Bertram, pictured circa 1983, has watched every episode of Saturday Night Live.
Courtesy | Scot Bertram
In this Quick Hits, WRFH 101.7 FM General Manager Scot Bertram talks conspiracy theories, a Kansas City vacation, and the Chicago Bears’ lack of a Super Bowl win in this century.
What is your favorite part of the radio station?
The microphones? Honestly, my favorite part is getting to know our students, finding out what they are interested in and passionate about, and turning those motivations into unique and entertaining content. It’s immensely gratifying to help students achieve their goals and improve as journalists and communicators.
If you could have any job, what would it be, and why?
I don’t want any job but the one I have now. In an alternate universe, however, maybe I could take over for Lorne Michaels as executive producer of “Saturday Night Live.
What is your dream destination to travel?
My wife makes fun of me for this, but it’s Kansas City. I want to attend a White Sox vs. Royals game at Kauffman Stadium, visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the National World War I Museum and Memorial, and eat Kansas City–style barbecue at every meal.
What would your 7-year-old self tell you today?
Wait, the Bears still have not won another Super Bowl yet?
What is your craziest story from college?
Back in 2000, I led the effort by members of our campus humor magazine, “The Kindling,” to bring The Upright Citizens Brigade to campus for a performance. Understand, this was not a touring company or students taking improv classes. These were the founding members of UCB who had a show on Comedy Central, featuring Amy Poehler, Matt Walsh, Ian Roberts, and Matt Besser well before they were famous. We picked them up from the airport, spent the day with all four around town, and nearly filled the performance hall. It all was a blast.
What is your favorite Hillsdale College sport to watch?
You’ll see me and my son at all sorts of activities, but I think baseball probably is our favorite to watch.
What is your favorite conspiracy theory?
I don’t actually believe it, but my favorite conspiracy theory is that Michael Jordan did not voluntarily retire from the NBA in 1993, but was secretly suspended by the league for 18 months due to his serious gambling issues/losses, using his season in baseball’s minor leagues as a cover story.
What is the best movie ever made?
I reject the premise of your questions and replace it with a baker’s dozen list of perfect films everyone should see: “Airplane!,” “Back to the Future,” “Broadcast News,” “Chinatown,” “Double Indemnity,” “The Godfather,” “Groundhog Day,” “Rear Window,” “Rushmore,” “The Silence of the Lambs,” “The Sting,” “Thief,” and “The Thing.”
If you had to listen to only one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Black Crowes, “The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion.”
What is a skill you wish you had learned earlier in life?
I wish I would have learned to play an instrument early in life. I did take piano lessons for a couple years and then quit. I really wanted to be a drummer, but at this point would settle for bass or guitar. I’m just not sure where to find the time.
Who is the most interesting person you have ever interviewed or met through your work?
I’ve interviewed thousands of people, many of them quite interesting, so that’s very hard to rank. But the most interesting person I’ve been able to meet through my work is probably David Lowery of the bands Camper Van Beethoven and Cracker. We became friendly through Twitter and connected around the taping of my “Political Beats” podcast covering his work. Later he guested in one of my classes here at Hillsdale and we were able to have dinner together before his most-recent concert in Detroit. In addition to being a rock star, he’s now a senior lecturer in music business at the University of Georgia. So, you know, just two college professors chatting.
