10 Questions with ... Chelsea Castoria

Please begin by giving us a brief career synopsis…

I have been in radio since stumbling upon a job at a campus radio station at 18. I fell in love with it. The music, the vibe, everything. I have worked in radio in Mississippi, Memphis, Oklahoma, and most recently Florida. I have voice tracked for stations all over the country and was even a syndicated personality for a while. I have been on pretty much every format except Country. I love Top 40 and Alt Rock radio the most because it’s always up to date with the times and ever evolving. My favorite thing about being on the radio is connecting with a community. If you aren’t connecting, you aren’t doing radio right.

1. What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and to stay motivated?

I feel like this is something you have to work on day by day. It seems like more radio people are losing their jobs to automation. I personally find an outlet in podcasting and blogging. It’s there for me creatively and it's something that I control. It’s not there for people to pick apart or rate, it’s just there for me and my peace of mind.

2. How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?

I am involved with a local dog rescue organization. I foster dogs with them and am using my audio/video skills to help get them adopted.

3. Some people get discouraged or enlightened with the business when they actually step out of it for a while. Tell us your observations from the outside.

Lord I feel like this will get me in trouble down the line. Radio’s main issue right now is that it’s suffocating itself. Radio is supposed to be the medium where local celebrities are created. The more automation and syndication become the norm, the less likely you are to have LIVE AND LOCAL talent in studio and that’s just a huge bummer. There’s also a big issue with people being in management positions that still think radio should be done like it was in the ‘80s/’90s. They don’t cultivate talent like they used too and sometimes can be so out of touch with the times that they hinder your connection with the audience.

4. Do you plan on sticking with radio?

I’m a radio person. Even when I want to quit, I can’t do it. I would love to find myself at another station, bonding with another market. I love the chance to wake up every day and talk to my friends while they are working or driving home. I just know that I have to know my worth and value wherever I end up next.

5. What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?

One year. I had a bad exit out of a station and decided to up and move to a new state. I worked at a taproom for that whole year. It was a lot of fun, but I found myself itching to be behind a microphone again.

6. What's the best way to get your foot in the door?

Apply to be on a street team! Every restart I have had in radio had to do with just getting in the door. Most stations are always hiring street team members so this is an easy gig to land. From there you can get to know the shot callers and showcase your talents where needed. Always be seen and always make sure they know what you want out of your employment there.

7. What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?

All Access and a couple of radio Facebook groups. It really is all about who you know in this business. Make friends wherever you can.

8. What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?

I sent a PD a card that said “Congrats on the new job” with instructions for him to give it back to me once he hired me. HE DID.

9. What is the next job you'd like to obtain?

I would like to be MD/afternoons at an Alt Rock station ideally. I would also love the opportunity to be part of an on air radio team. I have been wanting to build something for years and am so ready for someone to give me a chance too. I love Rock radio but would welcome really any format. Every new opportunity is a chance to grow as a person and talent.

10. Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?

I think the joke in radio is always the salary. Most talent is grossly underpaid. I am now secure in myself to know what is appropriate for the market size and what value I bring to any team I join.

Care to contribute a recipe for our "On The Beach" cookbook?

SHRIMP BOIL

• Shrimp (1 lb per 2 people)
• Cajun Sausage
• Corn
• Mushrooms
• Red taters
• ½ orange
• 1 Garlic clove
• Old Bay

Directions: Fill boil pot with water. Add salt. Add corn, potatoes, garlic, old bay and ½ orange. Boil 15-20 min. Add mushrooms and sausage. Boil another 15 min. Add shrimp. Boil another 10-15 min til they are pink. Remove from water, dump in pan, sprinkle with more Old Bay and ENJOY!