10 Questions with ... Joshua Escandon

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started doing radio at the tender age of 16 working afternoons at KAGR in Ventura. That turned into working as an intern, production and programming assistant for Rick Dees at KIIS-FM for four years. Got a gig on-air at Q105/Ventura while securing a five-year tenure at the original ABC Studios' The Hollywood Palace as DJ, Music Director and Marketing Director and playing music on behalf of KIIS-FM, POWER106 and 106.7 KROQ. Earned Mix-Show Director and on-air stripes at L.A. Dance station B-100, then started doing mornings when they flipped to MEGA100 for the Jeff Wyatt morning show. Got an on-air offer at KOST, which turned into full-time middays at KBIG104, and worked for both stations for over seven years. Got picked up by Premiere Radio Networks and was syndicated on over 300 markets in the U.S. Then had the opportunity to move to CBS Radio and perform early afternoon-drive duties at K-EARTH 101. Currently, I am doing freelance VO, producing and directing film and TV. Would love to get back into doing what I have a great passion for and that's radio!

1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?

I've been forced to branch out. That's a good thing. I am a multi-faceted performer. I've learned a lot in radio, which translates into other areas of the entertainment industry. With all the free time I have I've been working out, enjoying pet projects and continuing to plug along.

2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?

You name it. If it's physical I'm into it. I have been going to the gym, hiking with my puppy, yoga, cycling, golf, surfing and of course, freelance work projects.

3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

I plan on sticking with what I've learned and applying it wherever I can. Radio has been a launching pad for many other avenues which I've embraced, most recently stand-up comedy, selling out the Laugh Factory for the past six years and helping to generate over two million in receipts.

4) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?

Just keep knocking on doors, letting folks know you're available and if and when they need some qualified and certifiable talent, you're ready. Polite persistence. At this point in my radio career I'm really looking for the right opportunity, one that excites me. It's not really about the money; it's the longevity and creating something special that will not only generate a long-term relationship, but also create a product that will have significant impact on the bottom line and make me as a radio personality, host and show an invaluable asset to the station and company that I am working for.

5) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?

When you are freelance you keep your eyes open for all kinds of opportunities, including those that you might even have to create yourself. I am very fortunate, coming from a veteran award-winning entertainment family. I have been blessed with knowing how to wear many hats.

6) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?

I'd really like to do mornings or afternoons -- and would really like to take it a step further and create a syndicated product. I have some great ideas after 20 years in the business.

7) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?

I am a Latin performer with an excellent track record who comes from a family of multiple Emmy winners; Ricoardo Montalban's Nosotros Awards, AP Mark Twain honors, multi-Platinum award-selling family. Being that Hispanics are the largest minority group in the U.S. and are yet, unbelievably, under-represented in radio makes me, hopefully, a stand-out choice to draw that audience and mobilize that listener base, especially with the top 12 U.S. cities being Hispanic-dominant.

8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

I've had many wonderful highlights. Praise the Lord! Opening up at the Hollywood Bowl, Verizon Wireless, Greek Theatre, selling out the Laugh Factory, and Jamie Masada, the owner of the Laugh Factory writing me a letter of recommendation, which compliments my comedic ability ... those stripes were killer to earn. Selling out the Hollywood Palace during my five-year tenure as Music Director, Marketing Director and DJ, broadcasting on a national platform to over 300 radio stations through syndication, throwing out the first pitch at the Dodgers game to my father, (thanks, Karen Tobin), producing television, commercials and most recently a documentary that I produced, directed and wrote on Buddhism that was featured at USC.

9) Where do you see yourself in five years? 10 years?

Hopefully continuing to do what I love ... being able to retire, yet still work, not because I feel as if it's work, but because I love it and in my opinion, when you love what you do it's not work. Simply, provide for myself, my family and lots of children. HA!

10) What's your handicap now that you've had time to practice?

Well, I can gladly say that I am a 7 handicap trying to get to scratch. If this stretch lasts any longer I might be able to qualify as a PGA teaching pro. So far it's been three years of lessons with Roger Dunn and can I work some English on a golf ball. Need a lesson? I'll take your slice, fade and teach you how to be a hooker.