First and foremost I want to thank you for clicking on and reading this article. With so much content available on the web, it's pretty cool you stopped here to read this.
I used to wonder about what goes on behind the scenes in radio. This is a look back at the past year of being on air.
Last year I came back on the airwaves in Lansing after three years of being "on the beach". In 2019 I was released by my previous employer in town. While I was off air and working in sales I really didn't know if I wanted to get back into the industry. Long story short, radio is where I need to be. Radio is where I want to be. Read more about my process of returning last year here.
Having come from over two decades worth of working in Rock Radio, I was offered the opportunity to host mornings on WITL. I was also offered the afternoon drive slot on WMMQ. The past year has been amazing. It's been fun working with different staff and meeting all kinds of new listeners. You might be surprised at how many people like country and rock n roll. There's a lot of crossover and each listener has been amazing and unique in their own way.
My mornings start at 4:30am and I am on air til 7p on WMMQ. After we are done on air, our work continues. We write articles, we voice commercials and produce them and the list goes on. By no means am I complaining, I am expressing my gratitude for the opportunity from the man upstairs to be back on the air and doing what I love. I hope to make your listening experience fun and positive. With so much negativity in the world, I want to be the escape from that BS while playing Carrie Underwood or Led Zeppelin. The best way I can describe the past year is with pictures. Let's take a look behind the curtain or radio.
Some might wonder what we do when we are not on air. Here's a glimpse.
The Past Year In Pics, Behind The Scenes
Before I went back on air, I bought these headphones. These are the best and for two decades I wanted them but never bought them.
Dave "Mad Dog" Demarco and I go way back and it was bittersweet getting back on air the same week as I watched and listened to one of my peers, radio vets and friends sign off.
This is the first shift back on air with Kristen Matthews on WITL.
Community work is the best work. Supporting the Capital Area Humane Society each week on air. Our family recently adopted from the CAHS.
Then came my turn to take over the rock n roll control chair on MMQ. That's been a blast. I love both formats.
It wasn't long before I was slingin' meat again in the parking lot. These sales are a lot of fun.
I love meeting YOU. I want to shake your hand and say thank you for listening. No matter the format, listeners are always fun.
I always wanted a corner office on the 80th floor, this is just fine. Wildlife are right outside my office window.
Getting to work with one of my peers, mentors, legends and most importantly, friends, Wally, on WMMQ has been fun.
I've been hitting a lot of farmer's markets locally so I can get to know some new people. I met this woman who had amazing teeth.
Had a lot of fun doing goofy things with the good people at Granger.
Back to the basics too. Hangin banners EVERYWHERE. That's how I brand.
Crossing paths with Duran Martinez. Duran has always been a great guy and has shared his radio experiences with me. Thanks man!
Fun picture I found on my phone. I was driving around getting ideas to write about. This water tower is in Marcellus, check out how cool Marcellus is.
I have emceed the Restaurant Olympics for a VERY long time. Dan Henry is a great guy and distributes your barley pops. This event raises money for non profits.
When Miracle Child Brooke asks you to paint your face, the answer is ALWAYS YES. This event was for Miracle Treat Day, please take time to read more about Brooke.
Part of the gig. If you want to succeed as a personality you need to emcee events, shake hands and kiss babies. This is from the Lake Lansing Bandshell Friday Night Concert Series. I can't wait to see you this year.
It was fun to drive in a parade again. The Charlotte Frontier Days Parade was a blast and Charlotte loves their classic rock and country.
Playing in the Celebrity Softball Game at Jackson Field was a cool. Happy to say I went 4 for 5 with a double. I also got kicked out of the game for arguing. Leave it all on the field.
I did my first remote at the airport in Lansing. It was a lot fun and there was TSA to check all my gear and clear me, thankfully no cavity search. Listeners are the best, these two ladies were heading to Florida for a good time.
The picture above is of JR afternoons on WITL. He wanted to do No Shave November, not a bad start.
This was a few days into No Shave November, it's safe to say I beat JR. I also had a small head start. I guess we will both start fresh on November 1, 2023. He's just playing for second.
I used my first human antenna at a remote, he was a good sport.
I work with some creative and hilarious people. This pic showcases our ugly Christmas sweaters. Jimmy earned high marks and a tremendous amount of respect from me for this. I also laughed hard. Well played.
The listeners that bring their kids out to events are fun. Gotta start getting the kids to tune in.
It was cool meeting Jordan Harvey, he will b!e performing at The Jam at the Junction on May 16th.
It was fun meeting Tammy at Tammy's Bakery in Laingsburg. She recognized my voice and asked me if I was "MJ" on WITL, I said "Yes, I am. I've heard amazing things about your restaurant". She replied with a smile and a tour of her digs. This place is awesome.
That one time the band 12/OC stopped by the morning show and I threw raw tuna at them. Look carefully at what is being held in their hands. That was a blast, they will be back in town on May 16th.
JR, afternoons on WITL needed another pic. Here we are smiling.
Then comes the time at the Lansing Center when 80's rock fans came together for Hairball. Damn, I wish I could grow my hair like my wig.
Hooking fans up with tickets to their favorite artists is a fun gig. I love seeing people smile and the gratitude is felt from each and everyone of you.
Currently Dawn Steele is co-hosting with me in the morning on WITL. Fun fact, Dawn and I graduated from rival high schools. We didn't know each other back home. She started radio on high school and I used to listen to her. Fast forward 30+ years and we are having a blast waking you up on WITL.
Thank you so much for reading this. Thank you for being a listener. Thank you to all that started with me back in the day on the Edge that have grown up with me, I've grown up with you too. I am having a blast. I look forward to meeting you and catching up on the street with old friends.
Wildlife At The Radio Station
