10 Questions with ... Julian On The Radio

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Hot 995/Washington DC (Nights), B96/Chicago (Nights then Mornings), KZZP/Phoenix (Afternoons).

1) What led you to a career in radio?

I was in college interning for Bonnneville's Z104 in Washington, D.C. I was literally so nervous and shy in the beginning because everyone there to me was a star. We had incredible talent in that building from Sean Sellers to Mathew Blades. I worked my way up from intern, to promotions assistant, to sales account executive, back to promotions along with assisting the night show. After observing and absorbing a lot from Blades I told myself in my head, "Okay, this is what I want to do." I was determined. Over the course of a few years, I eventually got my shot to do part-time on-air in my hometown thanks to Mike Edwards and Sean Sellers. I'll never forget all the mock airchecks I made, and the first break I did at 2a.

2) What is your favorite part of the job?

As cliche as it may sound, this is what I truly believe and have always said that "if I can make someone's day better for that split second then I've already won." To crack a smile and make a person happy makes me happy. This was why I got into this business and it hasn't changed.

3) Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?

If they don't have to fit within the confines of the format, then Angela Rye. If it does, then Eminem.

4) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

I listened to a few in the DC market. Z104 for sure. WPGC, DC101 and HFS. I remember as a young buck, I'd call the overnight jock on HFS and I'd get so nervous, when she picked up I'd hang up LOL! Thank God they didn't have caller ID. I also streamed FLZ in Tampa. That station in one word ... aggressive.

5) What's the most unbelievable on-air bit you were allowed to do?

I'm not sure I was allowed to do them, I just did it ... LOL. I have a few. Note that this was in diary and during that time in radio when the whole "shock edgy" thing was probably more acceptable. It's an entirely different game today. I like keep it positive, funny and lighthearted with a focus on the POSITIVE. We have enough problems going on in our country currently, and everyone has their own personal issues as well. I'm here to put a smile on someone's face, not a frown.

With that said, back in the day I used to do these bits called "Make Momma or Make Poppa Mad" every week. These were NOT staged and we had kids (after a ton of coaching from me) call Mom and Dad. They would call and say things like, "I'm getting pulled over by the cops and I got drugs in the car." I had one girl call her Mom and say, "I'm at the convenience store and it's getting robbed." These bits were heavily produced with very real sound effects in the background to sound super-legit and in the moment. I had one girl call her boyfriend and say, "I'm pregnant and I don't know who the father is." Then I would get on as the other guy eventually.

I can name plenty of these types of bits ... LOL...

Obviously, the strategy of that show I hosted at the time was to make noise in the marketplace and shock. I'm a different dude now, for sure, but I will say it assisted with my imagination and creative. Not all ideas are good, but the key is to get the mind working and write down everything and qualify and go through them all later.

6) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why?

In the past I've always said the same ones, from Kane to Charlemagne. Brooke and Jubal are very difficult to listen to because they are so damn good! Definitely the benchmark for great morning shows. I ran into Jubal totally randomly one day, and I blurted out "hey Brooke!" LOL. He was super-cool though and responded even though I called him the wrong name. I also like Jon Manuel, who tracks from L.A. to our sister station here at Star 101.3. Every time I hear him, he not only sounds like he literally is your homie driving shotgun with you every break, he is also "SUPER LOCAL." Stream him... you'll get it. Maxwell out of Z100 is dope because the dude just sounds current to me. He doesn't overdo it with wordplay, but the words he uses are on point.

7) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?

I enjoy collecting kicks and fashion quite a bit. I get it from my mother, who used to be a designer. I like to look at different look books online of different fits for inspiration. I always envision in my head "how I would dress this person." From time to time, friends ask me their opinion on what to buy and I really enjoy giving my opinion. I really like it when they actually do what I say! My mom jokes that I'd be a great personal shopper LOL. Some of these tech peeps here in the Bay need it! :)

8) What advice would you give people new to the business?

Persistence and determination. No job at the station is below you. If you face some roadblocks, keep going! Be cool with everyone at your station, and not just in your department. If you want it bad enough show it consistently to your managers and those around you. Connect with people in the industry! Introduce yourself to people. Don't be shy. If you're funny, show it on social media. Everyone is watching. Man, there were times I thought NO one would call me back when I was sending people my airchecks. I kept it going and was politely persistent. When you least expect it, someone will see your drive.

9. What is one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

Be yourself. Be real. Be genuine, and treat EVERYONE exactly how you want to be treated.

10. What is the current state of the radio "talent pool?"

I really am not sure in the radio world these days. I look at social media personalities to be honest. I think the next "radio players" should come from that arena, along with just interesting funny people you come across in daily life. I believe anyone can do this for a living if they have the "passion, personality, and drive." The mechanics can be taught, but you can't teach someone to naturally be funny or entertaining, right? I hope a better "bench system" can be created since these days it is very difficult to break into the industry.

What did you want to be when growing up?

I actually always wanted to be a host for TV. I used to watch MTV all the time so when they brought back TRL I thought what a great move. But, yeah, something definitely behind the screen is still an interest of mine.