You know his voice and his laugh. Clay Moden has been waking up Western New Yorkers for about two decades. We caught up with him recently for a nice chat on how his life has changed since baby Hank was born.
Q: First up, how’s the baby?
A: Hank is awesome. I never dreamed I could be so happy and never knew you could fall in love with something/someone so fast. When he was born it was instant love.
Clay and baby Hank, two peas in a pod.
Q: We know sleep deprivation is a part of a morning show, now add a baby. How are you holding up?
A: It has been a struggle. But my wife (Elizabeth) is an amazing mom. She does most of the heavy lifting overnight and Hank is sleeping through the night lately which is a huge help.
Q: You’ve really built an amazing career here, why do you think folks can relate to you so much?
A: I think that it is that we relate to our listeners so well. I grew up here and can understand the things that WNY’ers go through. Random weather changes, road construction season, taxes and the ups and downs of the Bills and Sabres.
Q: What’s the best part of your job?
A: There is no better compliment to what we do than meeting people and have them tell us that they “feel like we are family.” Being able to connect with and be such a part of someone’s daily routine is worth the early mornings
Q: What are your thoughts on the Queen City’s Comeback?
A: It’s like Marv Levy said, “where would you rather be than right here, right now?” Early in my career I had a huge desire to move on to a different market. Somewhere fresh and new with lots of things to do, great nightlife, a city that was on the move. Fast forward a few years, and that’s exactly what Buffalo is.
Q: What is your favorite Buffalo food?
A: Wings. Hands down.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant?
A: There are so many amazing places in the Buffalo area. But if I could have a steak at the Buffalo Chophouse everyday, that would be OK with me.
Q: What is your favorite view?
A: The best view is from our studio! We are in The Rand Building and have a 12th floor view of the progress in Buffalo. I have been able to watch the transition every day for the last 20 years. Pretty impressive.
Q: Where do you always take friends when they come to town?
A: It used to be that we would have to seek somewhere in the suburbs. But now the list has to include Canalside. There is something going on all year round and with the hotels that have gone up, friends are staying right in downtown these days.
Q: What musician that you’ve been around – has really loved it here?
A: Most of today’s top country stars have come to Western New York this past year and a half. Even though all of them have nice things to say about the area, no doubt that Garth Brooks was genuinely excited about being here. It makes sense, the fact that Buffalo is growing and making a comeback makes all of us who grew up here proud. However, this city has always been about the people. The City of Good Neighbors is full of what Garth refers to as “Friends In Low Places.”
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