I remember playing “radio” when I was a little boy—mixing music and introducing songs. My parents had a huge record player and an 8-Track machine, so it took a real talent! Of course, I had no idea I could actually make a living by playing and mixing music!
But wouldn’t you know it…I now get paid to host a morning show!
My career started at CKSA in Lloydminster…before I knew it was career. I was the only guy willing to get up early on a Sunday to put the religion shows on the air…so I got the job. On one occasion I got to speak and say something like, “Today’s broadcast is brought to you by Bob’s Funeral home.” And those few words gave me a career!
Now it’s not because I said those words so well that the owners rushed down to the radio station and offered me a morning show. No! It was about 3 years later, while applying for a position for the CBC, that I realized the power of those words.
I still remember their question in the interview, “Have you ever been on air before?” “Oh YES, of course!” I relied enthusiastically. And I got the job!
Starting as a technician I then moved up to reporter, then to fill-in radio host and finally to a show of my own. Wanting a new challenge after 7 years, I moved across the street to private radio. And that’s where I found my passion! By 1997 I was having the time of my life with Veteran Radio Host, Roch Shannon Fraser.
Three years later I moved to KBS Radio and began hosting the weekday morning “Wayne and Jayne Show”. Oh, what a place! –A place where I got to (and still do!) have fun, inspire listeners, and talk with everyone from celebrities and motivational speakers to reality TV contestants, authors, psychics and entrepreneurs.
What’s my radio highlight? –Three days of broadcasting my radio show live in New York City. A show from Ground Zero, another from Central Park…and the third broadcasting from within the Gabby Cabby’s cab while touring the city!
Because of this trip and fundraising effort (we delivered 750 Spinoza bears …which cost $165 000…to the children of firefighters and EMTs who died in 9-11) I was awarded “The Star of Tomorrow” in the radio industry by the BCAB (British Columbia Association of Broadcasters), as well as the station winning 2 national CAB (Canadian Association of Broadcasters) awards.
I know radio hosts are supposed to move all over the country and try to land the coveted Major Market Morning shows, but my current location is a slice of heaven. I have golf courses, bike trails, and endless possibilities for canoeing in my back pocket…AND I’m only 15 minutes from the ski lift at Red Mountain in Rossland BC!
Would you believe I wanted to be a rock star at one time! Yes, we can’t forget a very important piece of the puzzle that helped me become the entertainer I am today: I studied guitar, performance and music merchandising at the Red Deer College School of Music, then spent a few years playing professionally and finally a few years teaching. Now guitars hang on the walls of my home-studio and are always ready “for a go ‘round” –For stress relief, for writing the occasional song and for use in professional radio bits.
So how did I use my skills of working in Talk, CHR and Adult Contemporary formats as both a producer and radio host, to becoming the radio guy who works with authors, coaches, and entrepreneurs?
In 2003 I did a radio interview with Mark Victor Hansen about his new book the One Minute Millionaire. I was so impressed after the interview I asked Mark to come to BC to do a seminar. 600 people showed up at the event my wife and I organized. And Mark was so impressed he invited me down to LA to his Mega event.
It was while at that seminar speakers kept asking me how they could get on my radio show. From that my coaching career was born…I formed On-Air Publicity, a media coaching business specializing in coaching authors, speakers and entrepreneurs how to use media to build a huge list, sell product, and create a brand for them selves. Now I work with clients all over the globe… from Australia to Ireland, and Africa to America.
And I still live 15 minutes from the ski hill, with my wife, Melanie, and our 2 teenagers, Jess and Brody.
And I get to play “radio” with Jayne every weekday morning.
Does it get any better than that?
