10 Questions with ... Spence

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I was part of the morning show on 98.5 KLUC for the past billion years or so. But, back in the day, I went to National Broadcasting School in Sacramento, California. That earned me a job in Burney, CA (somewhere between Mt. Shasta & Mt. Lassen) working both morning and afternoon drive on a classic country. My tour of least desirable Northern California cities then took me to Yuba City and Chico before earning the right to move to Yakima, WA (The Palm Springs of Washington, if you don’t know.) Spent a little time as production director at KBKS/Seattle before taking the same job at KLUC a few years later. I fell in love with Vegas and have been here ever since.

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

Truth or not, they always say a shark dies if it stops swimming. Keep creating, I guess; creating content, keeping the blade sharp, writing and producing is the only thing I know. Honestly, the only thing I can do right now. Trust me, it gets tough. But I feel connected to the business and hopeful that I can get back in by continuing to produce bits, songs, podcasts and videos. Keep posting. Keep moving forward.

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

I have an amazing group of friends that I try to throw back whiskeys with as much as possible. Among them, Cat Thomas (Entercom/St. Louis), JB King (Entercom/Vegas) and Shawn Tempesta (Mix 94.1/Vegas) have really helped in staying connected to radio. Honestly, sitting around talking shop, means everything to me. Also, did I mention whiskey?

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

I will you say, you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. I assume that’s a typical observation. There’s an energy at a radio station. There’s a creative vibe and you can really feed off. Some think radio is gasping for air right now, in many ways it is, but I will always believe in the power of its creativity and connectivity with one’s local community. I hope we don’t lose sight of how important our medium can be.

4. Do you plan on sticking with radio?

Gawd, I hope so. I’ve been doing it since I was 18. I have no other discernible skills. One buddy has offered me a chance to be a paralegal. So, ya know, I’ve got that going for me.

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

You’re looking at it. Coming up on 8 months. Yikes, I really should do something with my life.

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

Of course, All Access has been exceptionally helpful. But, word of mouth is essential. If you haven’t already, build that network of people in the industry. It may be the best resource for jobs.

7. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to get a job?

I can’t say that I have done anything crazy really. I will say that upon losing my job, I happened to come face-to-face with a president of programming. I introduced myself. I firmly took his hand, shook it, looked him in the eye and said, “I know you have 200+ radio stations. I have to believe there’s a spot for someone like me.” Now, it hasn’t paid off yet. But I pester this person weekly. (And if you’re that person reading this, I’m not stopping until you hire me.)

8. What’s the next job you’d like to obtain?

Back to mornings, man. I’d love to work on a collaborative team. Everyone brings their own ideas and suggestions and you work together to find the gold. A place where everyone leaves their egos at the door for the good of the show. I’m cool with whatever that role is, but I love brainstorming an idea and hearing it come to fruition on the air. When it’s good. It’s so good!

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

Financially, radio is struggling with COVID and all. I suspect incomes will continue downward. You just have hope for the best. Get in there show them what you’re worth. With any opportunity if you bust your ass and get results, the money will come.

10. Care to contribute a recipe for our “On The Beach” cookbook

One box Velveeta Shells & Cheese. The good stuff with the silver bag of cheese goo. Cook it like normal…a little less on the boiling so the shells are al dente. Then take a can of tuna, drain it, dump it in the pot. Stir. OMG, the greatest 2,500 calories in your life. BTW, Don’t put it in a bowl. Do it right. Eat it out of the pot with a wooden spoon. You should be able to finish the pot in the time it takes to watch one episode of “The Office.”