WJPZ at 50

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:  [email protected].

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/

Want to be on the show? Email JAG at [email protected]

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/

Want to be on the show? Email JAG at [email protected]

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 Podcast Productions. Learn more at www.jagpodcastproductions.com.

Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/

Want to be on the show? Email JAG at [email protected]

Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/

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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/

Want to be on the show? Email JAG at [email protected]

Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/

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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.

Want to be on the show? Email JAG at [email protected]

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:  [email protected].

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/

Want to be on the show? Email JAG at [email protected]

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/

Want to be on the show? Email JAG at [email protected]

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:  [email protected].

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/

Want to be on the show? Email JAG at [email protected]

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:  [email protected].

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/

Want to be on the show? Email JAG at [email protected]

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:  [email protected].

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/

Want to be on the show? Email JAG at [email protected]

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.