Hey everyone! Today, I want to take you back to a time in my life that I’ll always hold close to my heart – my years as a radio DJ. Working in radio was one of those experiences that changed me, taught me a lot, and gave me stories I’ll probably be telling forever. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like behind the mic or what a radio gig is really like, stick around – I’ve got some stories for you!

How It All Started:

It was around 2007 when I got my first shot at being a part-time DJ at 96.1 KLPX in Tucson. I had spent years working in customer service, with people constantly telling me I had a “great voice” and that I should be on the radio. Honestly, it sounded like a dream job – sharing music, talking to people, and bringing a little entertainment to the day. So when the opportunity came up, I jumped on it without thinking twice.

At the time, I was still working full-time in a call center to pay the bills. So balancing both jobs wasn’t easy. But radio was something I was genuinely passionate about, and I couldn’t pass up the chance. There was something about the thrill of being live on air, even for a small local station, that was electric.

The Art of “Being Yourself” on Air:

One of the first things I learned was that radio isn’t just about “sounding good” – it’s about sounding real. There’s this delicate art to connecting with listeners and making them feel like they’re hanging out with a friend. I had to develop a style that felt natural, laid-back, and approachable, but also engaging enough to keep people tuning in.

When you’re on air, you’re not just a voice; you’re a personality, a storyteller, and sometimes even a bit of a therapist for listeners calling in. I’d often share little anecdotes, talk about the songs I was playing, or even throw in random thoughts that came to me during the show. It was all about building a connection with people who were just hearing my voice through the speakers.

Handling the Pressure of Live Radio:

Radio is live. There’s no “pause” or “do-over” button, and trust me, that’s both thrilling and terrifying. I had to think on my feet constantly. If something went wrong – whether it was a tech issue or me accidentally saying the wrong thing – I had to roll with it. You learn very quickly to keep your cool, because the moment you let panic slip into your voice, the audience knows.

There were times I’d have to quickly adapt, whether it was a last-minute playlist change, a broken piece of equipment, or an unexpected caller. In a way, working in customer service helped me prepare for this. I was already used to thinking fast and handling surprises, but live radio definitely kicked it up a notch!

Building a Relationship with the Audience:

One of the best parts of radio was the connection with listeners. Some people would call in regularly, sharing their stories or just wanting to chat. It felt like being part of a community – a group of people who loved music and wanted to escape their day for a little while.

Some listeners became familiar voices, calling in with song requests or just to say hi. Others would share personal stories that sometimes broke my heart or made my day. There’s something special about that kind of bond, where people feel like they know you even though you’ve never met.

The Challenge of Leaving:

After a few years on air, I eventually left radio in 2012. It wasn’t an easy decision, but life changes and responsibilities pushed me to focus more on stable, full-time work. Part-time radio gigs don’t always pay the bills, especially when you’re balancing other responsibilities. But those years on air? I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful for that time. It gave me a platform to be creative, a chance to connect with people, and a unique skill set that I still use to this day. Whether it’s my voice work, my ability to engage people, or the calm I keep under pressure, so much of it comes from those years in radio.

What I Miss (And Don’t Miss) About Radio:

There are a lot of things I miss about radio. I miss the spontaneity, the sense of community, and the thrill of live broadcasts. I miss sharing music and stories with people who genuinely cared about what I had to say. And honestly, there’s nothing quite like having a microphone in front of you and a song queued up that you know people are going to love.

On the flip side, I don’t miss the late-night hours, the constant need to juggle radio with a full-time job, or the financial instability of part-time gigs. Radio is a passion-driven field, but it’s not always the most practical one. Still, the good memories far outweigh the tough parts.

Wrapping Up:

My time in radio will always be a part of who I am. It gave me a voice, literally and figuratively, and taught me so much about connecting with people. If you’ve ever thought about getting into radio or just wondered what it’s like, I’d say go for it. It’s one of those experiences that shapes you, challenges you, and leaves you with memories you’ll never forget.

Thanks for letting me share this part of my journey with you. If you have any questions about radio or just want to talk music, feel free to reach out. And who knows – maybe one day, I’ll find my way back behind the mic.