10 Questions with ... Kasper

1. Please begin by giving us a brief career synopsis…

WHOT/Youngstown: Intern to board-op to weekender to Asst. MD/Weekday overnights
WBZZ/Pittsburgh: Weekends (while full-time at HOT)
WRTS/Erie: APD/MD/Nights
WXLK/Roanoke: MD/Afternoons
WAKS/Cleveland: MD/Nights, APD/MD/Afternoons
WIOQ/Philadelphia: Afternoons
WRVQ/Richmond: APD/MD/Afternoons
WUSN/Chicago: Afternoons

2. What have you been up to most recently?

Unfortunately due to COVID-19 budget cuts, I’m on the beach for the second time in my career. I’m extremely proud of the ratings I had in my daypart here at US*99 in Chicago but more so the connection I built with our audience and within the community.

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

There wasn’t a pandemic going on the last time I was on the beach but it ultimately all worked out and I’m confident it will this time too. I know the content I create both as an on-air talent and on socials as well as my programming background would make me a valuable asset to any team. It’s just a matter of finding the right one and hoping they’ll have me! I also can’t say enough how beneficial working out during all of this is. Running, walking and weightlifting is a great way to clear your head, it keeps me on my A-game every day.

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

Our yard has never looked so good! Also Warzone. Lots of Warzone. (Hi fellow gamers!) Seriously, the silver lining to this is all the extra time I get to spend with my daughters. They’re ages 9, 7 and 5 and they get to have me as their full-time “e-learning teacher” right now. My wife Krissy also loves all the cooking I’m doing - especially when I make my world-famous crockpot chili! Okay, I’m the only one that calls it world famous but maybe I’ll include the recipe later in the interview and you can try it for yourself.

One thing I decided I needed to do from the get-go was maintain a high profile during my “down-time”. I just started hosting a weekly throwback feature on the syndicated “Weekend Throwdown with Jagger”. I’m also now part of Sun Broadcasting Group’s new “Personality On Demand” voicetracking line-up. You may have also seen me lose on the Radio Friends edition of Bobby Bones’ “Super Easy Trivia” game show. (Sorry Rhode Island, I forgot you were a smaller state than Delaware! Oops.) Finally, I’m putting together a specialty weekend show that I plan to offer to stations in the next couple weeks which will hopefully lead to syndication. I’m really excited about it and details are on the way!

5. 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.

No one in radio can ever truly “listen like a listener” but I’ve certainly had my share of moments of radio clarity over the past month and a half. It’s interesting sitting on the sidelines and reacting to talk breaks, promos, etc. like a listener would. Needless to say it’s gotten me very inspired and motivated.

6. Do you plan on sticking with radio?

Absolutely.

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

4 months and it felt like an eternity!

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

Networking and persistence! Show the passion you have for your craft and your willingness to always learn.

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

I’ve had a lot of friends in the business reach out to let me know about openings these past few weeks, so again I can’t say enough about the importance of networking.

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

I’m definitely open to several possibilities. Mornings? Afternoons? A return to programming? Let’s talk!

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

Kasper’s World Famous Crockpot Chili
1 lb lean ground turkey or beef
Kidney beans (1 can)
Black beans (and/or) pinto beans (1 can)
¾ jar marinara sauce
¾ jar mild salsa
1 cup frozen corn
½ raw onion, diced
1 cup water
1 tablespoon chili powder

Brown the meat in a large pan, drain, return meat to pan and season with chili powder.

Combine all the ingredients together in a crockpot, set to high and let cook for about 5 hours. Serve and enjoy!