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10 Questions with ... Ghost
July 29, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- KSSM/Killeen, TX - Production Dir., on-air personality (Gospel),
- KWRP/Houston - Local morning show producer (Doug Banks)
- WHRP/Huntsville, AL - Local morning show producer (D. Banks & Tom Joyner) and on-air personality (weekends, overnights, midday interim)
- WHUR/Washington D.C. - Creative Services Director
- WNBM/New York City - Production Manager
1) What's the story behind the nickname, "Ghost"?
Well, it was nothing spectacular. Usually, when people ask me they're waiting on the edge of their seats for this awesome story with bombs, explosions, and maybe a combination of paranormal activity. Far from it! Ironically, I never really thought much about a nickname. My name being ElReco served me quite well, thanks to my mother obviously, and this artist by the name of Gerardom who was a one-hit wonder with a hit in the early '90s called "Rico Suave." I must shake his hand someday. Helped me out much in those elementary and middle school years when you kinda want to feel popular or feel like you're somebody (chuckle).
So, I get the call and grand opportunity to be a part of this new start-up station in Houston. Before Houston, I was in Killeen, TX and my supervisors at the time were the late Mark Raymond and Ken Johnson. I leave Killeen on a 3.5-hour journey to Houston. Once I arrive there, I get to the hotel and check in. I then reach out to my new supervisor Maurice Devoe. I tell him I'm here and ask what it is I should do. I'm thinking he may want me to meet him and my new staff at the new station, but he's like "remain in your room and once we've wrapped things up, we'll scoop by and pick you up. Then we'll go out and have dinner." I'm like, "okay, no problem."
Long story short: It's now about 9:30 in the eve and I've just finished sleeping. I'm curious as to why they haven't called me yet. I watch TV for a little while. Now it's somewhere around 10. I feel like "the step-child" because I'm thinking they went on without me or forgot about me. I think I may have even called and didn't get an answer. Finally all of a sudden I get this phone call and it's the front desk. The lady asks, "Is your name ElReco Gillison?" I say, "Yes." She then goes on to say that, "your staff has been searching for you for the past 15-30 minutes, would you please come down the elevator and meet them in the lobby?" I chuckle, and say "yes." (Basically, they kept going to the wrong floor and door of the hotel I was in). I walk out the room, get into the elevator and make my way down to the lobby. As soon as the elevator doors open, our midday personality by the name of Princess Ivori says, "We've been looking all over for you, you're like a ghost. I'm going to call you Ghost from now on." And that's how my nickname was born, thanks to the phenomenal and very talented Princess Ivori.
2) How do you see the role of a Production Manager for a station? By the way, what is a Creative Services Director?
I perceive the role of a Production Manager to be the gatekeeper of all audio services rendered to clients/advertisers via sales managers/account executives. I honestly feel the Production Manager is the last person the revenue of the station is passed through. For many stations, one spot missed in a major daypart is equivalent to thousands of dollars for that one miss. That could result in a partial payment being taken off the table of that SM/AE or the result of that station not hitting their budgetary goals. I've always taken a lot of pride in organization and communication regarding spots being played accurately on time. If a spot misses, nobody is generally being looked at first, but the Production Manager/Asst. Prod Manager. We all make mistakes, but repetition regarding missed or unproduced spots is unacceptable. We all should understand that revenue maintains and makes the machine work and survive. No money, no jobs. It's that simple!
I also think a good, high-quality production manager should have well-groomed hearing and be a good judge of character regarding commercial content. One must remember that when given the instructions from the PD on how the station should sound, you are then held to the high responsibility of making sure the brand/image is protected no matter what runs on the station. From the annunciation and appropriate sound of the jock on commercials, to the dubbed commercials that are loaded in, to recorded interviews, to the imaging and sound of promotions that run on air. You must have a good ear for all things.
The Production Manager to me oversees all aspects of audio production for the radio station, whether it is imaging/branding, commercial production, editing songs if necessary, cleaning up all kinds of audio, and helping others.
A Production Manager is a team player, well-organized, well-balanced and patient, takes the initiative to assist the team with new concepts and ideas, confident in his/her abilities to help define the brand, a leader, a ground breaker, and takes charge of his/her production department.
A Creative Services Dir. has always been quite interesting to me. I suppose from the radio angle a Creative Services Dir. is one who possesses the same skills as the Production Manager. Unfortunately, to me the title doesn't lend much to the craft itself.
Creative Services is a very broad umbrella for many industries/occupations. In my past quest for employment at times Creative Services would fall in line with digital platforms, web designers, graphic designers, interior designers, audio engineers, marketing positions, problem thinkers and strategic designers regarding art. I can probably keep going on forever. Point is, yes, radio production does fall under Creative Services. But, it dilutes the craft a little in my opinion. Ironically, Production Manager could mean some of those same things. The title for one who manages the production department, creates imaging, and does commercial production could be a little more straight forward. Like, "Audio Production Manager," "Audio Creation Manager," "Radio Production Manager," "Audio Art Manager," etc. ... What we do on a daily basis embodies all of those titles. We create audio art regarding imaging/branding through feeling, emotion, and of course direction from the powers that be. We clean audio. We give direction concerning audio. We are audio landscapers.
3) Here you are with another station on you resume, has it been hard having a career in a business that requires a lot of moving around?
Great question. The radio industry carries some very slight similarities to the military regarding relocation. "It's what we've signed up for" for lack of better terms. When you're so passionate about anything and you practically live and breathe it, you're willing to do whatever it takes to have stability, remain in the industry, and have success. For me it hasn't necessarily been hard because I moved around a lot when I was younger. You could say I was groomed earlier on to be able to deal with so many different changes. This is my 24th move in my lifetime and the 9th state I've lived in. So, moving isn't hard but I do get tired.
The good side of relocating for me was always having an opportunity to reinvent myself. It also offers the opportunity to meet new people from all different walks of life. Moving a lot builds character, some faith, and a lack of fear in some instances. You're basically jumping out into a land you don't know or understand in many instances. So you learn how to be a chameleon and you adapt. You're not fake; you just keep adding more and more to all that makes you who you are. You notice after awhile and after meeting so many people that we're all the same in so many aspects. Yes, we have a lot that divides us but we have quite a bit that makes us one. I love that isolated experience about life. It's even taught me a lot about myself.
Now, on the flip side moving can get very tiring. You have the gift which I just spoke of and you have the curse of never feeling at home. I remember listening to this artist by the name of Lupe Fiasco. There was a song on his 1st CD, "Lupe Fiascos Food & Liqueur" in which he says "Home is where your brain stays." I grew very fond of that line over the years. You find your routines and comfort zones everywhere you go. Sometimes you don't. At times, I do want to know what it's like to feel settled and put for more than four, five or six years. These days you're lucky if you make it beyond 2 (chuckle). But, that's what we've signed up for.
Fortunately, for me I also haven't had to move around a lot with a wife and kids. Trust that I don't mean that from a derogative or disrespectful point of view. I've discussed this same topic with many people in the industry and that does add another element of variables to the career. Many have done well with families in the radio industry. Many have not. For me in particular, I've been fortunate to not have a family at this point. Partly because I don't think my past wages for a certain period of time and moving would have been healthy had I had a wife and kids. That's just me. I do believe I would have made it work somehow knowing my character. But, it would have been difficult. Especially, feeling as that for quite a while in my career I've even had difficult times taking care of myself and two dogs at one point (a Great Dane & a Staffordshire). Haha, and don't get me started on relationships. That's an entirely whole different subject in which I'm sure many of us could expound on. Yes, it's the radio industry. But, as a whole it's the entertainment industry. That's always been part of the allure. We're all artists and entertainers in some shape, form, or fashion. I've moved here and there because of my passion for the industry and yes, that's what I've signed up for.
4) Any similarities between radio and the Army?
Yes, just a few. Sometimes jocks and managers must relocate with a station across the States and leave their families behind. It can be a rough business that way. You're a father or a mother, but you still must provide for your family. What are you going to do? You must leave at times because you usually don't have any other option. Especially if you didn't go to college or if you don't have another trade/legal hustle to fall back on. It can be very disheartening. So your hands are tied and you go where the money is. It's the same way in the Army and other military branches. You leave sometimes for the money and pay grade, sometimes you leave for the allure of moving up to a different level and rank so that you can make a name for yourself in the military or Army.
Then of course you sometimes have the politics of the Army/Military just as you do in radio. Status quo says probably a bit more in the military, but value and status has its grounding in the radio industry also. Networking and the people who know you can have just as much favor when it's time for promotions and moving up the ladder. Many families and friends have been torn apart due to relocation in the radio industry as well as the military.
I don't think we in the radio industry at times take team work as seriously as we should. Teamwork I feel is very similar and important in both entities. But, in the military they truly understand the concept of riding and literally dying for each other. And although that is quite a bit of a stretch, the military teaches a lot regarding unity and teamwork. In the radio industry we do understand the concept of teamwork, but a lot of times everyone is out for themselves individually. Even I've been guilty of that at times. I feel if we really valued the brand in such a way and truly fought in the trenches as one, stations would be 10 times better. I believe so, because I genuinely do believe the listener can feel and hear the environment all around the station.
Constant moving, politics, and teamwork probably carry the most similarities.
5) Where was your first job in radio and how it did shape your thinking?
My 1st paying job in radio was at KSSM-KISS 103.1 and MIX 106 in Killeen, TX (Ft. Hood) under Cumulus Broadcasting. Before that I interned at KIIZ-92.3 under Mychal Myguire and David Jordan (brother). When starting at KISS & MIX 106, the late Mark Raymond and Ken Johnson were my supervisors. I was Production Director for both stations. But, mainly my services were for KISS. I ran mixes Saturdays (Overnight) till about 3 in the morning and woke up bright an early around 6 to begin a Gospel show.
Oh and let me not forget the infamous remote tech job we've all encountered. It was my job to set up all remotes and break them down. It didn't matter whether it was on a weekday or weekend. It was quite an experience. You don't even know you're doing all these things because you're just so happy to be doing something you dreamt of and put your mind to. So, you just go with it. Yes, it sucked at times but you knew what it was all about. This was the "pay dues" season of the beginning of your career. You do whatever it takes to get respected and noticed.
I feel like that first job shaped quite a bit of logic/reasoning in me. I grew up somewhat shy and gullible as my father would say at times. I suppose I had more introvert in me. But, I would soon find out that if you to want reign supreme in radio no matter what department, you have to have guts and nerves of steel. You have to be able to speak up when necessary, take front stage at times, and be in front of a lot of people with diverse personalities.
The first job shaped my confidence and character, although I was ignorant to the politics of radio and just immature as a young man. I was coming into my own. It built character. I came across people I didn't like. I had a passion for what I was doing so I couldn't just pop off at the mouth with whatever was on my mind like I had times before working other jobs where I felt disrespected. I had to learn that there's a way to channel what you're thinking and feeling in a respectful tone and way. I came across things I didn't like. Maybe, it was the music at times. Maybe it was a promotion. Maybe it was a commercial. I learned it wasn't about me. I learned "radio" was a product and a service given to a set age, gender, and group of people for their entertainment purposes solely. I learned that there was a system on how to reach people and make people feel a certain way. I learned that radio was an instrument, a voice that had a lot of power.
My 1st job also taught me how to be organized. Organization regarding commercials, paper work, paper trail, commercial orders etc. kept me out a lot of unforeseen trouble and accidents that could have happened. I came across things I did and didn't like that would help to create my identity as the future would come at me. I enjoyed my lessons learned and even the time spent with my 1st supervisor. Mark Raymond was his own person and although I wasn't always understanding or in agreement with him, he was a radio father figure of mine and he taught me a lot about life. Some of which I would utilize for years to come and some I wouldn't because I was my own person. I'm humbled by that experience alone.
6) Other than radio, what other profession would you love to be in?
Oh my, where do I begin? Well, I'm infatuated with photography. When I fell on what I call "hard times" photography (which was a class I took my senior year in high school) was an outlet for me. Photography is an outlet through the artistic side that makes me who I am. It's the same way with radio production. Radio production or "imaging/branding" for that matter has always been an outlet for me to express all raw emotions in me. I paint who I am with audio for others through the branding of radio stations. So, yes I would love to do photography and photography picture canvases.
I love to cook. That was one of my 1st thoughts along side radio after my bombed 1st semester in college. I've always had a passion and joy for cooking. Interior decoration was also something I was very interested in. I go crazy when I see the inside of peoples' homes, kitchens, bathrooms, decks, living rooms, etc... And don't even get me started on the landscaping of yards.
Last but totally not the least, a true "Sound Designer." I would love to perform sound design for trailers and movies. I love Foley and the creation of all sounds for movies. I stumbled across "sound design" and Foley when I was at WHUR. That's exactly when my love for audio became much bigger than radio. That's when I found out my true desire and passion was not just limited to radio, but expanded across many spheres and platforms of audio. I love connecting to all five senses with many forms of creativity in audio. and I love it! That's definitely another profession I would love to be in.
7) Have you ever had to sit yourself down and have a "Come to Jesus" meeting with yourself on anything?
Yes, many times in my life. I think there are two that stick out gigantically. The first was when I had to make a decision regarding my future when I was in college. The second was when I was out of the radio industry for a couple years.
So, when I was in college I bombed my 1st semester really bad. Growing up I was never that fond of school. I respected school and the fact that I had to be there, but I just didn't connect with school that often. I wasn't a bad student nor did I have awful grades. I was somewhat average except for this one time in the 11th grade. I decided that if I put my mind to it I could be on the honor roll. And guess what? I was on the honor roll that year. That's when I 1st came across desire and conviction. In order for me to accomplish something I had to have reasoning or attach it to something of purpose.
Anyways, I bombed that first semester and I was like oh wow this is not good at all. The degree plan I was on was "Interdisciplinary Studies" a.k.a. elementary teaching. I just wanted to teach elementary and couldn't quite wrap my mind around why I needed to attain so much. I had to take this Biology class and this Calculus class and this class over here. I thought about that and all the money I wouldn't be making and it just didn't make any sense to me. Therefore my efforts were not even sub par.
So after going to this wall to view my grades that 1st semester I then walked back to my dorm room, sat on the bed and asked myself a series of questions. Through my though process, I said to myself, "Okay you're going to be doing something 8-10 hrs a day, Monday - Friday for the rest of your life. You're going to wake up with this job on your mind and you're more than likely going to come home with it on your mind." That practically defines part of who you are in life and partly defines you feelings, moods, and character on a daily, weekly, monthly basis.
So I took out a piece of paper and I wrote down all the things that make me smile and happy. On that list was music, cooking, talking, interior decorating, and maybe a couple more I can't remember. I scanned the list a few times and out of nowhere "music and talking" stuck out. I grabbed the college course catalogue turned to the back and there it was. "Radio Broadcasting". I jumped up out of my dorm room, actually ran over to the broadcasting facilities. Met the director instantly and the rest was history. I felt and knew that's where I needed to be.
My 2nd "come to Jesus meeting" was when I actually felt like I was coming to meet Jesus (chuckle). When I was out of the radio industry I went through a lengthy bout in the wilderness, as they say. I felt lost at one point because something I was very passionate about was removed from me for a trial regarding "redefinition". On top of that, at some point I went through a short series of panic attacks, uncontrolled breathing issues (asthma and hyperventilation) disillusionment/de-realization, and depression. And it was day after day for what had seemed to be about 7-9 months. Some doctor, I'm sure, would have found me a prime candidate for a mental institution. Life for me slowed down to a screeching halt and there was nothing I could do about it but sit in it all. Oh and might I add, it was all done without meds. No doctors or meds by choice. You go from one end of the realm of human perspective to an entirely different end of the realm of human aspect and perspective.
The "come to Jesus meeting" aspect of it all was redefining who I am and finding purpose. Going through all these conditions was the perfect route to defining a whole new me. I had to start life over again. You see, when I was doing something I loved for so many years, it was hard for my mind to comprehend. Meaning, the radio industry was apart of the dynamics that made me who I was. There were other things that were a part of my foundation too. But, that was a major part of my foundation. I had to learn and understand that I was beyond that which God has given me. I didn't know anything but audio production in the artistic and creative realm. I knew I had a gift. Our purpose is a different and divine separate entity that must be embraced and respected at all times. So I spent a lot of time reconnecting with life, adding more things to my character, adding more faith to my being, more giving than receiving, more love, more thankfulness than bitterness.
My 2nd "come to Jesus meeting" built me in an entirely different and unique way. Often times you must go through a rite of passage like that just to come out on the other end with a brand new perspective of things. It's like this fork in the road. The same fork in the road I had on my 1st "come to Jesus meeting". Except this fork in the road was about life or death. We make up in our minds what we want to be, who we want to be, and how we want to get there. We all have choices to make. But, always remember every choice we make is apart of the rudder and sail that propels us in that particular direction. We can do anything we put our minds to. I learned that also. You can choose to be bitter at life or you can choose to laugh, roll with the punches, and understand it's all for the good and testimony in which to come. Then you have the phenomenal blessing and responsibility of passing all that you've learned to others for the sake of their own lives and salvation. Life is good. Actually, life is GREAT!
8) Do you think the general climate of radio needs a jump start? And if so, what possibilities do you foresee?
Yes, absolutely! The climate of radio in general needs a major jump start. I suppose that's my way of saying I feel a lot of us in radio don't think out of the box much anymore. I've come across many people they say the industry is very cookie-cutter. That's one of many things I love about Radio 1039 and Ken Johnson's direction. Here in NYC we have this progressive radio station with a clean sound. It's progressive in the sense that it's a forward moving station. The music programming is more unique than what we're accustomed to regarding most UAC stations. The voice of the station is a phenomenal woman by the name of Jeannie Johnson. Between Ken Johnson's new direction, the music, the voice of the station, and our explosive social media campaign I feel Radio 1039 is moving in that direction of adding change and uniqueness to the UAC format of the radio industry and the entire radio industry in general.
There's so much that can be done with all this technology today. I honestly don't think it stops there. I remember the first time coming across Google glasses. Then I thought to myself how cool would it be if radio could do the same thing. I would love to be a part of the coding of audio production for something like that. My question then is, "what innovative are you thinking of to propel radio forward along the lines of new technology and social media"? If it can be thought of, it can be produced to happen. Only time will tell.
Ultimately, I foresee radio continuing to combine with new and upcoming social media platforms and technology. As a matter a fact, it's a must! A lot of stations still don't understanding today's wave of communications. The forecast of radio isn't as clear as it used to be. We have to mold today's generation for the future. We have to mold ourselves to mold today's generation. These younger adults are coming up with things that are out of this world. Instead of being so traditional about things, we must learn to embrace but yet keep a balance
If radio doesn't grow beyond cookie cutter production, programming, on air personalities, and music it too will become a dying breed of media. I'm not saying anything new. We're hearing it from left and right all the time. I'm just the messenger and the messages are written all over the wall. We must have faith, let go of the reigns a little, and usher in some new juice. Radio's livelihood depends on it.
9) How did you get started with doing production and imaging?
My first job title in radio was Production Director. That was in Killeen, TX (Copperas Cove). I was Prod. Director over twi stations, a UAC and a CHR station. I thought I made it (haha). Little did I know, I had quite a long way to go in regards to the respect and craft of radio production. I didn't even care much about annunciation, diction, clear and concise reads, inflection. I just wanted to get it done. I would then throw a beat up under it and that was it. No eq on the voice, the effects, and no attention to detail. Honestly, I wasn't all that interested in production at the time. I was probably like most newcomers. I just wanted to be on the air.
Then I went to Houston. I was morning show producer there. I met someone special who is still a mentor of mine by the name of Mark "The Shark" Fisher. One day I walked in on him producing this commercial with most of the on-air staff. I remember looking at the tracks he was using and all the elements and my eyes widened. He then commenced to showing me techniques. I learned quite a bit from Mark, but still was nowhere close to what I needed to be.
Then came Huntsville, AL with an awesome PD by the name of Phillip March David (OPD). I don't think he was all that confident in me at 1st. Ken Johnson sent me to Huntsville, AB. So I was like this youngin' dude out of nowhere with KJ's backing. I had to prove myself. Phillip looked at me and said, "there's this file coming from the VO guy (Pat Garrett) and I want it produced by the time I get back." I said, "okay, no problem." He left and I basically freaked out internally. I never produced any imaging a day in my life. I couldn't even quite comprehend what he wanted me to do. I just knew I had to do it. So, I noticed some imaging had already been created in the system. I went through drop after drop after drop. Next I grabbed the 1st dry drop voiced by Pat G and produced it inch by inch just like how I heard the produced drops in the system. "I did it"! I created my 1st imaging drop and then it was on and poppin' from there.
Then came a great friend and mentor of mine, the renowned Pat Garrett. I had heard his voice before numerous times. I knew he was major, but I didn't know how to get to him. I tried to hone my skills as best that I could before reaching out to him to be a part of his team. I made a demo and sent it off to him. He liked and told me it sounded it good. But, of course it wasn't my time yet. About 4/5 days before Christmas in 2005, I got the call. One of his producers was out sick and he needed a soldier on the line and that it would not be permanent. Pat told me that doing this would definitely open up possibilities in the future should he need another producer. He sent me the file. I produced it and sent it back to him. Knowing me with it being my 1st time, I probably over produced it to perfection. Hey, it was my first and only shot at winning this guy over.
10) Who are the people who have influenced you and how?
Well if we're just talking solely about radio production influences and my style. My influences have been 1st and foremost God and Jesus for these amazing gifts, "sound editor" Richard King, "sound editor" Glenn Freemantle and Dane A. Davis, producers like Timbaland and Pharrell, Huff & Gamble, Young Guru, my grandmother, my pops, and Pat Garrett.
Sound Editors Richard King (Inception), Glenn Freemantle (Gravity), Dane A. Davis (Matrix). I really like these guys because they helped change the landscape of how we perceive things to be from an audible point of ear. It's one thing to watch these movies. But to go behind the scenes and actually look at how they authentically record these sounds and paint a visual picture with "sounds" by theatre of the mind in addition to what is seen is out of mind and this universe to me. It's people like them that keep me dreaming beyond the stars and the moon when it comes to audio production. \
Producers like Timbaland and Pharrell because of how creative they are at layering a beat. You will hear some of the oddest things that may seem out of place in their beat productions, but really it's not. I love doing that with my production as well.
My grandmother because she was a major part of the beginning stages of my love and passion for audio. She allowed me to be free when it came to music. She was always either taking me to go and buy music or she was buying it for me. I appreciated her a lot for that..
My Pops, because I would ride in the car with him a lot as a child. He would listen to all different ranges of music. From Motown to Lite Rock, to Oldies. I developed a sense of appreciation for the mastery of all types of sounds and formats of music because of him and he probably doesn't even know it.
Pat Garrett, because he was part of the backbone of me cultivating my skills and craft to be the best I could be regarding imaging and commercial production. I remember one time he called me and said he really enjoyed my imaging/production. But, then he went on to tell me that "it's not about me." He told me I was doing the production for myself and not the station. The best producers to me understand the reason why we love and do what we do. It's okay to go off the script at times and be wild and creative. But, ultimately we're here to tell a story. We're here to hopefully make the audience feel something they've never felt before. We're here for the brand of the station and as much as it hurts sometimes to play in between those lines, that's what we've signed up for.
Bonus Questions
What frustrates you the most about radio and the music industry?
What irks me the most is the massive amount of negative lyrical content that has spilled over into the industry. Mainly on the Urban Hip-Hop/Top 40 side of the industry. There aren't many trendsetters from my point of view and the repetition of songs is insanely sickening. No wonder so many people prefer to listen to their own devices these days. The negative lyrical content to me is the large amount of songs with distasteful lyrics and the quantity at which these songs are being played. Our communities are being flooded with lots of music about sex, money, and drugs. There is no balance whatsoever.
Yes, I too grew up in a time where there was quite a bit of distasteful music and I'm not bashing those artists. I'm definitely that hip-hop head who enjoyed the explosion of 90's R&B and 90's Hip-Hop as well as the some in the late 80s. We've always had our music with not so great content and party music. That's not my point. My issue is that it's off balance. I honestly feel that a great portion of the music in the music industry is about nothing for the edifying of growth, life's struggles, real love, & etc... The amount at which a lot of these songs that are being played, especially on the young end, I feel it's damaging to how a lot of younger adults and kids perceive themselves. And yes, especially the culture of African-Americans.
I could go on and on. I'm frustrated at the lack on balance and conscious music in the music industry. And just about all the songs sound the same today -- same beat, same lyrics, same, same, same ... I'm frustrated because we're not growing. We're not teaching. We're not learning enough. We're not instilling what's necessary in our children and our children's, children. I'll be honest I don't think I'm doing enough of my part either. I don't have all the answers. But, this is a start.
What's your favorite radio memory?
I know you only asked for one, but I just have to give you at least two or three to choose from. My favorite memories would have to be my mother being on the air with me, creating two businesses (one for radio imaging and one for an Internet radio station), and most definitely the call to have the humbling opportunity to work in the #1 market in the country (NYC).
My mother being on air with me maybe 6/7 years ago was an honorable experience. It was one of those "I made it" moments. Not necessarily in the sense of I've completed my journey. But, more in the sense of by the grace of God, I've been able to make a living doing something I really love and my mother, father, stepmother, brothers, and grandparents are around still to see what I've become.
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