WJPZ at 50

In this episode of WJPZ at 50, we sit down with Bella Galan and Lizzie Gottlieb, the current GM and PD of WJPZ, to talk about how they found Syracuse, how they found the station, and how they are helping shape its culture right now. Both of them came to Syracuse with strong interests in performance, media, and storytelling. Both found, in Z89, a place that brings all of those interests together. What stands out most in this conversation is how clearly they see the station as more than a radio outlet. They describe it as a place to build communication skills, leadership skills, confidence, and real relationships that last far beyond college. A major focus of the episode is how the station continues to evolve while protecting what has always made it special. Lizzie talks about the programming side and how Z89 still leads with Top 40 music while also making room for specialty shows and new ideas. Bella explains how the team has worked to expand opportunities for students who do not necessarily want to be on air, including web, press, photography, and newly created associate producer roles. Together, they make the case that the station works best when more people feel they belong there and can see a path for themselves inside it. The conversation also highlights the current culture at WJPZ. Bella and Lizzie speak with real gratitude about the mentors who guided them, and they are intentional about passing that same support to younger members. They talk about wanting freshmen to feel welcomed, included, and confident enough to take up space. That emphasis on culture comes through again when they discuss women in leadership, representation, and the importance of amplifying more voices across the station. Bella in particular reflects on how meaningful it has been to see women and women of color in visible leadership roles, and how important it is to keep building on that progress. The episode closes with a look at what is happening at the station right now. They share updates on new shows, new technology, a digital station timeline, fresh social content, and even a full April Fool’s Day format flip built around Glee covers. More than anything, the episode shows that WJPZ is still doing what it has always done best: giving students room to experiment, lead, connect, and turn passion into real work. In 2026, it remains the World's Greatest Media Classroom. (00:00) Intro (01:19) Lizzie’s path to Syracuse and Z89 (04:02) Bella’s background and early station experience (08:25) Lizzie’s first DJ shift and The Morning After (10:54) New shows and taking creative risks (14:38) Why Z89 is bigger than an FM station (17:31) Mentors who shaped Bella and Lizzie (23:52) Bella on the GM role and off air opportunities (26:04) Building station culture and belonging (30:23) April Fool’s Day and Glee89 (33:57) How Lizzie chooses music for the station (35:47) Alumni who made an impact (39:24) Women in leadership at WJPZ (44:49) Representation and diverse voices (46:08) The women’s conference and mentorship (47:57) What is happening at the station right now (51:17) Syracuse Giving Day and WJPZ support (52:49) Closing thoughts Want to be on the show? Email JAG at jag@jagpodcastproductions.com Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we explore Chris Sacchi’s journey from a sports-obsessed kid in Connecticut to becoming a “video legend” with the Savannah Bananas. We start by tracing how early exposure to Syracuse athletics (the 2000's were a good time for this) and a small sportswriting opportunity in high school helped shape his path. Chris got to Syracuse knowing he loved sports but still figuring out how to channel that passion. Through friendships and encouragement, he found WJPZ, which became his first real home and creative outlet. That welcoming environment and early responsibility gave him confidence and direction. WJPZ helped shaped Chris's growth. Experimenting with content, collaborating with peers, and stepping outside his comfort zone helped him develop both technical and creative skills. He mentions several mentors and alumni who provided guidance and opportunities, reinforcing the importance of relationships and community. Those experiences extended beyond college and directly influenced his professional path. We shift to his post-graduation journey, which took an unexpected route into video editing at MLB Network. While he wasnt' initially focused on editing, he embraced the opportunity, which became a turning point. We stress the importance of adaptability and staying open to roles outside of one’s original plan. That openness ultimately led him to the Savannah Bananas through a connection with a former colleague. As the Bananas' "video legend," he captures and edits high-energy moments in real time during games. He describes the fast-paced environment, the pressure to balance speed and quality, and the collaborative effort behind the scenes. We also explore the unique culture of Banana Ball, where entertainment and competition coexist. He explains that while the experience is fun and unpredictable, the players are still highly skilled and deeply competitive. We close with the lasting impact of WJPZ and the power of community. Returning to Banquet this year reignited Chris's appreciation for our network and reminded him of the value of mentorship and connection. Staying open, building relationships, and embracing unexpected opportunities can lead to outcomes far beyond what we initially imagine. (0:00) Introduction to Chris Sacchi (2:25) Discovering Syracuse and Early Sports Passion (4:10) Finding WJPZ and First Experiences (6:10) Mentorship and Station Culture (10:18) Building Confidence Through Responsibility (14:56) Post-Grad Journey and MLB Network (18:56) Path to the Savannah Bananas (21:13) What a “Video Legend” Does (27:33) What Makes Banana Ball Unique (31:09) Life on the Road with the Bananas (33:25) Reflections on WJPZ Banquet (36:34) Closing Thoughts Want to be on the show? Email JAG at jag@jagpodcastproductions.com Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Note: The WJPZ at 50 Podcast has returned! If you or someone you know would like to be a guest, email JAG: jag@jagpodcastproductions.com Our first guest back is Dan Girard, Class of 20120. on how WJPZ helps us find our footing, sharpen our voice, and build friendships that last long after graduation. We start with Dan’s path to Syracuse, which begins as a sports fan in New York watching the 2003 Orange title run and dreaming about the Carrier Dome. He arrives on campus with a chip on his shoulder after not getting into Newhouse, but he soon learns that student media matters more than any label. Z89, Citrus TV, and WAER gave him the space to grow. Over time, WJPZ became the place where he realized he can truly do this work. By junior year, Dan was fully immersed in Z89 Sports and helped lead a period when the department became deeper, sharper, and more respected. He describes a class full of talent that treats the station like a real destination for sports broadcasting. He also makes clear that the best part is not just the airchecks or the broadcasts. It is the bond formed during late nights in the station, hanging out next door at Citrus, and growing alongside friends who remain close to him today. We also hear some great station stories. Dan recalls the perfect save by a producer who killed a hot mic just before an F-bomb went out over the air. He remembers Friday Night Football, Big East tournament trips, and the thrill of hosting after Syracuse beat West Virginia. One of his favorite moments came when Professor Rick Wright calls into his show. After Syracuse, Dan chased sports talk radio and becomes a finalist in WFAN’s Fantasy Phenom contest. That led to a chance to host overnight on WFAN at age 22, which remains a career highlight. But he soon realized that radio was not the right long term fit. A master’s program and a key connection lead him to Collegiate Sports Management Group, where he has built a career in media rights, strategy, and revenue generation for sports properties. His current work blends broadcasting knowledge, business sense, and a genuine love of sports media. We wrap with a brief chat about Esports, SU, NIL, and what the Syracuse basketball team needs to do - to get back on the map. (00:00) Intro (00:57) Welcome Dan Girard (03:14) Growing up in New York and discovering Syracuse (05:25) Choosing Syracuse after being waitlisted (10:09) First steps at Z89 and CitrusTV (12:20) Building Z89 Sports into a destination (16:10) Friendship, late nights, and station culture (18:45) Funny on air moments and the hot mic save (22:28) Hosting after Syracuse beats West Virginia (24:50) Life after graduation and WFAN Fantasy Phenom (27:32) Why sports talk radio was not the long term fit (30:20) Graduate school and finding a new direction (34:10) Career at Collegiate Sports Management Group (37:33) What Dan’s job looks like today (39:33) Esports, community, and student opportunity (41:33) Advising students on brand and content creation (44:09) Syracuse athletics, NIL, and the road ahead (45:57) Closing thoughts Want to be on the show? Email JAG at jag@jagpodcastproductions.com Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There are a number of people, on the technical side, that have worked tirelessly to keep our radio station going for half a century. Over the last 20 years though, Stephen "Tex" Kurtz is at the top of that list. Born in raised in Dallas, he wanted something different. And having spent some time in upstate New York as a kid, he liked the area. And when he toured the campus, despite the fact that Z89 was broadcasting from the Ostrom house that year, he immediately fell in love with the people and spirit of WJPZ. Since he was a kid, Stephen has wanted to know how things work. And new studio was still being finished when he entered as a freshman. This was a perfect opportunity for him to jump in and work with John Ferracane, Rob Crandall, and others on putting things together. This included, for the first time, running the radio station from a computer. Ever heard of Jazler? You will. Eventually, the man they call Tex tired of all the snow, and headed home to Dallas to finish school. But he was never far - always on call for the students. And he returned with John, Rob, and Alex Silverman to help do another studio rebuild a decade after the previous one. You'll hear more details about this in episodes with outgoing GM Liz Doyon and incoming GM Corey Crockett, but this group managed to build a radio station in a week and get it on the air. Stephen cites that new studio rebuild, and the upgrade to a 1,000 watt transmitter as two of the technical achievements he's most proud of. But of course, lessons from JPZ extent much further. He says that WJPZ taught him you can work with your friends, and how it can be done. Since returning to Dallas, Stephen did some major market radio work in his hometown, before moving to the IT world, and eventually starting his own company, Total IT, in 2009. And while he does a lot of work in that sector, Tex also works with - you guessed it - radio stations, marrying both of his passions. We close with a couple of funny stories from Stephen's time at the station, including Peterman knocking us off the air - with his rear end - and a funny moment at Josh Wollf's expense at Chili's on Erie Boulevard. The WJPZ at 50 Podcast is produced by Jon Gay '02 and JAG in Detroit Podcasts Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/ Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Note: This episode originally published on February 15, 2023. In the time since, Howard Deneroff has gone on to be found Stand By Media, as well as becoming the Director of the Hall of Excellence at the Fountainebleau Las Vegas, a world-class sports and entertainment museum. More here: https://barrettmedia.com/2025/06/05/howard-deneroff-named-director-of-hall-of-excellence-at-fountainebleau-las-vegas/ Today's episode is a must-listen, especially for those of that are sports fans or ever had aspirations to get into the field. Howard Deneroff, WJPZ Class of 1989, is the EVP and Executive Producer of Westwood One Sports. He's been with the company since immediately after graduation, and has worked the Super Bowl, World Series, Final Four, Stanley Cup Finals, and more. Like many of us, Howard decided on Syracuse because he wanted to be as involved with sports as possible. He went to WAER, writing for the likes of Mike Tirico and others. But when it became clear that he could get much more hands on experience at WJPZ. This proved true his sophomore year, when in addition to calling women's sports and minor league baseball, Z89 was able to cover an undefeated SU football team (wow that seems like a long time ago), and a basketball team that made it to the NCAA Championship game. Additionally, their Saturday morning show "The Press Box" morphed into coverage of Central New York high school football. Staff would call the games, interview coaches and players, and bring the cassettes back. Then the real work began, splicing highlights on reel-to-reel decks until 3 or 4am, to have them ready for air the next morning. This is where Howard says he really learned the skills, attitude, and perfectionism that carried him to where he is now. This really came to fruition when working on a piece commemorating the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier. The desire to always make his work better led to Howard getting some unbelievable audio and previously unheard stories for the presentation. In addition to talent and hard work, sometimes you need to be in the right place at the right time. We hear a wild story of coincidence, and how a chance meeting turned into a job at Westwood One upon graduation, and a three-decades plus career there. Deneroff started at CBS Radio in 1989, working on baseball and football, where his encyclopedic knowledge and preparation quickly impressed his coworkers. He also learned how to think quickly on his feet - when he was in studio for an Earthquake during the 1989 World Series. He's worked with everyone from Jim Nantz to Greg Gumbel, Brent Musburger, John Madden, Terry Bradshaw, Pat O'Brien, Vin Scully, Ernie Harwell, and more. Howard tried to learn from the best, and take pieces from folks he's worked with - this led to his "index card system" used in the booth for broadcasts - color coded index cards for promos, sponsorships, and commercial breaks. If you are into the behind-the-scenes of broadcasting, you'll geek out of this like we did. Despite the responsibilities that come with his current title, today's guest still loves producing radio broadcasts. He still gets the adrenaline rush and tries to do at least one game a week. We spend some time talking about the magic of radio, and the advantages it has over television. We also talk about the future of audio. Deneroff has made it a point to give back to Z89, after the station gave him so much. He's airchecked play-by-players. provided internships and more. He firmly believes what he learned at the station got him to where he is now. We close with a couple of funny stories. Will Howard confirm Lippy's story about shaking a spatula at him? And you won't believe Mr. Deneroff's reaction when Howie came home and played him a tape of his first sportscast. The WJPZ at 50 Podcast is produced by Jon Gay '02 and JAG in Detroit Podcasts Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/ Connect with the...

Today's guest is the always passionate Ben Green, aka Ben G, aka Mr. R&B, from the Class of 1985. He takes us from humble beginnings at Syracuse (including changing majors when he couldn't afford to rent equipment and buy film), to his tour through New York radio, through creating radio stations as a middle school educator today. At Syracuse, Ben G first went to WAER, but when the University took it over, around the time that WJPZ was preparing to go to the FM dial, it was an easy jump. In addition to doing almost every shift on the station, and staying on campus through many holidays, Ben tells stories of doing a live New Year's Eve broadcast, the Sunday Night Love Flight, and meeting a listener when he left the station. You'll hear of the invaluable advice that Ben received from mentors - everything from networking to etiquette tips for job interviews. It was tough love at the time that served him well. After landing a gig at WMCA, he headed over to WWRL, then WCBS AM and the new WFAN. He handled commercial traffic and learned how to showcase his worth and get a significant raise. Ben G also spent time in television, from BET to the fledgling FOX cable network as their channels were just starting out. Then, like our host, he was laid off right when he got married. And similar to Jag, Ben's new wife encouraged him to pivot and follow his passion. Ben's was for teaching. He finished his undergraduate degree and earned Masters Degree in education. This led him to a teaching career in New Jersey, where he continues to pay WJPZ lessons forward. And that doesn't just mean he teaches kids how to speak confidently. You'll hear how he's cultivated online radio stations for all age groups. We'd be remiss if we didn't as Ben G about one of his great passions. The Friends of SU is an alumni organization for students of color. He became President in the late 80's and now serves as the organization's advisor. Ben has long been working on a podcast telling otherwise unknown stories of the Syracuse University's students of color. He's covered everything from the Syracuse Eight - when football players protested inequality in 1969 - to the creation of SU's African American Studies program. And when he saw a lack of representation during SU's 150th anniversary celebration, he knew he had to change that. You can learn all about the Friends of SU here: https://theofficialfriendsofsu.com/ The WJPZ at 50 Podcast Series is produced by Jon Gay, Class of 2002, and his podcast production agency, JAG Podcast Productions 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/ Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Editors Note: In honor of Banquet Week - we are re-relasing the episodes of our three 2025 inductees into the WJPZ Alumni of Fame, beginning with Sharon (Goodman) Michaels, aka BB Good. Due to a prior commitment, she is deferring her induction until next year, but we wanted to showcase her incredible story. If we were to pick one alumnus who best represented the warm, welcoming atmosphere of WJPZ, it would probably be Sharon Goodman Michaels, aka "B.B. Good" from the Class of 1993. Several Z89'ers have come on this podcast to talk about how she welcomed them to the station, and we are thrilled to welcome her to this podcast. Like many of us, this Massachusetts native grew up loving radio - and she tells the story of how she recruited Kiss 108 DJ's to do her high school dance in Quincy. BB went to Syracuse for its communications reputation. She got there early as part of the marching band, and quickly found WJPZ and then-leaders like Hal Rood, Scott Meach, and Brian Lapis. At her happy place, BB made friend with classmates Beth (Russell) Gorab, Bette Kestin, Jeanne Schad, Tina (Mussolino) Perkins, Melanie Kushnir, and more. How "Good" was Sharon as an undergrad? A commercial station in Utica offered her nights, and held the job for her until she could graduate Syracuse. From Rock 107 she went to Fly 92 in Albany, Kiss 95.7 Hartford, and JAMN 94.5 Boston. There, while riding the T, she saw a blind box ad for what would turn out to be the midday slot on Radio Disney, based in Dallas. A year later, they moved her show to then-MGM Studios at Disney World in Orlando. That's right. She was working in radio, at Disney World, every day. She tells amazing stories of listener interactions, letters, and more. Also, she interviewed an up and coming *NSYNC and Britney Spears. After five years in Orlando, BB's show was moved back to Dallas. After a time, she was let go, and decided to stay home with her children. She became very active in the Jewish community in Dallas and still is. BB has maintained her Z89 connections throughout her adult life, often crossing paths with radio folk when they came to Disney, and even doing a cameo on the sitcom According to Jim thanks to her classmate John Beck. We wrap with BB talking about how much she enjoyed returning to Banquet in 2023, and the question of whether or not the Jonas Brothers did a song...about her. Note: This interview was recorded in May. BB asked if she could speak about the current situation in Israel and have it included in the podcast. You can hear that conversation, recorded December 22nd, at this link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rkh58zh2sg3lrhid56wvy/WJPZ-at-50-BB-Good-Insert.mp3?rlkey=p7o0ndhyszj1gaj6guu83gbwl&dl=0 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/ Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Editor's Note: This week we are re-releasing the episodes of our 2025 Hall of Fame Class. Here, you'll catch our interview with the inspiring Geoff "Deaf Geoff" Herbert, Class of 2005. Geoff "Deaf Geoff" Herbert is a machine -serving as WJPZ's GM while working as a morning show host at a commercial station in Syracuse. Oh by the way, he was working a night shift at Blockbuster Video (RIP) and somehow attending classes. Geoff was bitten by the radio bug early, serving as General Manager of his high school radio station in Acton, Massachusetts. This experience made attending Syracuse and joining Z89 a no-brainer. During his time at the helm of the station, WJPZ vastly expanded both its sports and music offerings. Yes, today's guest was born deaf, hearing only about 10% as well as the rest of us (50% with hearing aids). He talks about giving himself his nickname/on-air moniker, his lip-reading skills (which come in handy during Syracuse basketball games), and even how he became the instructor in a music production class. It was another SU class - taught by Dr. Rick Wright - that landed him an internship at Hot 107.9, that he eventually turned into a full time producer gig before even graduating. And his instincts were good - preparing to leave commercial radio just before his show was taken off the air for syndication. In the time since, he's become a prolific writer for Syracuse.com and the Post Standard, maintained his music chops as a Wedding DJ, and fallen in love with Syracuse as home. Referenced in this podcast: Eamon: "F*ck It (I Don't Want You Back): https://youtu.be/QYwyaCd8MyI Response Track: Frankie: "FURB:" https://youtu.be/B1K0pUSSFUo Join Us in Syracuse on March 4th: https://bit.ly/WJPZ50BanquetTickets The WJPZ at 50 Podcast is produced by Jon Gay '02 and JAG in Detroit Podcasts Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/ Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Editor's Note: This week we are re-releasing the episodes with our 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees. Here, our host became the guest, as Jag's 2002 classmate and fellow Hall of Famer Matt DelSignore sat him down to hear his story. Today, we turn the tables on our host and put Jon "JAG" Gay, from the Class of 2002, in the hot seat. Doing the honors is his classmate, Matt DelSignore. Matt starts by asking Jag about the WJPZ at 50 Podcast, how the idea started, and what he's learned by hosting it. From there, we turn to Jag's time at Syracuse and WJPZ. His story is very similar to many previous podcast guests. He got to Syracuse wanting to be a sportscaster, but didn't really find his tribe until he started at Z89. At WJPZ, Jag had several exec staff positions, including Chief Announcer and VP of Operations the year we were in the Ostrom House. Matt also asks Jag about the 9/11 broadcast that we discussed on a previous episode. We retrace Jag's steps through a terrible internship at Kiss 108, his first part time job in Providence, Rhode Island, then his full-time on-air career in Burlington Vermont, Detroit, New Orleans, and back to the Motor City. It shouldn't surprise you to hear he had a lot of help from JPZ'ers along the way. Following his last radio layoff a week after he got married, Jag was a newlywed with no job and potentially facing a career change. He credits his wife Ellen for encouraging him to start his podcast business, which he's grown since its inception in 2018. We close on a really personal topic. JAG's Syracuse roommate and best friend, Bill Leaf, was killed by a drunk driver in 2006, at age 25. Bill was also a summer Z89 staffer. Jag talks about his passion for both honoring Bill's memory and speaking out against the dangers of drunk driving. This episode was produced and edited by JAG in Detroit podcasts - learn more at https://jagindetroit.com/ Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/ Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Scott Greene, '93, grew up just outside Boston wanting to be a newspaper reporter. He did it in high school and came to Syracuse wanting to pursue that career. But WJPZ quickly drew him in, and he says the only columns he wrote for the Daily Orange ended up being Wrestlemania previews. Scott came to the station as the classes of 90 and 91 were taking the reigns. His group quickly got their footing, and passed the torch to '94 and '95. And yes, Scott names names from all of these groups. While a student, Scott worked at KIX FM, before it became B104.7. Not interested in country, he went over to 95X to become the promotions director right around graduation. After a few years there, Scott headed home to Boston, where he worked in marketing, with partners like Rolling Stone magazine and more. Another reinvention, he got his masters' degree and began teaching middle school. He continued in that field after following his wife home to western Massachusetts. After he tired of disciplining middle school students (can you blame him?) he went back to his first love -newspaper. He's now the sales manager of Reminder Publishing, which puts out several local, weekly newspapers in the area. We spend some time talking about the newspaper business, and where he sees it thriving at the local level through strategic partnerships. Scott leaves us with two classic Z89 stories. One involves Bruce Springsteen tickets - and the other involves all the commercial overnight jocks in town playing the same record at the same time. He explains, and the story ends at a very familiar place. 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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Links! All of Marty's current work, including podcasts: https://weeklyhumorist.com/ Marty's archive of Z Morning Zoo bits, including the full Rick Wright tour of the Ostrom House: https://www.mediafire.com/folder/ascjv18c57ajw/Z_Morning_Zoo_audio Marty D was best known at WJPZ for hosting the Z Morning Zoo, alongside Peterman and Emily Zizza (now Almas). But you'll learn much more about him in today's episode. You'll hear how he was a radio nerd like most of us, growing up listening to Baltimore and DC morning shows. An illustrator and artist by trade, Marty looked at art schools but decided on going to a more general school with an art program. That brought him to Syracuse, and it was a sign on a dorm-mate's door that said "listen to me on the radio" that led him to Z89. Staring on the 4-6 stuff, he found himself sticking around to hang out with Spike and Nick B - these were college students doing morning radio! Marty's creative chops were best suited for morning radio -as he found out in other dayparts, and eventually he was offered the show. Having learned from Baltimore radio, and having two cohosts who had interned in Boston radio, they quickly assembled the archetypal morning show - with the requisite "dick, dear, and dork." We've spoken of the Ostrom house before on this podcast - Marty loved doing the show there his senior year. It was a house, and he quickly set up a coffee maker and made himself at home. And the myriad of equipment issues taught him how to overcome almost any obstacle - a skill set he's used in the time since graduation. Imagine figuring out how to get a show on the air, but you walk into the studio and there's no microphone. They figured it out. One of the strengths of the show was their community interaction - doing live broadcasts everywhere they could, doing benchmark contest and games, and more. We asked Marty if he ever thought about doing it professionally. His answer may surprise you. As for what he did do professionally, Marty takes us through his 20+ year career in New York, working for Mad Magazine, David Letterman and National Lampoon. Then, he leveraged his skills, experience, and network to start his own company - Humorist Media - doing everything from live events, to podcasts, and now even book publishing. Marty is currently serving on the WJPZ Alumni Association Board, in addition to being the official illustrator of the Alumni Association and this podcast. 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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John sent some great 1990's pics from the station. You can view them here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/zxxnn6pconq7p45fvidd1/h?rlkey=ny9i0u512pve0tf915i58xtl3&dl=0 John Beck, Class of 1995, has gone on to a prolific writing career in Hollywood, having worked on everything from The Hughleys to Fuller House, to Liv and Maddie, and more. A TV guy through and through, it was actually Dave Gorab who approached him, over at then-UUTV, to come do the Crazy Morning Crew at Z89. John is very honest at the start of the show, sharing his hesitation for coming on the podcast. Because his path was non-traditional, not having toiled in overnights, etc, he wondered if he was "worthy," but BB Good talked him into it, and we are so glad she did. Soon, John, Julian Keel, and their other teammates were pulilng serious ratings, finishing in Top 10 in the Syracuse market. We talk about some great bits that made the air - from Professor McPhibious and Love Pumping Horace - to some bits that...well, were not approved for the WJPZ airwaves. John also tells the story of the "We Own a Giant Trampoline Club" - and how they collected enough money to buy one from Sam's Club and granted all members free access to the trampoline in their yard - no matter the hour or their level of sobriety. And if you don't know how the trampoline met its demise, it's worth hearing. And yes, it's another WJPZ lesson applied to the "real world." We turn to John's Hollywood career - starting off fetching lunch for Corey and Topanga on Boy Meets World, to eventually landing in the writers' room with his fellow SU-alum writing partner Ron Hart. And his career is littered with alumni stories along the way - from meeting BB Good's family to spotting Dion and Kafele at a taping of The Hughleys - to a very cool connection with Kid Michael Rock, and his daughter. John also explains the recent Hollywood strikes - in layman's terms. A lot has to do with codifying some of Hollywood's "unwritten rules" and making sure the playing field is fair for all with the advent of large streamers such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney and more. In addition to some classic Rick Wright stories, we conclude with John's advice for writers coming up in 2024. Yes, it's about who you know and being in the "right place at the right time," but there's so much more to it than that. Writers write. Always be writing. And spend equal time working on your job and your career . John explains this in the podcast. Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.