middle man for 2 people who can be Ralph and Alice Kramden, Archie and Edith Bunker and yes- George and “Weezy” Jefferson. I knew Susan would be a great partner from the get-go. And it only took 4 years for me to convince management we could work together without killing each other!!
still fresh enough to stay ahead of the “whippersnappers”...lol. Susan: A Steve Jobs quote epitomizes my anti-aging philosophy: “Stay hungry, stay foolish”. The broadcast business is constantly changing…new procedures, new equipment. Therefore, I continue to acquire new skills; I‘m “hungry” for ways to improve my craft. The “foolish” part comes easily. Under the guise of work, I’ve done some foolish things, i.e. played basketball on donkey-back, tossed eggs from a billboard, milked a goat. I recently joined a bowling team and got my first tattoo!
Susan: Our working together was Greg’s idea. Although we are on opposite sides of most political issues, we share the same sense of humor and respect each other as radio professionals. We make sure to keep the tone light on our show so that BOOM!: What are you most we and our listeners passionate about? begin the day with a smile. Jay is the calming Greg: Believe it or not- staying influence that keeps two sober. Without that, all the sometimes high-strung other things I am passionate dramatic personalities Greg and Roz Budell about are simply NOT in check. He’s young POSSIBLE! Only took me 30 years to figure enough to be our child, but is often the that out! most mature one in the room. BOOM!: Many Boomers are experiencing a renewed sense of purpose, new goals, new careers, especially if they’ve experienced the empty nest syndrome of their kids moving on. How would you describe this sense of renewal in your life? Any advice for the rest of us seeking renewal? Greg: People don’t realize the challenge of radio. I have to do 250+ different shows a year while constantly refreshing material. Ray Kroc, the guy who founded McDonald’s, allowed only one old saying to be posted in his office- “When you’re green, you’ll grow and when you’re ripe, you’ll rot”. I am constantly trying to stay ahead of the ripening process. Keep learning. Many of my peers are out of the business now because they failed to reinvent themselves and adapt to changes. Always stay curious. Never question your ability to achieve a goal. Susan and I won the Alabama Broadcaster Association award for Best Morning Show this year, and I have won similar awards during my career but this one meant the most. As two Sixtysomethings we are
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Susan: I’m passionate about music. It permeates every facet of my life. It lifts me, inspires me, consoles me, entertains me.
BOOM!: With your busy schedule, do you get to travel much? Favorite vacation spot? Any travel dreams for the future? Greg: : I use all my vacation and travel to visit my daughter in South Florida. I’ve been here 10 years and have wanted to visit Warm Springs, Georgia (where FDR died) and have failed to make that happen. I travelled like crazy when I had the money and energy to do it. Flying sucks now, so I’m glad I did it when I had the chance. I do hope to get tickets for the Major League Baseball game in Cincinnati this summer. Susan: : I try to spend time with close friends and family at Folly Beach, SC, each summer and travel to Fairhope to see my daughter and her family as often as possible. I’d like to visit Greece some day. BOOM!: You and Susan are “unmarried” with microphones, but many listeners think you sound like a married couple, can you explain how that happens? Has your wife Roz ever been on the radio with you? Greg: : Roz loves the show and is our biggest fan. She calls in from time to time. Susan and I sound married because we argue about everything- we are the Bickersons but it’s fun and not bitter and all REAL. I may be the only legal bigamist in Alabama! BOOM!: You and Greg have the most popular morning radio show in the market. What’s it like working with Greg? Is it like a radio marriage or a sibling rivalry? Greg refers to you as the “Cougar,” is there any truth to it?
BOOM!: How do you like to relax and wind down from a hard day’s work at the radio station?
Greg: : I am boring and love it! I hit a bucket of whiffle balls in my front yard … my personal Susan and Greg share a moment at Greg’s Wedding driving range. I went back to playing golf. When it’s time Susan: Working with Greg is a privilege, to lip-diddle, I binge watch shows from a challenge, a romp. There’s no rivalry at ME-TV and movies from Turner Classic all. We’re partners. When you think about and documentaries. I have fun at work it, we actually spend more waking time so I don’t need to go out and have it together than most married folks. The somewhere although I do enjoy Biscuit “Cougar”, a Budell creation, exists only on games. the radio these days. However, there was a time…………! Susan: Crossword puzzles, Facebook.
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May 2015
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