Interview with Dave Michael Garg

Today's interview is with BC Buzz Radio Host Dave Michael Garg.

Dave (who some of you may remember as Davin from Vancouver Canadians games a couple years ago as the On-Field announcer), hosts the Majority of shows on BCbuzz.ca and has maybe 5 or 6 shows that are aired each week that he does alone!!

Road Kill Sports: Two years ago, when you were teaching kids how to pronounce Chalon Tietje's name at Vancouver Canadians games, did you ever think that you'd be where you are today interviewing individuals such as Bob Lenarduzzi, Bill Good and Sam Sullivan?

Dave Garg: I’ve certainly followed an unexpected path the past two years. But you know, being the on-field announcer for the Vancouver Canadians was the springboard for my career in media, providing my first opportunity to speak before a large group of people.

Interesting story, I joined the Vancouver Canadians as an intern, getting paid peanuts (literally, since the Canadians are a baseball team). I was just supposed to assist in promotions and game-day operations, but the Director of Games Day Operations thought I had potential. She put me behind the microphone, to announce on-field contests and promotions. It allowed me to gain confidence speaking, develop my voice, and think better on the fly. Which ultimately led to, as you mentioned, interviewing great guests like Bill Good and Sam Sullivan. But you know what? I’m still learning, and always looking to improve.

RKS: Using the past month as a timeframe, what has been your most memorable interview?

DG: Well, having worked in radio for over 2 years now, I've certainly had the chance to conduct some very memorable interviews, including Walter Gretzky (Wayne's Father) and Jean Beliveau. But just looking at the past month (So in other words, since we've started bcbuzz.ca), I would have to say Kid Carson, morning show host on the Beat 94. 5.
Funny guy, we just fed off each other, ending up with a fast-paced and entertaining piece. Also, since we're roughly the same age (I'm 22, he's 27), we had no issues joking around with each other. I certainly didn't hesitate to ask him anything.

RKS: Youve' talked to interviewees about Global Warming, but now it's your turn to answer, what do you think on the environmental situation roaming our earth?

DG: It’s evident that you are an avid listener at BC Buzz! It’s always
great to have a dedicated listener.

I think global warming is the number one issue on the international
level, something which affects everyone, no matter of age, country,
income, or gender. I’m very happy to see movement upon the top ranks:
scientists publishing reports, politicians making the environment their
top priority, and so forth. But its what we can do as individuals
that’s important. I saw that Al Gore and Richard Branson are offering
$25 million for a solution that lowers carbon dioxide levels in the
atmosphere. That’s all swell, but I don’t think I will be sending in
my solution any time soon. I mean, I did well in science, but not that
well!

There’s the obvious things that we should do: carpool, turn off the
lights, and recycle. But just like we now have detailed nutritional
information on all food items, I think we should be able to easily know
the environmental facts on each product. For instance, was it produced
in an environmentally-friendly factory? Is it green-friendly to use?

RKS: Was BC Buzz an instant idea, or was it a gradual step-by-step thought process?

DG: I used to host a sports radio show on a small community radio station.
My main demographic was listeners. But with a 8:30 timeslot on Friday
mornings, I didn’t always have a lot of people tuning in!

One day, a buddy of mine asked me what I did with the shows after they
were finished. I had no idea what he was talking about. But he clued
me into the power of the web, which makes sense, because he is a web
designer. Along with my producer, Cynthia Wildman, the three of us
began developing what is now BC Buzz (www.bcbuzz.ca). It took a long
time, 6 months huddling around the computer Wednesday evenings.
Business plans were written, videos were produced, shows developed,
partnerships formed, interviews conducted, and much more…so it was
certainly a step-by-step process.

RKS: You host 7 of 8 BC Buzz shows, do you ever feel rushed with deadlines (Although every show has a different deadline) or overwhelmed at all?

DG: Without a shadow of a doubt. I brainstorm story ideas, conduct the
interview, outline the piece, and do the editing as well. This on top
of my sales, promotions, and management obligations. So I’m busy. But
its worth it, no complaints. Very fulfilling, and I do believe this
could become something big. We just recently added 3 more people to
the team. Which should help reduce my work load a bit. Just a little
bit.

RKS: In the first segment of Sports Bar, you interviewed Vancouver Canucks
fans who talked about how far they thought the Canucks would go, and
with
their recent success, do you think that a berth in the playoffs is a
given?

DG: No. Just as the team got so hot, they could get cold just as quickly.
Look at the Montreal Canadiens. They were 2nd in the East, 1st among
the Canadian teams. Now, they are struggling to stay among the top 8.
Especially if an injury were to hit a Sedin or Luongo. Especially
Luongo...who’s the backup again? This guy just doesn’t take a night
off.

While the playoffs are not a certainty, I do think the Canucks will be
playing past the regular season. Even if they don’t have the most
offensive team, I really like what appears to be solid team chemistry.
Choosing to move forth without both Bert and Crawford (plus Jovo, May,
among others) was a gutsy both by Dave Nonis, and its paying off. The
Canucks are now a TEAM, not just a collection of individual talents.

RKS: BC Lions or Vancouver Canucks? Who's the favourite team for you?

DG: BC Lions. I love hockey, but enjoy the Lions more because the players
are just regulars joes. Less ego, more community involvement. Ryan
Thelwell attended the launch event for BC Buzz (WinterBuzz), and he was
just a joy to speak with, launching jokes left and right. They buy
their clothes at Winners, just like the rest of us!


RKS: Thanks Dave!

Really appreciate him doing that for the site, and be sure to tune in every week day on bcbuzz.ca to hear new episodes of your favourite streaming shows.