Five Things You Might Not Know About the HOM Morning Show’s Jeff Parsons

I have to admit I'm pretty excited about moving over to 94.9 HOM with my co-host of over 20 years on Q97.9, Lori Voornas. We had a lot of our listeners come on over with us on day one who already know a lot about us, and feel right at home with us on HOM.

For a lot of people though, this may be the first time you've ever heard of us. So to introduce ourselves to you, Lori and I have shared five things about us that you may not know. You can check out Lori's five things here, but keep on reading to learn five things about me.

1. I Play Competitive Pinball

Pinball is still a thing today, although it almost became a thing of the past about 20 years ago. Pinball machines are just bells and chimes like you may remember if you're my age. Today they have video screens, connect to the internet to track scores and have some deep rules if you really want to get into it.

I've been playing competitive pinball for nearly 15 years. 10 of it has been a part of the New England Pinball League, of which I am currently president, but I've played in tournaments all across the country. I'm not good enough to be an elite player, but I can hold my own against many of the locals.

2. I was at The Price is Right with Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul

I'm a huge game show fan and my favorite game show of all time is The Price is Right. I've loved it ever since I was a kid and owned every single home game published by Milton Bradley since the show debuted. Bob Barker is my idol and I always wanted to be like him. I got my chance on a smaller scale at one point, but you'll see that in a bit.

I finally got the chance to go see the show in person in 1999 and even had the opportunity to meet Bob himself. It was a dream come true.

The show I was at was also the show where a then-unknown, Aaron Paul of Breaking Bad was a contestant. That's him on the right and that's me over the right shoulder of the female contestant. I was a bit rounder back then.

3. I Hate Winter

What person in Maine doesn't love winter? Me. I hate shoveling, snow blowing, sanding, driving in snow, and ridiculously cold air. People always ask me, "If you don't like winter, why don't you move?" As much as I hate winter it's worth it to stay in the state of always lived in because I have this great job and a really cool 16-year-old son living here who is the younger version of me. A good job and staying close to family is what gets me through the worst season of the year in Maine.

4. I Get Anxious Talking to People Face to Face

It sounds strange for someone who talks on the radio for a living because very uncomfortable and anxious when I have to do that talking face to face with someone. It's a struggle, to say the least. But put me up on stage with a microphone in my hand, like I did for this fundraiser in Livermore Falls where I hosted a local version of The Price is Right. and I'm in my element.

5. I Met Sting

This was a big highlight of my 26-year career with Q97.9. When Sting was in Portland, Maine to play at the Cumberland County Civic Center in the late 90s, I had the opportunity to go backstage and meet him. He was very friendly and kind, which is exactly what you hope your idols would be if you ever met them. I just wish photo technology was like it is today for this picture.