Cultivating Your “IT”

Mark Langlois is a recent Radio Connection graduate, who is utilizing career services to try and break into the Boston market and make a name for himself in music and sports radio.

How did you get interested in radio originally?

I got into student radio way back. My buddy had a radio show and I loved the idea of spinning records. He invited me by, and I went in and watched him a couple times. He started asking me to bring in records, and eventually passed the show onto me. Radio has always been a thing for me, since I was a kid. Life took over, I got busy with a family, but it was always in the back of my mind; going to live shows, recording things, talking to people.

How did you find Radio Connection? 

It was during the Big Panic, I had plenty of time to go online. I was looking at radio schools, and I came up with Radio Connection. Because of the pandemic, it was all remote learning. I really liked the idea of working with a mentor in person, but I had so much contact with Craig that it almost felt like I was with him. I graduated top of my class.

How has your career been post graduation?

I have to tell you, it’s been a little rough, Boston is a tough market. DJs in the Boston market tend to stick around forever. I’ve been living out here for a long time, and I listen to the same DJs now as I was listening to 10 years ago. Not a lot of opportunities for newcomers, but it’s not going to deter me!

What steps have you been taking to break in?

 I’ve been working closely with my Career Services adviser. She and I have put together a game plan to get me in somewhere. I’m not a younger guy, or an old guy– not sure where that puts me in terms of radio demographics. I’m being diligent, everyday.

Tell us a bit about working with Career Services.

I got in touch with my Career Services advisor right after graduating. She’s been great! Her name is Jerri Riggleman. She’s been so helpful and really wants to see me succeed. Sometimes she comes to the conversation with more enthusiasm than I do! She’s very reassuring, always there encouraging me; providing insights and opportunities. She’s very invested, and I really appreciate that.

It seems like you and your mentor, Craig Larson, have forged a great relationship. Go ahead and give him a shout out.

Like I said, it was all remote because of the pandemic and I’m a face-to-face guy in general, but Craig made it all so comfortable. We would get caught up talking about life, past students, experiences; we had a friendship and a bond that started from the beginning. I trust him, he wants every student he’s had to succeed in the world of radio. Since graduating, I try not to bother him too much, but he always takes the time to give me advice or call me back. The door is always open with Craig.

We had a friendship and a bond that started from the beginning. I trust him, he wants every student he’s had to succeed in the world of radio.

From everything you’ve said, it sounds like music is your main focus, and I know that Craig is Mr. Sports. Was there any disconnect there?

I’m a music guy, I’ve always been a music guy. I’m a musician and love to go to concerts. But I live in Boston, which is one of the biggest sports cities in the world. I have always listened to sports radio, as well. There were a couple of sports broadcasting lessons in the ebook, and they were really helpful. I’d love to work in a combination of sports and music. There wasn’t any tension there, because what he taught about sports radio transfers over to the music side nicely.

Is there anyone else at Radio Connection that you’d like to shout out?

My audio/technical guy, Alex Torres! I worked with him bi-weekly for 6 months and have even met and visited with him outside of RRFC. He taught me so much about recording, editing, and mixing. He helped me evolve, with patience and understanding, to become what I am trying to be today: a professional on-air personality. So big ups to Alex Torres!

As you’re looking for entry points into radio, have you thought about podcasting?

About twice a week I have a couple friends come over and we do a freeform recorded conversation. I’ve been putting in a lot of work, staying up till 2 or 3 in the morning editing content. I’m honing the process in hopes of getting a weekly or biweekly podcast up and running. I’m looking to take it to the next level. I’m ultimately more interested in a traditional studio model of radio, but I’m not opposed to anything.

What’s your ideal slot? A morning show? Afternoon rush hour?

I’m good with anything. I’m not particularly a morning person, but maybe that could translate well to the listener. I could be a drive home guy. Like I said, I’m a sports and music guy. Something that combines the best of both would be my dream situation.

Do you have any advice for someone thinking about entering the program?

It’s not an easy program, but if you put a lot of effort into it and you’re dedicated, it’s totally worth it. I got a lot more out of it than I expected. A lot of the credit for that goes to Craig. He reassured me and guided me. I was insecure if I had what it takes, and he supported me. He said, “You’ve got ‘IT!’” Having him behind me in the process was huge. I would encourage anyone interested to go for it, you get way more from the program than meets the eye. Don’t think about it, just go out there and get it done. Take the leap. I’ve talked myself out of opportunities before, and my advice to everyone is, “Don’t waste time.”

It’s not an easy program, but if you put a lot of effort into it and you’re dedicated, it’s totally worth it. I got a lot more out of it than I expected.

What do you think he meant by “IT?”

Craig told me once early on, when encouraging my talents behind the mic, that few people in radio just automatically have “IT.” That IT is “evolutionary and not revolutionary.” That we need time to practice and hone our skills and craft and IT will evolve into our true second nature. And that my friend, I conclude, to be of the utmost relevance and importance for the rookies, newbies, greenhorns, myself proudly included.