Today ends a very exciting chapter of my life. Like most chapters -- except the final chapter -- it's not an ending. Just a link to the next installment, as the story continues!
Just a few hours ago, we wrapped up a very succesful two and a half month run as the interim morning show at 94.1 KMPS in Seattle. The "we" that I refer to includes the extraordinary Stephen Kilbreath and the tireless Ashley the Intern.
I'd like to thank the management of CBS Radio Seattle, who put their faith in us to "hold down the fort" while they developed their long-range plan. I'm proud to say that we did more than tread water over the last couple months, increasing ratings 33-40 percent over the previous morning show!
All this week, we've been helping the new show Johnson and Johnson get ready for their official debut on Monday. That included today's broadcast, which started with Stephen and I and segued into "The Johnson and Johnson Dress Rehearsal Show." It was a fun and exciting broadcast to be part of. As many people probably know, transparency like this is rare in the radio biz.
Torch, you are passed!
By the way, Tommy and Joe Johnson are awesome guys! And they will do a fantastic job. As for my personal plans, the writing on that chapter starts now. I'm still employed at KMPS. And I'll be using this transitional time to consider different options and possibilities.
Ah, and we've arrived at the juncture in this post where I become at 12-year-old girl and quote song lyrics to wrap things up!
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten
~~Natasha Bedingfield
Tweet
Sniff Seattle is here! Today, we're launching a new dog walking and pet sitting service for Seattle. Click the link, and check the website.
Jeanna's spent months laying the ground work. I've spent the last week building the site. Somehow, that qualifies me for "partner" status in this new business. Hey, I'll take it!
I'm inviting all of our friends on Facebook to also friend the Sniff Seattle Facebook page. And if you're on Twitter, come follow us.
And if you live in Seattle, and need some loving pet care, give Jeanna a call! The contact info is below.
From SniffSeattle.com:
Sniff Seattle is a dog walking and pet sitting service, serving the Ballard, Queen Anne, Magnolia, Fremont, Greenlake, Wallingford, Greenwood, Blue Ridge, Eastlake, Westlake and downtown neighborhoods of Seattle, Washington. We offer complete peace-of-mind when it comes to the care of your pet. Reliable. Trusted. Fully bonded and insured. And above all, lovingly dedicated to the care of your furry family members!
Meet @GregValentine: Radio Guy. Funny Guy. Smart Guy.
Meet Greg Valentine, On-Air and Digital, KMPS-FM, Seattle (CBS Radio) who's favorite thing about his job is that it NEVER feels like a "job." Also music blogger, and fundraising professional, currently working on a campaign for Seattle Theatre Group.
Where are you answering these questions from?
From bed. Filled-in hosting our morning show this week. I'm all about getting in the quick nap after the show. Now that I'm awake again, catching up on my FB, Twitter and emails.
What are you wearing?
Sweat pants and tee. Like I said, post nap-time.
How did you get started in Broadcasting?
My best friend and my brother and myself made pretend "shows" on a tape recorder back in the day. So I wanted to be on the radio since age 10. When I got to high school, I was amazed to learn that the school district in Eugene, Oregon had a real station with a decent signal that could be heard all around the city. I've been doing real shows ever since.
What are 3 items you CAN NOT live without?
Oxygen, food and water. Oh? You mean...? Actually, I'm becoming more of a minimalist. Honestly, the three items I'd prefer not to live without are my HDTV, a DVD player and my laptop. Obviously, there's a bazillion gizmos out there to play with. But the ones I consider "essential" are the ones that help me get real work done, or ones that entertain me and make my day more enjoyable.
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?
Check GPS to re-confirm what city I'm living in this month!
Easton's career is definitely rollin'. In addition to opening for Brad Paisley all summer, it looks like "Roll With It" is going to be his second number hit (we'll find out Monday). That makes Easton two for two. "I'm A Little More Country Than That" topped the charts in April.
Pretty strong for a guy who just a couple years ago was working at Ace Hardware!
And what about that juicy gig, joining Paisley on the road? Well, Easton confirms what most country fans know: Brad Paisley likes to play pranks! Exactly how did Brad get Easton on the H2O World Tour? Listen to the audio below.
In addition to working on-air at 94.1 KMPS, I'll be blogging and creating digital content for the website!
Anybody who knows me, or my work, knows this is something I love to do! I'm looking forward to sharing my thoughts and observations with a whole new audience.
Catch up with my first contributions to the KMPS website here!
I've taken on an exciting new challenge! Last week, I started work for the Seattle Theatre Group, one of the Northwest's largest and most active non-profit arts organizations.
It's another part-time job. And a temporary one, at that. But a deeply satisfying one.
I'm working on "The Annual Fund," STG's current fundraising campaign, which runs through the first week of February, 2011.
The Seattle Theatre Group owns and operates the Paramount Theatre, and operates the Moore Theatre under a long-term lease. Both theatres are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Before I started, I thought this would be something totally new for me. But in reality, I've helped raise money for great causes many times through my radio work (for the likes of John's Hopkins Children's Center, Joe Dimaggio Children's Hospital and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital).
So there ya go. I have two jobs now. I expect to be just a tad busy the next few months. But believe me, nowadays busy is a good thing!
We've moved back to Seattle! Well, for me it's back to a city that's always felt like "home." This'll be new for Jeanna, who's gonna be like, "Hey, what happened to all my sunshine!"
Moving cross country, Miami to Seattle, was a decision we made for family reasons. Many of my friends on Facebook and Twitter are already up-to-speed on that.
But I want to share the some additional news here. Starting this weekend, I'll be doing shows on the legendary 94.1 KMPS! Plus, performing some other as yet undefined duties for the station.
While it's not full-time work, I truly couldn't be more pleased to be working with one of the brightest and most successful teams in radio anywhere.
I'll keep ya posted what else I'm up to. And if you get the chance, check me out on The New 94-1 KMPS!
