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10 Questions with ... Felisha Monet
March 12, 2019
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I have over 15+ years in Urban radio, starting off with weekends, then overnights to nights, then finally getting PM drive. Over the years I've interviewed everyone from Cardi B to Migos, Chris Brown, Rick Ross, President Obama and Hillary Clinton. I'm currently working in TV production for VH1's Love & Hip-Hop Miami
1) What are you up to these days?
It wasn't more than two weeks after I left WEDR after 10 years; Eastern TV production had an opening for a Talent Producer. I had been doing some things for them as a consultant while at EDR. I'm learning behind the scenes on the production side. We're in for production on VH1's Love & Hip-Hop Miami. Sometimes it's 14 and 15-hour days, different from a five-hour air shift in radio. But in between that, I've also been speaking at more colleges. A lot of it is motivational speaking and identifying your passions. In my spare moments, I'm also working on preparing for entrepreneurship and creating my "I Am Greater Than Yesterday" brand.
2) Who has had an impact on your career?
Before I got into radio, I would say my grandmother and mother most certainly influenced how I treat people, and how I should always be of service ... My grandmother volunteered at a hospital for years, serving people, I can remember my mom bringing homeless people to the house (though looking back it was probably not the safest thing to do, LOL) or even opening the door to Jehovah Witnesses when people usually didn't even answer the door. I learned engagement through their actions. My father taught me to treat the janitor the same way you treat the boss and that all people are the same. So, before I even thought about radio, I learned the importance of people and customer service.
Of course, throughout my years in radio I've been inspired by many -- Angie Martinez for her relatable approach and her style of casually talking/interviewing guests and making them feel comfortable with sharing info without even asking a direct question. I loved the courage and confidence of Howard Stern, growing up I was so shocked at how direct and bold he was to guests. I learned how to have fun listening to Ed Lover and the Morning Show; they used to do this AM-roll call that made me smile and put me in a good mood before school, "What's up y'all? What y'all gotta say? Who's on the phone with Ed Lover and Dre?" (How do I still remember that?) In later years, I had the pleasure to work for the legendary Mr. Jerry Rushin and can remember him teaching the importance of business. One time he showed me his infamous "money book," which was a handwritten journal of the money he made over all the years and he told me very bluntly "Felisha, be about your money!" Another inspiration is most certainly DJ Khaled. Not only did he start in radio at 99 JAMZ but how he evolved into this mega superstar is most certainly the blueprint or should I say, "keys to success!" He is a marketing and branding genius.
3) What was your approach to being on the air?
I pretty much approached being an on-air talent as simply being me. I am my authentic self-off and on the mic. For me, being a talent is knowing that you represent the people, the listeners the community and I always feel I have a great responsibility to serve them first. From what's going in in the community to world events, and just relating to everyday life. I can remember doing a live broadcast in a club during election night in 2008 and having to announce that President Obama had won. I honestly didn't care how "professional" I should have sounded I sounded how I felt, how the club felt, more importantly how my people felt listening to the radio. (aka I was LITT) I used to think I had to change the way I sound, the way I talked, my high-pitched laugh to become someone else but I learned just being me was enough. And that is what I gave.
4) Have you able to transition your radio skills to your new endeavor?
It has helped me with learning the ropes in TV production. Radio taught me a lot of things like being quick with your words, when something isn't going as planned being able to think fast. I remember one time our computer server (which is responsible for playing the music) was getting maintenance done during my show and I was literally talking on air and during my on-air breaks and the engineers were in the studio switching the server to play music off. I had to talk and continue to talk until the song was up and loaded and ready. Being ready for whatever at any time is something that has helped me with behind the scenes work for TV production.
5) What's the most fun you ever had in radio?
You know I would say radio was always been fun for me. I was just always happy to be fulfilling my dream, but I can remember sleeping in the car in the parking lot of the station because I didn't want to oversleep and miss my overnight shift and my co-workers would always catch me sleeping (with my mouth open, too) and take pics, then print them and post them in the studio!
6) How do you see the future of radio?
The future of radio is strong. People will always look to local radio for local news and a sense of what's happening in their community. With radio station apps and companies merging with online services, radio is making the necessary steps to evolve and reflect the times of technology and are capitalizing in the digital space, like iHeartRadio.
7) When you first got into radio, what surprised you the most?
Looking back, I laugh at myself now, but growing up I really thought that the person talking on the radio lived in the radio. I can't believe I just said that, but as a kid I was fascinated by the fact that a voice could come from there, from the speakers. I also thought the jock was the one picking the songs. I had no idea a PD even existed. Early in my career I was also surprised that the music was being played from a computer, not CDs or even a turntable, for that matter.
8) What made you happy about being on the radio?
The thing that has always made me happy while being on the radio is connecting with the people. From callers sharing their break-up stories or just needing to make a request, a barbershop calling to check in, when my phones light up that makes me happy. It's always been about connecting with the audience for me. Of course, interviewing guests and celebrities is cool too.
9) Any advice for those wanting to go into radio?
The main advice I would give people who want to get into radio is make sure you are utilizing your social media platforms -- Facebook, IG, even the digital space of YouTube. Make sure you are building and establishing your brand on these platforms because this is what PDs and upper management are looking at. Right now, we (talent) have a way of servicing our followers with content so make sure you are engaging with your audience on social media and providing content that will make you unique. Be you ... that is where your power lies.
10) What does the future hold for you?
I'm a dreamer! I'm a goal-getter! So, I see my future as shining bright. I'm going to do a lot more motivational speaking. I want to do television on-camera, a talk show, to be exact. I want a national syndicated show where I can connect with my audience and talk about life, real issues and empower people to live out their best life. My non-profit, "I Am Greater Than Yesterday," will become a movement, a lifestyle that will create a support system that will encourage women to find their passion and purpose in life.
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