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10 Questions with ... 'Phat Joe' Jovan Ladao
January 8, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. I've been a fan of music since forever and the radio was always on in my house. One night I called to radio station to request a song and I was talking back and forth with the DJ and he said, "Hey you should be on the radio." Ever since that phone call I knew what I wanted to do with my life. Right after high school, I started interning and I'm lucky to still be do it 20 years later
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started interning at the age of 19 in the summer of '98, the year graduated from high school. In September 2011, I got a permanent position as the Events Coordinator for KIKI (Hot i94). During my three years as Event Coordinator, I was on air with Big Teeze as part of his night show. That lead me to an on air position at KDNN (Island 98.5) for the next 10 years. About 5 years ago I found my new home at KQMQ (93.1 Da Pa'ina) where I'm the PD and afternoon personality. I love my new home!
1. What got you into radio?
I've been a fan of music since forever and the radio was always on in my house. One night I called to radio station to request a song and I was talking back and forth with the DJ and he said, "Hey you should be on the radio." Ever since that phone call I knew what I wanted to do with my life. Right after high school, I started interning and I'm lucky to still be do it 20 years later.
2. What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?
An actor, singer and model. Then I realized I can't act or sing and plus modeling was not the life for me. However, I had a face for radio. Anything to get in front of people and perform was my dream and radio lets me do that.
3. When did being a program director become a goal for you?
It's the next step to ensure longevity in this business. I want to do Radio for another 20 years and I don't think being on air is enough. I left the station I was at for 16 years to pursue a PD position at my current station. Best move of my career!
4. What would probably surprise most people about your living/working in Honolulu?
It's a hustle. Sometimes you need to work 2-3 jobs to make it! You pay the price to live in paradise.
5. How accurately do TV shows like the new Hawaii 5-0 and Magnum P.I. portray life in Honolulu?
The beauty is accurate. That's about it. lol
6. Who are/were some of your radio mentors?
Big Teeze was the man who taught me everything about being on air and how to control large crowds. Because of what learned from him, I've been able to have a long career in hosting night clubs and concerts. My biggest influence was my long time PD Fred Rico. He made radio fun and made sure we had fun doing it!
7. If you weren't in radio, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?
I really don't know. This is all I've been doing for the past 20 years. Before radio I was a manager at McDonald's and worked at ABC Stores.
8. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I'm a family man with a wife, two small boys and a baby girl on the way. My spare time is family time.
9. If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?
Naked and Afraid. I've watched enough of that show to survive in the wild.
10. Is there a new reggae artist that you could see crossing over to Pop or Rhythmic success on the radio?
Common Kings will be a name everybody will know. They started off reggae and will be taking over the pop charts soon.
Bonus Questions
Advice for tourists planning a vacation on the islands?
Keep a positive attitude, don't be rude and the Aloha spirt is real. If you give Aloha you will receive Aloha. Come spend your money but don't forget to go home. Just kidding
If you had to eat one type of meal everyday for a month, what would it be?
Hawaiian. I already eat it every day!
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