Mark Benka

contributing artist

Mark “Da Tongue” Benka, (aka—“Dr. Pooka,” aka—“Max Baxter,” aka—“HEY YOU!”) is a veteran broadcast talent who has spent most of his youth entertaining family and friends by doing Richard Nixon and John Wayne impressions—as well as a slew of cartoon voices—while spinning those novelty 45s that he cut from cardboard cerealboxes.

Like most, he is still pursuing his “big break” and from what fans hear of him on “Motor City Static” over WBFH/Bloomfield Hills, he is well on his way to making his mark on the industry. His ambition has always been to perform as a voice artist for Warner Bros. Animation or Hanna/Barbera Productions.

While a teen, Mark was a sound programmer for Skate World of Troy and then a disk jockey for Dance With Me Productions, spending many a weekend at other people’s weddings.

Mark studied radio at Wayne State University and earned his B.A. in Communications (specialization in Radio, TV & Film) and honed his craft at the college radio station WAYN. Some of his fondest memories at Wayne State are of WAYN. He served as promotions director and the host of his own show, “The Dr.Pooka Zoo.” While at WAYN, Mark took advantage of an opportunity to work at WCXI/AM 1130 as a commentator for The Detroit Grand Prix.

Mark also completed an internship at WRIF/Detroit and, in turn, hired to work in their research department. He also spent time at legendary WGPR/Channel 62 as a parttime camera operator. You might remember some of his camerawork from “The Scene” and “Fred Merle’s Auction Movie.”

Mark would like to fill his dance card by working with the burgeoning Detroit film industry.  Currently, he works in the luxury automotive service industry.

Mark is married with two kids, a son and a daughter, and enjoys the water a lot by fishing, jetskiing and boating. He has been a proud Bob Seger fan since he was 12 and was a bit miffed to discover that Mr. Seger and Ron Wittebols hung out together when Ron was 4. A crazed music buff with over 7000 LPs among his collection, Mark’s music taste is ecclectic but leans toward classic rock and country.