In conversation with Mississauga's Sauga 960 AM host, Mike Richards

Mike Richards is the host of the popular “Raw Mike Richards Show” that airs Monday to Friday from 7-9 am on Sauga960AM.

He has also been the quintessential morning man on Canadian radio over the past 30 years and I sat down recently with him to reflect on his career, passions and the future of radio.

Praveen Amirtharaj: When did you first realize your future was in radio?

Mike Richards: I wanted to be a goalie. I was pretty good. Went to hockey camps, where I caught the eye of coaches like Jaques Martin and Mike Keenan, but somehow bailed on the dream and went to Yuk Yuks and I was still in high school,  what the hell..  During this time I was seen performing at an event, hosted by CKEY's Dick Young and Robert Payne. They thought I had a good voice, so... I went to Fanshawe College for 1 year and then Ryerson for one year. That summer I worked at CKBB in Barrie and by fall, I landed my first radio job at 1050 CHUM in Toronto.

PA: You were a stand up comic ?

MR: I auditioned for a comedy club where the Toronto Star's Rob Salem “discovered” me. He put me on a road that would eventually see me open up at venues like Roy Thompson Hall in front of George Carlin, the Ontario Place Forum for acts like Celine Dion and Andre Phillipe Gagnon. I went on to Yuk Yuk's and also performing at private events.

PA: You're known for your uncanny impersonations; who is your favourite ?

MR: The CBS soap, The Young and the Restless star, Eric Braeden, has a character named Victor Newman. This has been a gold mine for 30 years! (I joked with him upon meeting him in-studio that I probably owed him money...He is still waiting) Bob Cole is popular, John Travolta etc... but I love doing the voice of Peyton Manning! (He's a god)  

PA: At the peak of your career, you were dealt a harsh blow when you were diagnosed with cancer.  How change your perspective on life ? 

MR: Having your mortality challenged is life shattering. You realize that much of what you have deemed important, isn't.  It forces you to re-evaluate your priorities, be a better Dad, be a better husband. My main focus now is trying the best way to "pay it forward." I'm hoping to make some substantial moves in this regard in 2023. It has become a massive motivation for me. 

PA: Who has influenced you most in your career?

MR: The biggest influence in my life without question, is my father. His influence as an educator, coach and mentor is literally unparalleled in my opinion. In terms of radio influence, it starts with Gerry Forbes, Our time starting at 1050 CHUM, but more intensely at CKFM 99.9. It’s a relationship that has lasted a lifetime, not only how to be a professional broadcaster but how to treat people.  Bob McCown taught me the ins and outs of sports radio, but also how to be engaging without leaning on guests. You be the content. Ironically, this last point has become completely lost with today's sports radio. The current state of Sports Radio, I believe, has been mismanaged due to a massive lack of understanding of the format. They have drowned in their own inexperience with radio as a medium. Sports radio hasn’t died, it has been murdered, slowly and clumsily... 

PA: What would you tell 20 year old Mike Richards things you have learned along your 30+ year career?

MR: Stand up for yourself. You are worth something. It's good to be flexible, but don't let people walk all over you because you want to be the "good guy." That happened way too much….

PA: What does your perfect sports day look like?

MR: NCAA sports are big in this house, especially football and basketball. Always love getting together with my family for CFL games. We're Ticat fans. My first game in Hamilton was at Ivor Wynne Stadium... I've been a die hard fan ever since. And yes, gambling has seeped its way into my blood... but I'm a recreational player. I bet on everything. 

PA: What's are your guilty pleasures not related to sports?

MR: Anything culinary. Love the food and travel. Anthony Bourdain was a legend. The Stanley Tucci series in Italy is heaven, I miss playing the drums. Double kick (Two bass drums) was orgasmic. I worshipped at the altar of Neil Peart. Travelling is something that is precious and not done enough, and Ireland is on the top of my list. I LOVE the island. Land of my people. Jesus was Irish. A lot of people don't know that...

Mike Richards can be reached on Twitter @rawmikerichards