Why radio?
I like how radio is an ever-changing and interesting way to interact with people. And it’s subversive! You listen to the radio in your car, or maybe at work (streaming ‘CLZ at your desk, maybe?), sometimes with full-on attention, sometimes just barely hearing it. It’s a good motivator and a good mood-setter. And despite the advent of satellite and internet radio, I don’t think the local aspect of terrestrial radio is ever going to be trumped. When you listen to ‘CLZ and hear a jock talking about walking down Commercial Street in Portland, you can relate – They’re probably picturing Dimillo’s, or $3 Deweys, or the ferry terminal, just like you.
Why CLZ?
They were willing to hire me; please direct all complaints and lavish compliments to management.
That aside, ‘CLZ really is a different station. Like you, I’m getting introduced to artists and songs I’ve never heard before as I have the opportunity to play them on the radio. ‘CLZ plays artists I really enjoy – Ben Folds, Ray Lamontagne – and mixes them up with stuff that evokes an emotional connection (anything from the early-to-middle ‘90s takes be back to high school.) The station really does offer something for everyone.
What would people be most surprised to learn about you?
Yeesh…a question like this puts the spotlight on what a vanilla life I lead. I guess it’s that I’ve been working in radio for over 20 years. I’m in my mid-thirties; I started interning at a local station when I was a sophomore in high school. There are very few constants in my life that’ve lasted that long.
Other than that, the most interesting thing I can come up with is a job I had in college in Boston; I was a valet. Name a $250,000 sports car, and I’ve driven it!
What was your first concert?
I saw Yes at the former Great Woods (now the Xfinity Center) when I was…maybe 13? Dad’s a big prog-rock fan – he’s seen them a few dozen times. Favorite concert was back there when it was the Tweeter Center to see the J. Geils Band in 1999.
TV Shows you can’t miss?
Sue and I subsist entirely on Netflix, and I can never get enough of How It’s Made. There’s something endlessly fascinating to me about the genesis of everyday products. (Sue goes in more for the English detective stuff.)
What’s your favorite place in Maine?
I love bicycling along the Greenway from Bug Light in South Portland to Wainwright Farm in Scarborough. It’s a great ride, mostly off the road. It’s nice having all this great outdoor stuff around, you know?
What is your secret talent?
I’m good at crossword puzzles. I was a voracious reader as a kid, and I’m great with language to this day.
