April 19, 2024

What fascinating experience truly inspired you?

Matt Johnson, WPLW: Whenever I travel to a new place I can find inspiration. Whether it’s internationally, across the country, or just a new part of town – I can find inspiration in new, novel circumstances!

Mike O’Donnell, WKRZ: My wife and I drove and then hiked up to one of the highest points on Mt. Elbert in Colorado and it was amazing how serene it was that high up looking down over civilization and being so close to the majestic, deep blue sky. We were in awe, and it was truly an “oh wow!” moment.

Brian Mack, iHeartMedia: Being in lock down for a year plus during the pandemic gave me some real perspective on business, entrepreneurship, and my relationships most of all. I’ve really made some serious adjustments to my priorities, my spending, investing in so many meanings of the words.

Alex Tear, SiriusXM / Pandora: Marriage!

 


Toby Knapp, WASH: Standing in Walt Disney’s office at the Burbank Studios. The dreams which happened in those two offices – the public office and his private office – truly did change the world. Some dream of doing the impossible and others, like Walt, found it to be “kinda fun to do the impossible” and in doing so, those wild, insane, crazy, abnormal dreams came true. That’s living, to me, anymore. Dreaming big dreams and finding the people who can help make them come true, one dream at a time. In the time I have left, I hope I can make that sort of impact.

Lee Abrams, mediavisions: Way back it was the first time I listened to radio, first time I saw 2001, and my first exposure to Yes. More recently it’s the Sphere.

Buster, WIOQ: My first sold-out concert that I put together WiredFest.

Bob Patrick, WXLK: My 11th Grade firld trip to Eagle 106/Philadelphia. It’s why I’m in radio.

Jonathan Shuford, WRVW: When I initially got to Nashville, I did a backstage interview with Ben Folds while he was touring. We talked about the book that had written, his music process, and I walked away thinking, I love that guy! To hear the way he thinks was fascinating and for a moment I decided I was going to be a songwriter, but that never worked out for me. The experience was really great.

Adam Rivers, WKCI / WKSS: The Super Bowl honestly. Greatness.

Danny Ocean, WSBG: Being a PD at WKCI in New Haven on 9/11/2001. Changed our world forever!!

Java Joel, WHBC: The birth of my son, 1/11/13. And spray cheese in a can, New Years Eve, 1981. Ironically, the first day I heard “Shake It Up” by the Cars. I’m not kidding.

Jon Zellner, iHeartMedia: Seeing the impact our radio stations and talent have when our listeners help us raise money for worthy causes. There have been too many to mention anything specific, but it’s a good reminder about why we do what we do every day.

Rick Vaughn, KENZ: Reading Chuck Yeager’s book.

R Dub!, Z90/Magic 92.5: Listening to some amazing radio and personalities when I was a kid obviously inspired me to get into the business. And traveling solo to Brasil as a young man also inspired me. Those were ten of the best days of my life and jump started a passion for travel that remains unquenched.

Kevin Kash, WMZQ: My first radio gig in a major market at DC101. It inspired me to continue to learn and improve my talents. On a personal level, having children was pretty darn fascinating, too!

Dom Theodore, Radio Animal Media Strategies: For me, that’s easy, the realization that someone was willing to donate a kidney to save my life has inspired me to not waste another day.

Guy Zapoleon, Zapoleon Consulting: I’ve had several holy roller experiences where the spirit went through me. I met my wife through a mutual friend because I prayed for Him to bring the right person into my life, after multiple wrong choices. Plus, multiple career choices working for the right people when the other choices would have sent me down the wrong path. I also survived a near death experience when I was run off the freeway. Looking back these only happened because He had his hand on my life.

Brian Check, iHeartMedia: Years ago, I took a training course modeled after what the Navy Seals have to complete. I was the oldest person in the group…and I’m no Navy Seal…ouch! But it really inspired me to take better care of myself.