WJPZ at 50

• Replay: 2025 Hall of Fame Inductee Deaf Geoff Herbert, Class of 2005

  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/QYwyaCd8MyIResponse Track: Frankie: "FURB:" https://youtu.be/B1K0pUSSFUoJoin Us in Syracuse on March 4th: https://bit.ly/WJPZ50BanquetTicketsThe WJPZ at 50 Podcast is produced by Jon Gay '02 and JAG in Detroit PodcastsConnect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/ Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/

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  29:37
• Replay: 2025 Hall of Fame Inductee Jon "JAG" Gay, Class of 2002

  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/

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  44:35
• Replay: 2025 Hall of Fame Inductee and Radio Disney Vet B.B. Good - Class of '93

  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=0The 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/WJPZat50Want to be a guest on the pod or know someone else who would? Email Jag:  [email protected] 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/

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  38:05
• Taylor Swift, Baseball, and Type 2 Diabetes: Other WJPZ Alumni Podcasts, Part 1

  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/ithitsdiffpodIs 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/

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  6:40
• Matthew Reschke, aka R Source

  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/

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  24:45

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