Fred Kennedy has a varied career as a radio host, a TV personality and a comic book writer. He cites one of his most memorable career milestones to date as interviewing Weird Al Yankovic.
WORK
1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I’m a radio host and I occasionally work on TV. I also write comics that are pretty awesome. My current comic is called The Fourth Planet from Chapterhouse Comics. I would buy dozens of copies if I were you.
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
I called a radio station (100.3 The Bear) on January 26, 1996. The announcer (Goldi Rocks) made fun of me then hung up because the Simpsons was back from commercials. I knew at that moment what I needed to do.
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
I interviewed Weird Al Yankovic…it was pretty amazing. We talked about how The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is an amazing and heartbreaking piece of work. I was also the first recipient of the Steve Young Broadcaster of the Year Award; professionally that was a HUGE milestone.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
I don’t know. If radio is still around, probably still doing radio because I have no real life skills. I mean, writing is a life skill – right? I suppose I could do that. Look at how great THIS conversation is going! Hey, you! Editors! Look at all these writing skills you could hire!
5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
The business is changing; diversify your skill set. And, just be nice to people. Be nice to everyone because no one has time for your guff no matter how important you think you are or how insecure you actually are.
6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I have five World Vision Kids. They remind me how lucky I am to live here.
7. What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
I have been told by dozens of programmers throughout my career I ‘wasn’t that good’. Actually, on my very first day working at CKDR in Dryden, Ontario the program director told me I wasn’t very good and didn’t have a radio-friendly voice, and the reason I was hired was because they didn’t expect me to leave for a really long time. And that for my own personal psyche, I should accept that this was about as far as I’d make it in the business.
That guy is still there, by the way.
8. What does the word notable mean to you?
It’s worth noting, for either good or bad reasons. It’s also a good name for some sort of fancy binder. Like a Trapper Keeper. Those things were pretty cool.
PLAY
1. Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
Bent. It’s one of Susur Lee’s places. The service is insane (in a good way) and the food is just as good. That guy knows what he’s doing.
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
The website is io9.com and the song is They Came In by The Butthole Surfers.
3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
Me … and then there’s this other guy Greg Beharrel … he’s a lot more talented than I am.
4. What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
Ummmm does Edmonton count as a country? I have kids, man. I can’t afford to travel.
5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
When my friends go golfing and the trip involves staying away from home for a night. My wife will be annoyed if I go, but I feel like I’ll miss out on some great golf-related shenanigans if I don’t go. It’s lose-lose!
6. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Buying used golf balls at WalMart. They’re cheap there, but I still feel like a jerk for not supporting local business.
7. What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
I just spent $1500 on a projector to put in my basement; my wife was less than pleased. I wish I’d spent more money on my golf shoes. They leak.
8. And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
No mortgage and having kids and a spouse that don’t hate you.
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