Straight From the Mouth

that's why you hired me. Look out for me when I need you, I'll look out for you when you need me and we'll make a shit load of money for a long time to come. So, far it's worked!

Was there a time when after you did something on the air and got busted, you said to yourself, "Uh oh, I've blown it this time?"

I try not to worry about losing my job, although every once in a while I'll get a "Uho, this is not good" feeling after something happens, but nothing ever comes from it.

Closest you came to ever leaving Raleigh?

Over the past 15 years I've been approached by stations in Houston, DC, Atlanta, etc., but things were never right. Contractual timing or money or whatever. But the closest I ever came to thinking about leaving G105 was to another interview station in our market. The fact is though Clear Channel has always given me just about everything I have ever wanted. I've got my own studio and screener room. I've got a 40-foot Silver Eagle tour bus just for my show. I've got a great staff and I make a great living. and I love the people that live here in North Carolina. What was it I was supposed to want again?

How many owners, PDs since you arrived there?

Since I've been here in 1992, I've have 10 PDs, 4 OMs, 6GMs, 3 female members of the show, 4 producers, 4 assistant producers and I've played everything from Billy Cyrus to Ludicrous over the years. But never doubt yourself. A good dick joke wins every time.

Do you and your PD have regular sit-downs?

No. After every show I go into Randi's office and we talk about up coming contests or what ever on the show and I might ask what she thought about a particular part of the show and she gives me feedback, but that's about it.

First morning show (or jock) that caught your attention?

Ross and Wilson, and then Randy Miller both on Z93 in Atlanta now that was

Person who gave you your first big break?

I was working at KHFI in Austin doing mornings and was miserable there. I had decided to get out of radio period and move back to Atlanta to work in my family's business. Randy Lane called me to come interview for the G105 opening and I said no 2 or 3 times before I finally agreed to come. Best decision of my life. Ever since then I've been a big fan of Randy and doesn't he look great to be in his 70s. Randy, how do you do it?

Did you have another job before radio?

I worked at Bennigan's for two weeks before I realized I'm not a people person.

What is it that motivates you most?

My wife kicking me in the side at 4am so she has more shopping money and the fact that I'm still in love with the same business I fell in love with at 10 years old.

You're on a CHR station, as you've gotten older what's your trick for keeping your show ageless?

Well, we are #1 18-34 persons, much of that has to do with keeping the players on the show young. Jon our asst producer is 22, Kristen is 27 and Mike are 32 and I'm the dinosaur at 40 but they help us relate to new music and club scenes, etc. Our person 24-54 numbers do well (usually #1 or #2) and most of that has to do with a lot of people who have been with us through their demos. I get tons of calls who start by saying "I've been listening to you since I was in high school" now they are married with a good job and still listen... I feel old!

Radio person you'd most like to spend a day with?

Probably Jeff and Jer. I've always been a huge fan of theirs and I think they are some of the most creative folks on radio! to interview?

Howard J. Marshall... well you said if getting them were no object!

What would be your first question?

What's the first thing you said to Anna Nicole when she arrived in hell?

Favorite perk (free car, blackberry, once-a-month massage) in your agreement?

Honestly there are no "perks" in my deal except they agree to send the whole show to Morning Show Bootcamp each year.

In all your years on the air, which 2 or three bits do you consider your all-time best?

The best NTR event we've ever had is SlawSlam. This year will be the 10th year we've done it and we have about 3000 listeners packed in an arena/bar with 600 gallons of cole slaw and a female wrestling competition. The specialty matches are the best! Over the years we've had midgets, amputees, blind guys, a 400lb + category, new wife vs. old wife and so much more. It's a true show and everybody talks about it for months to come.

Next thing I'm proud of is Merry XXXmas. Nude listener pictures where they cover up their kibbles and bits with holiday items. We also been doing this for about 12 or so years and this year we had more than 8 million page views in 3 weeks. Doing a show in the dirty dirty south has it's advantages! Other folks in our company have tried to duplicate it but it doesn't come close to the original.

Worst and best day in your radio career?

Worst day I accidentally said the f-word on a show in Austin twice in one day... pre-delay years. I got a few days off for that one. Best day probably each year when we do our annual fundraiser for Make-A-Wish, Pennies From Heaven. We've raised a little more than 2 million dollars for them and it feels good to do something positive in this business and not look for a promo.

Why didn't NC make it to the final four?

Basketball! They play basketball here? I should look into that.