I've Worked Here Three Years and All I've Gotten Is This Lousy T-Shirt

Today (April 12^th 2013) marks my three year anniversary with WSLP and North Country Radio…I was 23 when I slid into the role of Morning show host…I was scared, I was so nervous  leading to one listener commenting  “You sound like you’re on crack…I love you but can’t keep up with you.” Since then I’d like to believe I’ve mellowed…Maybe it’s because of all the hats I wear, or just the comfortable groove I’ve hallowed out in studio chair but as I think about it...Likely it’s the t-shirts.

The international currency for broadcasting should be t-shirts in my humble opinion.. If that was the case no broadcaster would go hungry, they would all live in lavish houses, have fast cars and Radio would be the most lucrative business of all time. Since I started working in radio (with Radio Disney in 2005) I’ve developed quite the collection.  Most of them haven’t seen the light of day for  months, some see work pretty regularly…

The other day I was looking through this collection and realized how much more they were than pieces of cloth…The significance behind the shirt is more than just something that covers your body, it covers your soul, your passion, your path. From my first ever Radio Disney T-Shirt, to my much loved and worn Curry College WMLN t-shirt, to the shirt I’m wearing right now a Forrest green T from last years I Love BBQ and Music Festival here in Lake Placid.  These shirts tell a story.. My story, a story  that I’ve shared with so many people .

Never give up the chance at a free shirt. It’s more a symbol than a shirt. It will tell your path, it will keeping  those unspeakable  moments fresh in your mind. With every wash the stains may come out, but those feelings won’t.  Maybe you met a listener and saw the impact you made in their eyes? Maybe that shirt represents a moment where you saw a community come together for the common good of each other?  Maybe just maybe, that shirt symbolizes just how much you’ve grown?  I’m not just talking about going from a Small to a XL. 

I know in the span of time 3 years is nothing…What’s another year? However I really need to thank some people and I hate to single out anyone.  Please excuse the vagueness  as many make an impact daily…But here’s just a short list of thank you’s I have been meaning to put out lately.

God, he/she  knows why.

My family and my friends…For keeping me in check, rooted and clear in what is most important, being honest in self and action

The communities of the Tri-Lakes, Adirondacks, and the world via Twitter/Facebook: I’ve been able  to reach so many people and so many people have been able to reach me that care about community and are interested in starting mornings off with a smile  and a celebration wherever they may be.

Jim, James, Bonnie, John, Jon, Harley, Angie, Boz and everyone else here at North Country Radio who I’ve shared so many amazing moments with, laughs, and once in awhile a tear or two. It’s amazing what a small determined group can do.

The radio people in my life that inspire me, that guide me, these talents are so awe inspiring , uber  creative and  most of all passionate. Some who have reached out to me, in some pretty tough times and helped me elevate my game.  Some have no clue, others you know exactly who you are…

Cheers !! and I’ll be sending out the commemorative T-shirts tomorrow. 

Failing with Style

In my life, I’ve never failed.

I’ll make that claim right now, maybe it’s because of my own personal philosophy and definition of what failing is, or maybe it’s because I continuously feel like a failure…and I know the difference between being and feeling. In any case I am putting it out there, I’ve never failed…but maybe I need too? Maybe we need too and maybe I/we already have?

 

This April I will be celebrating 3 Years at WSLP serving the Tri-Lakes of the Adirondacks.. In that time I've done some amazing things that have surprised people and myself… I've grown so much as a personality and a talent…In that time we've added a new station,  a new title, and another full Morning show live and… solo.. I don’t think anyone would see this and say “Varga, way to fail.” Inside it’s another story.

The new station isn’t going as well as we would like. I am making educated guesses, working on my untested philosophy, in my new PD role, to some success as those who listen like it, but the sales aren't matching the comments and the sneaky sense of failure rears it’s head. At the same time WSLP is suffering a tad, making things seem worse… failure seems more subtle now.

I've been trying to find inspiration to be honest…As I talk with other talents, and read blogs, I've come to realize that insecurity and failure is rampant in Radio right now. With the changing landscape, new technologies, aging talent pool and the bigger problem that goes un-discussed, on how to tap into the younger generation …Failure is in the back of many in the industry’s minds not just my own. So what should we do? LET’S GO TO DISNEYWORLD!

Yes, let’s go to  Disneyworld! Not only because I think we would have fun, I’d give you whip lash on the teacups and walking around with a turkey leg sounds amazing right now…The real reason for our trip however is to see a place built brick by brick because of failure. If it wasn't for the failure this magical place would not exist. It’s amazing to see all the failures and adversity Walt had to overcome. Disney had one thing others didn't: The insight to overcome failure.

The truth is that Radio will fail. However as an industry we need to have that insight, and that ability to strategize and understand that because we have failed does not mean we are done…It means we have another opportunity to do better, to build, to achieve the dream and continue this amazing tradition. Embracing that you will fail, I believe makes you far from a failure. Personally my trip didn’t make me any less afraid of failing but it did prepare me for it…Whatever happens here, in my life professionally, personally, whatever happens as an industry it will happen…Embrace it. Take a moment to have the insight to learn, from the lumps and bruises and rise up, so you can dive head first again, and again and again till the goal, the dream is achieved.

Out of my trip to Disney I wanted to share with you quickly my vision for “Radio Varga” Soon I will launch RadioVarga.Com a website filled with great people and resources for young radio broadcasters. I plan on interviewing and showing off great young talents, that I have the pleasure of knowing to share their stories. Highlighting established talents willing to help and mentor the next generation, and a resource page filled with great people willing to help young (and old) talents achieve their dream. In the future I’m also planning on posting jobs specifically for those looking to break into broadcasting. I hope to have this up by the end of April! Look for that, and if you want to connect with me about it shoot me an e-mail PaulVargaRadio-at-gmail.com.

Please share and comment if it so fits you and to paraphrase Buzz Lightyear…Fail with style today and always live and love some life!