Posted by chicagomedia.org on March 05, 2008 at 08:14:38:
When he's not hosting his usual Friday, Saturday or Sunday night shows, you can hear Nick Digilio filling in on a variety of WGN programs and reviewing all the new movies each week on the John Williams Saturday Show. Whether it's pop culture, the hot topics of the day, movies, or a classic Nick D. storytelling rant, he's sure to keep you entertained and informed. Some know him as Roy Leonard's prodigy; others know him as that guy who likes Felicity. Ladies and Gentleman, we present to you Nick D!
Q: How did you get started in the radio business?
A: It's all because of Roy Leonard. I used to listen to him all the time when I was a kid and I would call in regularly. He liked that I knew so much about movies and gave me an opportunity to review the horror films and dumb action movies he didn't want to review anymore. It was a huge break, and a great and generous thing for him to do. That was in 1985 and I've been reviewing films every Saturday at the station since then. In 1998 I was given a chance to co-host a show with Garry Lee Wright and it all expanded from there. I am a very, very lucky guy, this is not how people normally get into this business and I am incredibly grateful.
Q: What's it like working at WGN?
A: It's a joy. I am the luckiest guy in the world. I have great freedom to do the things I want to do on my show. Also, this is easily the best radio station anywhere and I am proud to be a part of the great history of this institution. I love the way WGN is changing with the additions of podcasts (which I love doing) and the evolution of the station's style and content. I look forward to every shift that I work, and I'm disappointed every time the "On Air" light goes out. The people I work with are incredibly talented and professional, and I listen to and admire all of the on air talent here. I love my job, period.
Q: Can you recall some favorite on-air memories?
A: There are soooooo many. But, I really love talking to the listeners. Without them I wouldn't have a show. I always have a blast with my listeners who I laugh with and learn from on a regular basis. Some of my favorite interviews in the past include great filmmakers like David Simon, George Romero, Don Coscarelli and others. And the ONLY time I have ever been nervous to interview anyone was when I had Andy Summers from The Police in studio. The Police are probably my favorite band (they certainly were my LIFE in high school) and meeting and hanging out with Andy was a true dream come true. In fact I've had a lot of opportunities to talk to (and sometimes get to know) people I admired for years and never thought I would ever meet. It's pretty damn cool.
Q: What's the most challenging thing about your job?
A: Being relevant and entertaining. I spend a lot of time thinking about ways to make sure my audience is informed and especially, entertained. My show is kind of light and, hopefully, really funny, so I like to challenge myself to take on serious topics and news worthy guests. I have opinions on all of those subjects (politics, the war, disasters, etc.) and it's always a challenge for me to intelligently and entertainingly get those opinions across, and have great segments that have broader range. To be honest, I am challenged every time I open my mic to talk, and that's awesome.
Q: What's your favorite part of your job?
A: It's a place for me to express myself and connect with people and I love that. I gotta tell you I LOVE my listeners, they are incredibly dedicated to the show. I am constantly humbled by how much they are devoted to the show and how passionate they are about it. I have the best fans in the world and it's an honor to make them laugh. I have received some of the most amazing emails from my listeners who tell me how my show helps them get through some tough times and how I make them forget about the bad things in their life for a few hours...and that is a complete privilege. So, to answer your question, my favorite part of my job: my listeners.
Q: What's something listeners would be surprised to learn about you?
A: This is tough, because I pretty much share everything with my listeners. They might not be surprised by anything, because they know so much already. I am absolutely the same off-mic as on, and I never, ever lie to my listeners. That's paramount for me.... honesty. So, having said that, maybe they would be surprised by how much I love to spend time with my friends and my girlfriend...just talking. And maybe they would be surprised by how much I love to cook (and how good I have become.... I'm a really good cook). But, again, these are things I talk about on the air all the time.
Q: If you weren't a radio host, what would you be?
A: Well, I have had the freedom to pursue other things while doing my show. I have written many produced plays and have acted, done comedy and have directed a lot of theater. I need a creative outlet like I need oxygen, and my show is the number one place for that. But, if I weren't doing the things that I am lucky enough to be doing now, then I truly would love to teach. To teach communications, or art, or film. I need contact with people. And because I have the biggest mouth on the planet and I never shut up, I would have to do something in which I am allowed to talk and to make people laugh. There is nothing, and I mean nothing, more gratifying than making people laugh. I love it. And I will say this...now that I have been doing this for as long as I have (and I'm getting better at it), I can't imagine doing anything else. I have the best job in the world and I look up to the sky everyday and say: "Hey man...thanks!"