Josh Connor (he, him) is the newest member of Nashville Public Radio. As the station’s new operations and production manager, Josh works with WPLN’s daily playlists and technical execution, creates sponsorship messages, and collaborates with the audience division. Get to know him.
1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An actor, a doctor and a policeman … seriously, all three of them.
2. What made you want to work for Nashville Public Radio?
I am a firm believer in the value of quality journalism. We need people to tell us what’s really happening. Enough spin, already – I have relied on WPLN newscasts for years for this. (I also grew up next door to my local NPR station’s operations manager – cool, huh? Our families were close.)
3. What can listeners expect you to do at Nashville Public Radio in the next year?
I am a creative problem solver by calling. I plan to bring some “zing” where appropriate to components that air within our family of brands. You’ll hear my voice a lot, and I hope it will be an informative complement to your day and your choices.
4. a) Do you consider yourself to be a foodie? b) Any favorite Nashville restaurants so far? c) Any places on your “must try” list?
Total foodie … I love Cuban and Caribbean food, Mexican too. Both of my longstanding favorite restaurants closed recently, but let me recommend Bang Bang Sushi on Dickerson Pike for lunch.
5. Where else have you lived besides Middle Tennessee?
The St. Louis area, southern Minnesota, downstate Illinois (Olney, Illinois, world famous for white squirrels), Robinson, Illinois; Terre Haute, Indiana; Cedar Rapids and Des Moines, Iowa; and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Bonus 1. Where is your dream vacation?
Ireland – at the moment. It was O’Connor not that many generations ago, and we have a rich history mapped back. I’d like to go visit some of those places.
Bonus 2. A fun fact about Josh:
I regularly participate in the Blue Bear Barn (a streaming music venue and collective) in South Nashville. I love well written and produced songs… send me your favorite!
Bonus 3. Where do you prefer your coffee and toast?
Coffee: D4
Toast: 4G