Posted by chicagomedia.org on July 02, 2008 at 07:39:08:
Spotlight on Dan Sugrue, Producer of the Steve & Johnnie Show
This month The Voice takes you behind-the-scenes with Dan Sugrue, producer of the Steve & Johnnie Show. Dan gives us an insider's look at what it's like to work with "him and her" and what it really means to be a night owl!
Q: Describe your job as Producer of the Steve & Johnnie Show.
A: It's a little bit of everything. Booking the guests that join us, screening phone calls and just trying to make sure the show sounds as good as possible.
Q: What's it like being in the Tribune Tower overnight?
A: It's kind of like the movie "The Breakfast Club" with a lot less drama. We hang out and have enlightening, fun conversations with interesting guests and our great listeners.
Q: What's your sleep schedule?
A: I try sleeping in two shifts. After the show ends at 5am, I usually hit the pillow by 6:45am and wake up at 1pm or 2pm. I then take a pre-show nap from 6pm-9pm. Sometimes that happens, sometimes not.
Q: What's the best part about working at WGN?
A: Getting to be part of great radio day in and day out with people I truly respect and enjoy.
Q: What's the best part about working overnights?
A: Listeners/Callers who work this shift have a lot of character and it's been a pleasure getting to know them. Seeing the sun rise over the lake on my way home is a nice bonus too.
Q: What's been your favorite memory as producer of The Steve and Johnnie Show?
A: Look at your hand. Is your ring finger longer than your index finger? If so, the urban legend is that you got more testosterone in the womb than most. It's supposed to be a sign of athletic ability and musical ability. Johnnie brought this up one night and I was the only on the crew that had a longer ring finger. My dad happened to be up listening and called in seeing as how he was instrumental in the process of me being born and all. It was just a really fun, surreal moment where my real world family met my radio family.
Catch the Steve & Johnnie Show - and Producer Dan! - weeknights from 11pm-5am on News/Talk 720 WGN.
(WGN-AM Newsletter)