Today is National Radio Day across the United States of America.
Many people are sharing photos and videos showing their radio experiences.
Some people are lifelong radio hosts, djs, producers, etc while others spend most their time listening to programming or even getting a taste and hoping for more.
I am in the boat of getting that taste and still listening to programs in my free time.
Two of my favorite things are music and sports.
Radio is a perfect way to blend the two.
I grew up listening to the radio while going to and from school growing up. I also would listen to clips of my uncle’s Mojo In The Morning radio show.
Back in third grade, I made my first appearance on the show when then-senator Barack Obama came on to campaign for his run to become the first U.S. black president.
I got to outsmart the future president on past presidents and it would even make the Detroit Free Press newspaper in the following days.
This was a really cool experience and I was wanting more.
When it came time for college, sports and music remained a top interest of mine. I knew Loras College had a radio station but it had gone dormant for a bit.
Second semester of my freshman year, I got to work and started meeting with staff and community members on what was needed to get the station up and running.
I did tv and newspaper interviews for local Iowa stations and papers.
We eventually got more involved and began the framework to keep it stable for years to come. It was a full team effort.
Loras Radio or KLCR had programming that included all sports focus, soccer, religion, K-POP, Spanish, music, campus discussions, variety, and many more.
As I worked to build up the station, I read and listened to so much on the industry. I wanted our “little” station to be a cool experience for all and at the top of its class.
I even headed to Michigan to visit Mojo and his crew to see how a legend does it daily.
I did music related shows and sports shows.
A highlight was going to the Field of Dreams with my friend. We even put together a video of the experience.
Just as things were starting to make big waves, the COVID 19 pandemic sent us home and forced me to complete my final two months of college from the comfort of my home.
An unfortunate thing but you do what you need to do for the better of people. And I did that with our station.
I connected with my hosts to see if they wanted to do there shows from home and I would make sure to continue to promote them on social. We had some end and some that continued to put in the work.
One of my favorite interviews I did was done through zoom with Dubuque’s own Kate Mulgrew.
I had met her in the prior Fall and asked in person if she would be interested. She responded, “I would love to do that for Loras College.”
While my radio days have gone a bit quiet, podcasting has been a great outlet. My college friends Nick Richter and Tom Rhomberg joined me for about two years on the Sideline Icons Podcast.
We talked to everyone and anyone. We spoke to athletes, broadcasters, business leaders, radio hosts and DJs, trainers, historians etc.
This below image is not even all of the guests either.
We had a lot of fun but life got busy and we ended the show with a wonderful episode featuring an interview with Stanley Cup champion Kris Versteeg as well as reminisce about the times we shared.
The road was rewarding and special. I am both happy and a bit disappointed.
Hoped to do a bit more but we ran out of time on campus but also very happy with the memories made not just for me but for everyone who joined in on make Loras Radio and the podcast succeed.
Unfortunately, the school no longer keeps it going despite radio holding such significance and accessibility to all people. One day their media program will understand the importance of radio and the skills you can gain by offering that outlet. There is a history written out, passwords, funds, and all the necessary equipment to pick right back up.
Until then, they are missing out. It is what it is.
But do not worry. No one needs to miss out on me because I have some projects finally debuting.
While I am not a radio host, I am doing one of the next best things- hosting a podcast. Before you hate, I am not joining the wave. I was the original wave.
I love getting the opportunity to talk with people and also help to share their stories. While I am lucky to do so with my job at the newspaper, I want to expand my reach a bit.
This next podcast will do that.
Next month (I promise), I will be launching the first episodes of the Xtra Time Podcast.
I thank each and every one of you for all the love and support you give me and the work I share.
All of it helps make this become more of my daily life which is a dream I live and hope to live even more.
Thank you.
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