Be a Simple Kind of Broadcaster

Today I write to you as a humbled person…as a simple man. Being in the public eye, it’s easy to get an overinflated ego, making it easy to forget why you are behind a microphone in the first place… Maybe I am over stepping, but let’s be honest , if went into Radio just for yourself…you’re in it for the wrong reason…because the impact that you can have is something that you can’t even phantom, and honestly sitting in a little soundproof room you can forget. So what is my purpose in radio well among many ..

 October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month, and yesterday (Oct 2nd) was declared a day to talk, to shed light on this silent epidemic, that claims many victims and because of the taboo nature casts many survivors to the void of silence…. One of my goals in my career is to not forget what that pain felt like, the pain of suffering in silence. Growing up in a voice crushing domestic violence situation I’ve been on a mission to never let that happen again. On Oct 2nd I decided to do something a little different beyond me just saying I’m a survivor and throwing out some links..I decided to tell a story…my story… my mother’s story.

 The Interview is below…

                                  My Mom (Joan) and I at her surprise 50th Birthday July 2011

The response was nothing short of breath taking and brings tears to my eyes as I write this…immediately a listener called to share her support, the podcast of was circulated and many survivors and groups reached out to tell me what it meant to them. It made me think about what it was like to be a little boy, that shell of what a little boy should be, filled with anger, hurt and pain and how much life I lost feeling that way. Now as an adult, happy, mostly mentally stable and most importantly safe, living a dream I didn’t see why I was getting the accolades I did because honestly how irresponsible would it be if I stayed quiet?

As you continue your career in radio, or broadcasting or maybe just living life, I urge you not to settle for silence whatever that cause is…Your listeners, your family your friends your co-workers might you’re your voice because these causes because these people you interact with daily are climbing that same mountain that you have climbed, to get where you are now.

 So SHOUT! Shout from your peak and raise your voice! Your echo will lift people climbing that same mountain and point them to the top… Allowing them to achieve and have a chance, to have the opportunity to breathe what it’s like to be at the top.

 I listen to Lynyrd Skynyrd “Simple Man” a lot …and today as a young broadcaster, or old broadcaster I ask you to be something you love and understand, to have conviction, to stand up for a cause, and be humbled, be a simple kind of broadcaster… If you want to find out more about domestic violence, I urge you to check out the following links:

National Domestic Violence Hotline

NoMore.org a Social Campaign to break the cycle

National Coalition to End Domestic Violence

 I also want to take this time to thank Kim Wells the Executive Director of the Corporate Alliance to end partner violence for being an amazing beacon for survivors and victims’ alike… Please connect with her if you want an amazing interview..

CAEPV Website
 
CAEPV on Facebook

I also want to thank fellow broadcasters, friends and family who wore purple to support victims and survivors of domestic violence…Including Jadd Naamani of Kiss 108 in Boston …Mike Cross one of my best friends in Clifton Park, Phil Carr and Chris Dawson of the Tri City Valley Cats in Troy NY and just overall good people...Michael Berthiaume a golfer extraordinaire, Kellie Schramek a hair stylist and an amazing ex business partner of mine , Laura Lachell of correctional eyecare and also an amazing friend, Becky Coon-Ryan aka Radar looked amazing in purple and everyone else who wore a purple, a little bit or a whole bunch…the light you shed, was amazing… Thanks for reading and I hope you continue the conversation that was started today…

Running On Empty

“When’s the last time you took a vacation?”

“Does a long weekend count?” I replied to our 17 year old summer intern.

“Long weekend doesn’t count,  nor going to visit your parents, or going to weddings or anything like that…When’s the last time you took a vacation? Like a full week, like 7 days?”

Her question was easy enough, it shouldn’t have taken me so long to answer.. .A full week? It seemed so foreign to even think about.  I didn’t even take the day after Christmas off. In 2012, I took that long weekend for my friend’s wedding in July…but a full week? Never in my radio career…ever.

Lately I’ve been working a lot…Even my dog has given me the eye as to say “Varga slow your roll”.  It’s really ground me down. I’ve been feeling so insecure about things lately.  My performance, my personal and professional relationships, my career direction all have been sources of sleepless nights…At times the thought has even past my mind.. “Am I burnt out”?

My worst fear, one that I had coming out of college, to be not even 26 and be burnt out. To be full of talent but be so fried you’re thrown on the scrap heap, because you’re “Damaged”.  It’s a hard feeling, the feeling that your dream won’t be realized, that your path might end right there in-front of your eyes.  It’s a feeling that can send you into a tailspin into depression, a feeling that can put you into a place that pushes people away, and unknowingly, YOU push yourself onto that scrap heap before anyone else has the opportunity to.

Self-defeat, we’ve talked about it sinking you as a young broadcaster…It’s everywhere…When you’ve been overworked,  when you look at your paycheck and your  debt and shake your head because you know this dream isn’t paying it down fast enough.  When your friends invite you to go out but you can’t because you don’t have it in your budget, and you have to work in the morning anyway even if it was.  This is where the self-defeat, the questions, the feelings of being burnt out creep in muddying your brain making you think your path isn’t there that your dream isn’t obtainable…

It takes a strong person to admit that they aren’t at the top of their game, that something is wrong. Especially when you’re a young broadcaster trying to prove yourself trying every day to show you belong.  However just by being you and putting the tough work in, saying yes when other’s say no, and going above and beyond your situation will prove it, but you need to consider this.. You can’t say yes, you can’t go above and beyond without giving yourself a chance to recharge.

Just like your phone you need to take time to recharge.  Some people have bigger batteries than others, it happens it’s life. So know the size of your battery and just because I haven’t taken a full on VK in 2 and half years ish and just now feeling empty, doesn’t mean that’s appropriate about you.  So please find your balance…but no matter the size of your battery find a way to recharge it…If you’re like me, you can’t take a full fledge vacation because of budget and life restrictions this is where little moments will help zap a little life into your battery.

 Get a dog, and walk your dog, don’t bring your cell phone,  just go out and have some one on one time with this animal that doesn’t care if you messed up at work, or that you’re stressed all they care about is that you love them and they are outside.  The key to this is getting outside, getting some natural vitamins…encounter some beautiful women or men…and let’s be honest the fresh air does wonders to shake of the nasty smells that pop up in the studio.  If you have a cat and feel compelled to walk it, I dig weird but be prepared for those beautiful women or men to laugh at you.

Secondly, Interact with your listeners…Get to know them, when appropriate even feel free to hug them. Take in that excitement they have because they see you, or they won a prize or something and use it a little bit for you. It’s amazing boost when you  meet a listener and they tell you about their lives and all of a sudden you realize you’re not even close to the point you thought you were…It’s quite amazing and will strengthen your relationships with your listeners too.

Thirdly, Don’t go it alone, I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before. But open yourself up to trust peers. It’s not weak to share your feelings, and when you being to talk with other professionals it truly shows how you aren't the only one with 100 bricks on your back.  So whether it’s through twitter, e-mail, facebook message, don’t hesitate to reach out and connect but as you speak, remember it’s a two way street and listening is just as important.

And finally, If you don’t have a lot of money in your pocket like myself…Put aside any unbudgeted money you get for yourself. Maybe it’s just going out to dinner, or going out for a night with friends and just seeing where it takes you…Although be responsible and take a page from Prince Harry, you’re still in the public light…and you have to work in the morning.  

A Bright Spark

I’ve been thinking about writing this blog post all day, about someone I didn’t even know yet have all day felt the pain of her loss, to the point I’ve choked up a time or two, and as I write this my eyes have begun to water. I’m talking about Young broadcaster and victim of last night’s tragedy in Aurora Colorado Jessica (Ghawi ) Redfield  …

                                                                                                    via Twitter (@JessicaField)

Her Blog: Jessica's Blog

I didn’t know Jessica  ; What I simply want to say  in plain terms is that she was a spark.  Just reading her words, I felt that spark. Looking at her tweets I’ve felt that spark…and seeing  the impact she left on everyone she touched she lit something in them. From the first tweet making me aware of who she was to the countless mentions from friends, family and random strangers such as myself on twitter, that was evident.

Today Jessica touched many people, she was able to connect with heart, in the most realest sense, even after being  taken away in the most unreal… the most senseless way possible.  As a young broadcaster myself, I immediately identified with Jessica’s passion. You could see it in her photo’s, in the path she was taking, and the connections that she focused on and obviously cherished. There’s no telling where Jessica’s path would have taken her, one can only assume it was to success…but as I write this tonight, I can’t help to feel that she has succeeded, not in the way she should have by being the next great sports reporter  but instead she has succeeded in showing other young broadcasters how do it right.

She certainly did it right, she wore her passion on her sleeve for everyone to see. She decided to leap when others would have skidded to a stop at the edge.  She trusted her gut, and because of that she garnered the respect from others. In your career follow Jessica’s foot steps. ..Don’t be afraid to take those chances, wear your passion on your sleeve, be honest, be real,  and do whatever it takes. Make sure that you are following the path you want, no matter if it’s smooth, rocky or full of thorns.  Be a spark no matter what level you are at, there’s no telling who you can ignite to help them and there’s no telling who will stoke your spark into a flame. Today Jessica, stoked my spark and I will make sure to carry that with me on my path…it’s a shame it had to be this way.

As the sun sets on this day full of emotions, confusion and pain…I don’t have anything else to say, except to Jessica’s family and friends whose long journey of grief has just begun…Thank you for being pillars and supporting her. I can’t even begin to understand how you feel…but please take solace in the fact Jessica’s spark will never be lost, and it will be shining bright for ages. 

Let's Get Personal, Person-al

Could you imagine if you couldn’t speak, not being able to communicate in anyway?  Being a young broadcaster, a tweeter, a touter, a midnight facebook stalker you would probably explode in about a minute. As broadcasters it’s our jobs to communicate, but where is the line of how much we do share?

When I first got to WSLP I gotta admit, I didn’t share much of my own life…I had a thick black line that separated my life from, private and public. Even going as far as to make a separate Listener only facebook page, a fan page to ensure that thick black line was never crossed…I made a list of things that I would expose that I would talk about often. I stuck to those topics pretty closely when I would talk about myself.  As a Young Broadcaster I had this idea of personal and public life being different, but in reality I should have been embracing that personal life. It makes for great public life stories, because people have lived those same events. Blog post done right? Wrong! No matter  how many people tell me I am wrong, and no matter how I want to be wrong I still feel there needs to be a boundary all be it to be a boundary a porous one. How did I come to this conclusion, I put some of my thoughts together that may be able to help you along.

Post it, Speak it:

Social media is your best friend as a broadcaster…It allows you to be connected almost 24/7 with your peers, friends, and fans…It’s an amazing way to extend your audience. Many talents see it as separate from their on-air personality…In reality it’s not.  The moment you step behind a microphone and open your mouth you start building a brand.  I urge you to see yourself as a brand and conduct yourself online and on-air, as close to the same as possible…This will allow you to move back and forth effectively and being able to connect, take subjects from On-Air to Online and visa versa. Don’t post something, you’re not able to back up On-Air.  So if you bitch on Social Media, about your  station, your love life, etc be prepared to talk about it…What’s that you say your bosses wouldn’t like that? You’ve already broadcasted it…

Hurdle Races are rarely run alone:

I had a hard time adjusting when I first came to WSLP I would never talk about anything bad. If something bad happened in my life, I would be tight lipped, and act my way out of it…Lately it feels right after my 25^th Birthday real life issues have snuck themselves into my life and have weighed heavily on me. Figuring out how to get rid of massive debt from school, family and friends dying…And this past weekend my dog needing surgery after getting into it with one of my sisters dogs. Now everything I’ve listed still happened before my 25^th birthday, but what’s the difference? The way I talked about it, I actually shared it with my listeners, before it’d be behind the deep black line, where it was protected by my own childish need for privacy. Instead this time I shared…Hey this happened, it’s on my mind…Has this ever happened to you? It made for one of my best shows as it went down roads about how to break up a dog fight, and get the conversation going, it also let me share with my listeners something about me. The response? Well let’s just say it’s hard not to keep your voice from cracking and eyes watering when a caller says they are deep concerned about your dog, and have been praying for her every night…along with others stopping me, calling me asking how she is. It helps, connect you with those listeners.  If your hurdle is that you were dumped and you want to share your secrets and talk directly to that person that hurt you because they won’t answer your texts, calls or whatever…Yeah keep that to yourself, Feel free to talk about your break up, it’s not a bad show idea, people face rejection but keep, names, specifics and FCC regulated words out of it.

Finally

Respecting Privacy:

This one is a big one for me…As an Air-Talent people will trust you, for some odd reason they will just open up their lives and tell you things you never wanted to know until you did. It’s an amazing power, and I am resisting a cliché here but you see where I am going… Having this trust from others means you have do your best to keep their situation out of your show directly but maybe  use it for inspiration on topics, be aware some of your listeners are struggling with X, run a PSA, or talk about it generally. Not only might this reach the person in need who shared with you, but also people who would never say a thing. I urge you to look in your own communities and find resources that you can direct people too. Most importantly Suicide prevention, Drug/addiction counseling/help …Domestic Violence prevention and help…Plus the non-emergency Police, Fire and EMS numbers, it could save a life or just continue to cement you as a community resource. All will help you as you continue to create and mold yourself and your brand.

Making my boundary from a thick black line to a porous meniscus has been a work in progress…I’m still doing my best. I still don’t talk about some things On-Air, and I’ve chatted with some talents who would disagree with having a boundary at all and let everything fly. It’s up to you to know your audience and know your own comfort level.  As a young broadcaster you will always be learning, always be growing and honestly this is one you have to find out for yourself…but do yourself a favor and work towards getting personal, person-al. 

The Laundromat

This past week I’ve been feeling a little nostalgic, It’s been 3 years since I graduated Curry College, and I’ve seen many tweets and posts from those graduating. I remember that feeling, the uncertainty, the excitement, and unfortunately the love but that’s for another blog. I remember after I graduated how cocky I was, how sure I was that In a matter of weeks a station would scoop me up…I told all my friends, “Well, if I’m around when that happens…” as time ticked by yeah, I was there for that. Not only was I there for that, I helped organize it... That summer after college, was tough, I spent most my time in my boxers, trying to re-establish friendships I wasn’t even sure wanted too…and when you trying to re-establish friendships in your boxers 8 out of 10 times you won’t. What I’m trying to say is that it’s was a rough summer, and the worst part you ask? No it wasn’t my mom walking in every day asking

 “Same boxers from Tuesday eh?” When it was Friday, no it was realizing I had a tidal wave of debt, and not one radio station even giving me any love which meant…yep plan B…needless to say it, it was less than ideal…Read about that journey below …It sucks so bad I can’t even tell you..but what I can tell you is when you get that opportunity and you work your ass off, you shine in it, you own it, all with little or no praise…sometimes you’ll question yourself but one day you’ll actually be watching those boxers, in a laundry mat like I was, and have a moment that allows you to realize its worth every moment…

 Doing laundry on a Saturday night has its benefits…1. When you check in on foursquare, all your friends will see how cool you are…It shows you plan ahead, and shows your mom you’re responsible…The drawbacks, your friends will see you checked in on foursquare and laugh at you. It actually shows you had no other time during the week to do it, as you worked pretty much 10 hours every day..and shows your mom she was actually right, which is the worse but something I see happening more and more on a daily basis. However the main truthful real benefit is that on a Saturday night you’re alone, you get the machines you want, you’re in and out, simple. Halfway through my solitary washing excursion, a blue Chevy Malibu pulls up. Out pops a woman in her 40’s. Her hair is frizzy; she’s wearing a blue shirt with blue mesh shorts bearing the Olympic logo, with blue crocs. I smile and think to myself, “They say the laundry mat is the best place to meet women.” Well it is, and to be honest I wanted to meet this women . Not for that, you sicko's but for a little research. I wanted to find out what her story was and how maybe I could apply it to the show. You can use all the show prep sheets you want, visit every website but nothing comes close about finding the pulse of your community than talking with strangers. The silence is tense between us. I didn’t identify myself…

 “What an absolutely beautiful day..” I toolishly started the conversation.

 “Why yes it was amazing” She replied… I was in, I began my covert interview…I found out in just about 20 min, that she was a single mom, her son’s name, what sports he played…How tall he was, what she thought of the team he played on and that she was adopted. Then I got personal, I asked her what the sports and traveling meant on her personal budget…Her eyes welled, as she talked about the struggle of being a single mom wanting to support her son. We went deeper talking about the struggles of guiding her son to avoid drugs and alcohol…the struggles of wanting to reach other kids who weren’t so lucky. All on a cook’s salary. She was full of pride, for her son, for her life. Wanting the best, and doing her best. I didn’t ask if she was a listener, I just sat there and listened to this unassuming super hero. Knowing there are many similar stories out there like hers… 

Our conversation lingered as I folded my clothes. Midway through folding a T-Shirt from my college radio station 91.5 WMLN..(If I’m lying I’m dying on this) she walks by and says rather bluntly “You’re on the radio aren’t you?” I smiled “Yes I do the morning show on 93-3” “I knew it! I KNEW I recognized your voice…I listen to you every morning, we work together…Well not really but every morning I listen at work...so we kind of do! ” She continued to tell me about why she liked the show, how it had the right mix of everything…How she would often tell her co-workers to shut up when I was talking… How for 2 days when we had transmitter issues how it put her in such a mood her co workers remarked

“They better get back soon, you’re miserable” I smiled and continued to thank her as I finished folding my clothes and as I walked out the door, I shook her hand and our paths diverged. I’m telling you this story not to boost my ego, but to make you aware of your words, and your presence and how much your sacrifice will matter. When people tell you that you help make their world better…It makes you think, and it allows you to grow as a personality.

 Graduates, and young broadcasters everywhere as you strive to accomplish your dreams and your goals, take the time to listen along the way…Even if you are off the mic it’s important you ask questions to feel the pulse of people around you…It’s worth it and will help give you practice for the future when you are always interacting with listeners. You can’t control your work situation and the current job market…but you can control how ready you are, to succeed when you get there. You’ll do amazing things just keep at it, and keep realistic! I hope this post helped. I can tell you I feel truly blessed to be able to call this my profession…and I know you’ll feel the same.

The Sate of the Dream 2011

State of the Dream 2011…

I originally began writing this post last night…about the state of the dream… The dream of every young broadcaster especially in radio…to know they have the ability to succeed, in their career path of choosing. The post started off really pompous and to be honest it frustrated me…I re-read and re-wrote and the phrase that always made the cut was this: The State of the dream is brittle… 2011 has been a devastating year for radio, and I am sure for TV personalities too. There have been mass layoffs, flooding the job market with experienced professionals who frankly have proved more than you have. They still have a passion to do what they do and will do just about anything to get it. Just like you..

2011 was a year that exemplified the reactionary corner that Radio has backed itself into…The industry has become so writhe with insecurity, it's had no other choice but to flee instead of fight. With a fear for not just your job but your career, the thing that puts food in your children’s mouth how can you not be insecure, and forced to become numb to your own ideas and creative thought? What knife cut that tough top layer of skin exposing that weak quivering underbelly? The answer: A large corporate apathetic culture that even some local owners have looked to as a solution. Yet none has been found.

Recently Sears announced the closing of 120 Sears and K-Mart stores...One Sears that was not in danger of closing was Sears in Saranac Lake NY…Why? Even though this store has battled poor public image, and community support for a few years, and in all honesty they should be closed but why weren't they?

They are owned locally.. They aren't part of that large corporate apathetic culture that refused to see the writing on the wall years ago and change their business model…I’m no expert on Sears but To give you an idea of what I mean.. Whirlpool stock dropped on the news of the closings because Sears stores make up 8% of their sales…That's huge! If people are buying these large ticket appliances it means people are shopping at Sears shops…So instead of seeing that and changing to encourage more of that they waited, they were bull headed, and the result? 4800 employees at least are out on the streets during the coldest time of year. I'm not being a 99%er here saying Corporations are evil…in my opinion they serve a purpose, and they serve a purpose in Radio…but the apathetic corporate culture is acting like osteoporosis causing radio…causing your dream in 2011 to become brittle So what needs to change in 2012 too strengthen Radio, to strength your dream?…Some things you can control and some things you can't.I want to believe 2012 will be different? Unfortunately without changes it will be the same as 2011.

What about bigger corporations need to get out of smaller and medium markets? They can't maintain because of their size, and corporate structure…Most other corporations have “authorized dealers” How about franchises that still give the station to web platforms and streaming utilities yet bottom lined are owned locally?

How about in 2012 we see more respect for Radio Veterans? What you must understand is that these people are your brothers and sisters, not strangers, enemies or competition. They are reaching for the same eroded footholds you are… Knowing and connecting with veterans will teach you more as your search continues.

In 2012 we need to pick a direction, and focus, already talks about High Def Radio have arose. While streaming and how to stream was never resolved…Radio has to focus!

In 2012 mother nature needs to get her act together and stop being crazy…even though in 2011 she forced Radio to shine brighter than ever before with how it responded to natural disasters around the country.
It showed that Radio was far from dead and still looked too for comfort, support and information. More stations should take pride in providing this to the communities no matter what time of year…I hope in 2012 we don’t revert back to Christmas and Easter type of industry only acknowledging the community and it’s needs 2 times a year.

Finally in 2012 one thing that will change is the dream…It’s evolved, it’s no longer good enough to have a dream, it’s not enough just to earn the dream no now you must hunt it, you must capture it and you must make it work for you. If that means working part-time right now…DO IT! If that means doing sales…DO IT! If that means you have to clean bathrooms in between breaks DO IT! Be confident, strong courageous and take that jump to own it yourself.

In closing even though the state of the dream is brittle, my fellow young broadcasters, I urge you to move forward. To still dream your dream, it’s a climb and it’s an uncertain one at that, but even just recognizing it’s still there allows you to move forward..2012 needs to be a year of progress in both industry and in self…We will have to wait and see I just hope Mayan Calendar ending didn’t also mark the end of the broadcast one.