Over the course of my (almost) five years in broadcasting, I have had the tremendous fortune to experience a handful of "Wow Moments." You know the kind. The kind of encounter the leaves you refreshed, inspired, and incredibly grateful for the career that you have chosen? I had one of those moments yesterday and I feel compelled to share it with you.
Yesterday I interviewed a man named Dan Russell. Russell is the host of CKNW's "Sports Talk" in Vancouver. Most may not know this, but Dan Russell's Sports Talk is the longest-running sports-talk show in Canadian radio history. The show was born in 1984, and it still runs nightly on CKNW.
The history alone makes this interview significant, however there is more to the story.
I grew up in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, and naturally the Vancouver Canucks were a huge part of my childhood. As a youngster I would listen to the legendary Jim Robson call hockey games for CKNW radio in Vancouver, and I would always think to myself, "Someday I hope I get to do the same thing in life."
I consider myself lucky that I always knew what I wanted to do in life. For me it was never about going to University, and hopefully discovering a passion. Ever since watching Hockey Night in Canada, and listening to the Canucks - I've known that broadcasting was 'it' for me.
Sometimes on weekends, my parents would let me stay awake to listen to some of "Sports Talk" which ran from 10:00 - 12:00. I also remember leaving the Pacific Coliseum and G.M. Place with my Dad after attending a Canuck's game, and together we would listen to Canuck fans calling into the show. I remember being 14-years-old, using a Zack Morris style cell-phone to call into "Sports Talk" and share my thoughts with Dan.
Fast forward to 2011, and here I am in the same business, chatting with Canada's longest-running sports-talk host and one of my idols in broadcasting. The interview itself ran for 25 minutes. A big accomplishment considering the average interview on my show tends to go for about 10-12 minutes.
Russell spoke with true class and professionalism. His stories were profound and unique, and I was honestly hanging on every word. Add the fact that he was a genuine nice guy, and had a lot of encouraging advice
and wisdom for me afterwards.
My interview with Dan Russell easily cracks the Top-Five of my career so far, and I seriously cannot wait to air this interview Monday night on the CO-OP Leisure Time Sports Fix.
I do have a few other similar stories that I will happily share with you at a later time.
For now, enjoy your Thursday!
- DO
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1 comment:
Thats awesome... Always nice to talk to people that you have always looked up... Looking forward to hearing it..
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