Mike Ricordati

Mike Ricordati is a successful Sports Talk Show host with an all sports station WBNS in Ohio. Mike is also a former intern in The Radio Department and spent his formative years in the Chicago radio market. Mike was gracious enough to contribute to this monthly feature.

1. When starting at Columbia what were some of your goals?

When I first started, I didn't really know what type of radio I was interested in. I loved sports, so maybe something there. I like music and talk, maybe something there . . . I had no idea. I really just wanted to figure out what I enjoyed doing the most.

2. At what point did you realize that you could do this as a career?

I think I knew it all along. I was either going to be someone in this business or become a homeless person. I didn't really have a passion for anything else. I guess my only other career option was "dude who lives in my parents basement."

3. Thinking back to some of your courses, what classes really stand out for you as being influential?

Sportscasting and Play-By-Play with Red Mottlow. Red is no longer with us, but he was really the first broadcasting professional I looked up to.   He'd always try and set me up with jobs, new contacts, whatever. I respected him so much because at his age, he didn't need to show up and teach a class. He did it because he wanted to give something back.   Columbia really lost something special to future generations of broadcasters when he passed away.

4. While in school, you interned and worked in the industry. Walking into those facilities, what type of expectations did you have?      

At first, I didn't know what to expect. My internship at One On One Sports (now Sporting News Radio) was an actual job. In addition to my school credits, I got a check every week. I think more was expected of me than a regular intern. I produced shows and cut tape. Nothing fancy.  I guess because I knew that going in, my expectations were met.

5. How many demos did you send out when trying to secure that first gig outside of Chicago?   

A thousand maybe. I became friendly with the dude at the post office.   But if you don't send out stuff like crazy, it'll probably take longer to land a gig.

6. Ohio wasn't your first stop. Can you tell us a bit about Bakersfield(or your first gig outside of Chicago)? Without getting into specifics was there a radio lesson to be learned?

Bakersfield was crap. Plain and simple. I was so eager to get out and show my stuff that I didn't pay attention to who was hiring me. I've since learned that the interview process works two ways. They're interviewing you, and you're interviewing them. I didn't take the time to notice the bad company or inexperienced Program Director. I was just so happy to get offered a job. Remember, just because you they offer you something, doesn't mean you have to take it.

7. When you were at WCRX you hosted a number of shows. What stands out for you regarding your stay at WCRX?

I had the pleasure of working with some of the funniest dudes on the planet. Hosting shows on CRX gave me a lot of experience that's hard to get somewhere else. I had a blast. Sometimes we went over the top a little, and sometimes certain Columbia faculty didn't get the humor . . . but it was a great experience.

8. For students entering the industry, any words of advice?

Listen to as many professionals as you can. They've been around the block before. Now, not all of them know what they're talking about.   That's why it's best to get as much advice as possible. Keep working, never settle. Most importantly, you just wanna talk to into a microphone for a living . . . don't take yourself so seriously.