I wanted to call your attention to some OTHER WJPZ Alumni who are doing great podcasts. In fact, we’ve got a little something for everyone. Today, in part 1, I’m going to introduce you to three podcasts hosted by WJPZ Alumni.

There’s no bigger star in the world right now than Taylor Swift – and you’d be hard pressed to find a bigger Swiftie than Molly Nelson, class of 2014. She and her best friend Ryan co-host “Hits Different,” a podcast devoted to all things Taylor, from news to theories, and many other Swiftie rabbit holes. It’s edited and produced by Molly’s husband who she met at WJPZ, Alex Brewer from the Class of 2012.

From America’s sweetheart to America’s pastime and the class of 2015’s Jeff Kurkjian. Jeff grew up with baseball, thanks in large part to his reporter father, ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian. If you love baseball, you’ll love this show, co=hosted by father and son, featuring Tim’s encylopedic knowledge, Jeff’s quick wit, and some great guests.

Finally, we turn to one of WJPZ’s “OG’s” in the world of podcasting. Stacey Simms, Class of 93. Over 8 years ago, she began hosting Diabetes Connections, a podcast dedicated to providing news and information to those with Type 1 Diabetes. She’s just launched “Diabetes Connections, Type 2” – dedicated to superserving those individuals with Type 2. It’s easy to hear her WJPZ and news chops as she tells you about the show.

Now these folks aren’t the only WJPZ alumni doing great podcasts. We’ve got more to tell you about in the spaces of true crime, comedy, and more. And if you or a WJPZ Alum you know has a podcast – be sure to let me know.

Podcast Links:

His Different: A Taylor Swift Podcast: https://linktr.ee/ithitsdiffpod

Is This a Great Game Or What: https://greatgameorwhat.com/

Diabetes Connections Type 2: https://diabetes-connections.com/diabetesconnectionstype2/

Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/

We're talking today with Matthew Reschke, also known as R Source, from the class of 2012. Matt's connection to WJPZ started in his childhood, growing up near Syracuse and engaging with the station's DJs through AOL - before even AIM.

Matthew's academic path took him from Onondaga Community College to LeMoyne College, where he first dabbled in college radio. His journey to WJPZ was not straightforward; it involved exploring different educational paths and eventually finding a flyer that led him to Z89, introducing him to a community that would significantly shape his experiences and aspirations. Working alongside notable figures like Alex Silverman and Mina Llona, Matthew found a sense of belonging and purpose within the station.

Our discussion shifts to Matthew's contributions to WJPZ, highlighting his creation of the mix show "Off The Hook." This show was a blend of local music and hip-hop, filling a gap in Syracuse's radio landscape. The segment "Bump It or Dump It" became a hallmark of his time on air, engaging listeners in a direct and interactive way. Matthew's dedication to authenticity and community engagement through his show exemplifies the impact one can have in the radio industry.

Reflecting on the broader impact of WJPZ, we acknowledge the invaluable network and learning opportunities it provides. The station is more than just a platform for broadcasting; it's a community that fosters growth, learning, and mutual support. Our conversation with Matthew underscores the importance of seizing opportunities, learning from those around us, and contributing to a community that has given us so much.

Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/

Every year, the WJPZ Alumni Association, via the Berrell Award, sends two students to an industry event. In 2023, GM Grace Denton and former sports director Joe Puccio went to Vegas for the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show. We sat down with them to hear about the experience.

We've met Grace in her previous episode with PD Maddie Doolittle. So first we meet Joe and get his background. And we hear about their summer 2023 positions- Grace at Taylor Swift's Republic Records (thanks Adam Eisenberg) and Joe at the Cape Cod Baseball League.

After coincidentally being on the same flight at Stephen "Tex" Kurtz, Grace and Joe hit the ground in Vegas running, checking out as much tech as possible from brands they knew, and some they didn't. They described themselves as "kids in a candy store" with Grace zeroing in on overall station tech and Joe focused on the sports side. But the experience was about so much more than tech.

In true Z89 networking fashion, Joe's Cape Cod League boss, WJPZ alum Dan Duva is the radio voice of the Las Vegas Golden Knights. He took Grace and Joe out for a night on the town. And while Joe wasn't yet 21, Grace had just had her birthday, which led to a wondeful wine selection.

You'll hear some great Vegas stories from Grace and Joe - from getting headshots, to receiving an invite to speak to a class in Atlanta, to eating gelato with some Citrus TV classmates who were in town for a different conference.

Overall, today's guests share what an amazing opportunity this was. This year, GM Patrick Chambers and PD Ilana Epstein will be heading to Morning Show Boot Camp in San Diego!

The WJPZ at 50 Podcast Series is produced by Jon Gay, Class of 2002, and his podcast production agency, JAG in Detroit Podcasts.

Sign up for email alerts whenever we release a new episode here: jagindetroit.com/WJPZat50

Want to be a guest on the pod or know someone else who would? Email Jag: jag@jagindetroit.com.

Want to stay in the loop with WJPZ Alumni events? Subscribe to our newsletter on the right hand side of the page at http://wjpzalumni.org/

Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/

If you don't know Adam and Kelly (Foster) Shapiro's backstory, you might assume it's yet another romance started in the halls of WJPZ. Their story, as you'll hear here, is a much different road than than other Z89 couples.

Both members of the Class of 1992, they were certainly friendly in school, and had mutual friends, but didn't spend a ton of time together outside the station. Kelly joined the promotions department, eventually working her way up to legal director. Adam was a sports guy who became assistant sports director and a talk show host.

We've referenced the late SUNY-Oswego professor John Oldfield on the podcast before, but Kelly really explains what a thorn in WJPZ's side this man was. He was always trying to have a "gotcha" moment in the middle of Z89 renewing its FCC license. This adversary, and the myriad of folks who helped the station through license renewal, would end up teaching Kelly valuable career and life lessons before graduation. In fact, history would repeat itself, in a way. Nearly a decade later, when Kelly was President of the Alumni Association, she would have a hand in getting the station through its Receievership Era, as outlined by Harry and Dena in their episode.

In this podcast, you'll hear about the remarkable careers of this Z89 power couple - with Adam producing newscasts from Syracuse to Vegas to Miami to New York. Kelly started in radio but found her home on the agency side, working for many different firms, before ultimately being recruited to work for Rolex, where she's been since 2014.

But for as successful as Adam and Kelly have been, you'll hear more today about the WJPZ family then their long list of accomplishments. This includes the now-Shapiros reconnecting at the 2000 Banquet, and developing a deep and meaningful friendship that eventually turned into more - even if there were some hilarious speed bumps along the way, including a great airplane story with a WJPZ connection.

One of the benefits of marrying someone you went to school with is that their college friends are your college friends, and Adam and Kelly share that unique perspective.

John Oldfield Obituary: https://news.syr.edu/blog/2009/07/31/college-mourns-passing-of-professor-emeritus-john-oldfield/

The WJPZ at 50 Podcast Series is produced by Jon Gay, Class of 2002, and his podcast production agency, JAG in Detroit Podcasts.

Want to stay in the loop with WJPZ Alumni events? Subscribe to our newsletter on the right hand side of the page at http://wjpzalumni.org/

Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/

While many of us flipped burgers or bagged groceries in high school, Dave Roberts was reading the news on an AM station and (literally) herding cats as a 15 year old. When he toured Syracuse and saw the WJPZ prize van, and he met Hal Rood, Jim Remeny and more. He knew it was where he had to be.

After starting on overnights, Dave quickly climbed the ranks to news director and eventually VP of Business. That may sound like a strange trajectory, but Dave's always loved news (and meterology). And when the station was in dire financial straits, he knew he either had to write a check, or go collect checks. The first of course was not an option.

You'll hear about some WJPZ firsts in today's episode. Dave tells us how our non-commercial station managed to get beer money on the air, through a lucrative (and creative) campaign with Pabst Blue Ribbon. He also signed a sponsorship with the University's study abroad program, closing the deal in an unusual way. And at a time where NOBODY had voicemail, he helped set up the "Z89 line" - with 5 different mailboxes for contest information and more.

The real defining moment of Dave's time in Syracuse, however, was the bombing of Pan Am 103 in 1988. We chat at length about the emotion of those weeks and months, as well as the crucial role WJPZ played as an information resource for those who just couldn't wait for the evening news or the next day's newspaper. Everyone stepped up, comforted each other, and navigated the best they could.

By the time Dave graduated in 1992, Z89 had become a household name in the industry - his experience there landed him major market interviews, but he followed his passsion for meterology - and went to Ottumwa, Iowa. Then, there were stops in Missouri, Alabama, Fort Myers, Cincinnati, and Mississippi. Today's guest really fell in love with Jackson, Mississippi (before Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars did), and has made this market home. And yes, he got all his certifications along the way.

Throughout today's episode, you'll hear Dave talk about his love of Z89 and our family. And you'll also hear a great story about being trapped in Providence with Brian Lapis during a blizzard - and what happened next. And even a little bit about what WJPZ taught him about being a realtor.

The WJPZ at 50 Podcast Series is produced by Jon Gay, Class of 2002, and his podcast production agency, JAG in Detroit Podcasts.

Sign up for email alerts whenever we release a new episode here: jagindetroit.com/WJPZat50

Want to be a guest on the pod or know someone else who would? Email Jag: jag@jagindetroit.com.

Want to stay in the loop with WJPZ Alumni events? Subscribe to our newsletter on the right hand side of the page at http://wjpzalumni.org/

Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/

Kevin Tippy Martinez, '88, is the Senior Vice President of Marketing Communications for the Seattle Mariners. It's no surprise that this New Jersey native, with passions for baseball and broadcasting, found himself transferring in to Syracuse.

Once he got to SU, Martinez was actively involved with both Z89 and WAER, where he honed his skills in sports broadcasting and DJing. Not many students worked for both stations at that time, but this chief announcer made it work. He simply couldn't walk away from the sports opportunities at WAER or the incredible camaraderie at Z89. In fact, you'll love the story he tells about Carl Weinstein walking in to his shift to flip the format and imaging.

After graduation, Kevin went to the ABC Television Network in New York City, working in affiliate relations and marketing, and gradually made his way into ABC Sports. Then, Emmis Communications' Jeff Smuylan bought the Seattle Mariners. Despite being very happy near home and at ABC, the chance to work in Major League Baseball was too good to pass up.

The new marketing team took many radio ideas (including those learned at WJPZ) to do what was then some pretty innovative entertainment at Mariners' games. Custom walk-up music for hitters? It started here. And outside a brief stint with the Boston Celtics, Kevin's been with the M's for over 30 years.

Throughout the podcast, Martinez reflects on the relationships and friendships he formed during his time at WJPZ and in his professional life. These connections have been enduring and impactful. And we'd be remiss not to ask his opinions on the evolution of baseball, the importance of adapting to changing fan preferences, and the strategies employed by the Mariners to engage with their audience.

The WJPZ at 50 Podcast Series is produced by Jon Gay, Class of 2002, and his podcast production agency, JAG in Detroit Podcasts.

Sign up for email alerts whenever we release a new episode here: jagindetroit.com/WJPZat50

Want to be a guest on the pod or know someone else who would? Email Jag: jag@jagindetroit.com.

Want to stay in the loop with WJPZ Alumni events? Subscribe to our newsletter on the right hand side of the page at http://wjpzalumni.org/

Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/

Mike Roberts, Class of 1979, is one of the people who helped kept WJPZ alive in the early days. With the station's founders having graduated, Mike empowerd a team to run radio station, passing its educational lessons forward to the next generation of broadcasters.

Arriving on campus in 1975, he quickly found WJPZ 1200 AM in the Spectrum Records building and told Bill Bleyle that he wanted to be involved. In addition to his airshift, he learned how to do everything - down to changing the needles on the turntables. In the early days, the industry was noticing the station more than the locals. But soon, they had staffers working professionally in the market (WAER did not). Mike shares some stories of alumni who went on to great success.

As for Mike, he took the tight formatics he learned at WJPZ and went on to work in Syracuse himself, at WNDR (briefly) and WHEN. Eventually he went to work for Reagan Henry, where he was on to Cincinnati, and eventually Atlanta.

After turning around some small AM stations, Mike went to the top dog in a major market - becoming morning show host at the legendary urban V103 in Atlanta. They were one of the first urban stations to do a talk-centered morning show, and the first urban station to bill $1 million - monthly.

Mike shares a story about the power of radio - one of the proudest moments of his career. He was at V103 from 1986-1988. During the Rodney King uprising in 1994, V went to an all news format, bringing on community leaders and stressing the need for Atlanta to stay peaceful. They were later recognized by local government for keeping Atlanta from exploding. Not coincidentally, that's when V103 had its highest ratings ever.

Mike soon got the ownership bug, and as the hip hop scene was exploding in the late 90's, today's guest was approaching 40 years old. V103 was also getting competiton on both ends of their demo. He bought several stations in nearby Macon, Georgia, as he wound down his time in Atlanta. Today, he owns one, WQMJ, Magic 100. It's an R&B oldies station that does its own newscasts, several times daily, to superserve its local audience.

Mike takes us through his typical work week, and reflects on the current state of radio, and its need to stay local to stay relevant. And we conclude with the story of a classic prank pulled on him while live on the air at WJPZ.

The WJPZ at 50 Podcast Series is produced by Jon Gay, Class of 2002, and his podcast production agency, JAG in Detroit Podcasts.

Sign up for email alerts whenever we release a new episode here: jagindetroit.com/WJPZat50

Want to be a guest on the pod or know someone else who would? Email Jag: jag@jagindetroit.com.

Want to stay in the loop with WJPZ Alumni events? Subscribe to our newsletter on the right hand side of the page at http://wjpzalumni.org/

Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/

Today we interview Marc Bokoff, from the class of 1987. A management major, Marc came to the station as business manager under then-GM Larry Barron, before becoming general manager himself. He took over the station in the midst of the station changing from a block format to the much more tighly programmed CHR format it still has today.

As GM, Marc and the staff faced backlash for this change, leading accusations of racial bias and subsequent protests. We get his perspective (through his 37-year-old notes) of having to shut the station down for the evening, the negotiations, personal threats he received, and the eventual resolution to the protest. Following the event, Marc stepped down as General Manager, partly due to concerns over his own personal health at the time.

Marc reflects on how these experiences at WJPZ profoundly impacted his professional life. Despite majoring in general studies in the business school, he gained invaluable hands-on experience in business management through his work at the radio station. This experience became more educational and instrumental than his formal business studies, equipping him with skills in advertising, marketing, budgeting, and negotiation.

After graduation, Marc briefly joined his family's supermarket business before venturing into the travel industry, where he has been for over 35 years. He discusses the various adaptations and changes he had to make in his business, especially with the rise of internet travel services and the impact of world events like COVID-19 and geopolitical conflicts. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability and resilience, drawing parallels between the challenges he faced in college and those in his professional life.

Despite some trying moments, Marc is grateful for the skills and experiences gained at WJPZ, which have significantly shaped his career and personal growth. He highlights the station's role as an educational incubator and its impact on students beyond those interested in broadcasting careers.

The WJPZ at 50 Podcast Series is produced by Jon Gay, Class of 2002, and his podcast production agency, JAG in Detroit Podcasts.

Sign up for email alerts whenever we release a new episode here: jagindetroit.com/WJPZat50

Want to stay in the loop with WJPZ Alumni events? Subscribe to our newsletter on the right hand side of the page at http://wjpzalumni.org/

Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/