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10 Questions with ... ASHMAC (Ashley Maclin)
August 16, 2022
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
A media personality featured on BET, ESSENCE, FOX SOUL, and NBA ALLSTAR WEEKEND, media correspondent for FOX19, current Media correspondent for Bossip.com on Reach Media’s syndicated Morning Hustle, Posted on The Corner, and on Reach Media syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show. I’m also active with many charitable programs and campaigns such as the Urban League and IBAC (Indianapolis Black Alumni Council). In addition, I’m an Amazon.com author, “The HBCU Experience: The HBCU Band Alumni Edition Book. “
1. How did you your start?
My journey began with music. Growing up my parents would play music constantly. From old school artists like Kool & The Gang, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Smokey Robinson, Temptations, Jackson 5, all of Motown to newer artists, I was always surrounded by music. My Dad and his band still perform to this day (Make sure to check out The Total Eclipse if you’re in the NY/NJ area). At an early age I took music lessons, and would join musical productions, chorus, marching band, jazz band, and whenever given the opportunity. I landed an internship at Universal Republic Records at an early age, and soon after received a music scholarship to Norfolk State University, where I began my radio and broadcasting career. Throughout it all, music always found me.
2. What inspires you?
What inspires me most is for my parents and grandparents to be able to see me be successful, in this lifetime, with the foundation they created and instilled in me. Everything I am able to do is not only for me to work in my purpose, but to make sure they see and know I am a reflection of them.
3. If you changed careers, what would you like to do?
I’m a person of service. In another life, I was probably a therapist helping people heal in all areas of their lives. Outside of that, I would be a historian or veterinarian. Animals truly bring me joy. If someone doesn't like animals, can you truly trust them? Let’s be honest!
4. Is there a memorable radio moment that still makes you laugh?
Listening to the radio in the morning while getting ready for school was a must! I would listen to Miss Jones In the Morning on Hot 97 and I’ll never forget her song parody of Beyonce’s Upgrade You called “Upstage You.” This was right around the time Jennifer Hudson won an Oscar for her performance in DreamGirls, and it was hilarious! This was the first time I remember a radio personality giving information in a creative, fun, informative, silly way, and you didn’t want to miss it. Looking back, I have more appreciation for how this segment was teased. It kept you around. You wanted to hear the song and I’m sure it increased TSL. I didn’t want to go to school and be the only one who didn’t hear it. The first question by the lockers was definitely: “Did you listen to Hot97 this morning?!” That moment always stuck out to me.
5. Growing up what air personalities caught your ear?
Miss Jones, Starr & Buck Wild, Wendy Williams, Elvis Duran and the Z Morning Zoo, Angie Martinez, Tom Joyner, DJ Red Alert, FunkMaster Flex, DJ Clue, and DJ Cocoa Chanelle.
6. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
The year is 2027 and I’m still successful. I’ve got multiple streams of income. You’re still hearing me on your radio, but guess what? You’re also seeing me on your tv, on award shows, commercials, in movies. Behind the scenes, I’m a producer or a music executive. I might even be teaching a class at an HBCU if I can find the time! The possibilities are endless, and I don’t believe in being defined by only one job or field. Do it all. Can we manifest a headphones endorsement right now? What about an energy drink partnership? Who do we need to call about this??
7. Who have been some of your influencers and mentors?
My grandmother, Nie, was the first to tell me I had a great speaking voice and how I was going to use it in the future. I firmly believe her saying that to me when I was in elementary school sparked life into what I do today. I’m very fortunate to have had tons of people who have helped me throughout the years. I thank all of them for all the experiences and opportunities that have led me to this moment and who I am today. From the Riverside Church in NY to Norfolk State University, they gave me my first platform in radio and hosting. I want to mention the people that took a chance on me first: Colby “Colb” Tyner, Earl Boston, Derrick “Lil D” Greene, Karen Vaughn, Derrick Martin, Becky Domyan, Theorde “Bink” Turner, Loren “Hollywood” Henderson.
These are all people that took a chance on me and opened the door to music, programming, being a personality not a jock, mechanics of talk breaks, answered all my questions (because I always have plenty of questions). Special thanks to Colby, Donna Thorpe, Hollywood, and you, Sam! It’s important to have people that are honest with you, coach you, hold you accountable, and allow you room to grow.
8. What’s your forecast for radio in the future?
One thing the pandemic showed us, is that radio is still relevant and is very much needed. When it comes to breaking news, locally and nationally, to music, advertising, and broadcasting, radio is still an in demand, strong medium. Radio will continue to thrive.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _______?
Prayer. I could say coffee, but prayer is what grounds me to get me through the day. I know anything and everything already has a solution so I don’t have to stress or overthink (God knows I’m good at overthinking)
10. And the best advice you’ve ever been given?
You are enough. Too many times we, as women, as Black women, are told how to look, how to sound, the image we need in order to be successful. I want other women to know their power is being who they are. No one else in this world can be you, better than yourself. Knowing what you bring to the table is unique alone. Trust that being yourself is going to get you far along with your hard work, talent, and dedication. Hard work beats talent any day.
Bonus Questions
What are you are most proud of?
I’m most proud of being here and knowing tomorrow I have the chance to out do what I accomplished the day before. I’m proud of my growth. Not being the same person, I was a year ago or a month ago. A wise person told me, you must keep yourself motivated regardless of what’s going on in the world. It’s in you, not on you. So, I’m walking more in my power and making sure to live for myself and for those that aren’t with us anymore.
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