10 Questions with ... JusNik

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I am a radio personality with 17 years of radio experience, most recently Program Director for the past 5 years. We have been #1 in the market for over 20 years winning various awards from morning show of the year to best community service project. I specialize in grooming talent.

1.  What got you into radio?

My love of music made me interested in the entertainment industry. I was always the “shy type” growing up, so radio was nowhere on my radar. I‘ve always wanted to work in the music industry as an A&R person. I started very early, interning at recording studios in high school and throughout college. I hustled and networked like nobody’s business. One day, I heard about a music festival that a local radio station was hosting and thought it would be the perfect opportunity to meet record execs so that I could land a job at a label. I used my New York hustle and charm to work my way backstage and acted as if I was working the event. I made a lot of connections that day. It wasn’t until the third radio event that I snuck into that I finally got caught after being questioned about what company I worked for. But instead of kicking me out, they appreciated my persistence and gave me a job instead. That’s where it all started.

2.  What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid? 

For years, music has always been an essential part of my life and form of therapy. As mentioned earlier, I’ve always wanted to be head of A&R at a major label, but it was only because I was too afraid of being in the spotlight. I grew up listening to icons like Angie Martinez and Wendy Williams. I wanted to be like them, but I was just too shy and timid. 

3.  What’s the best thing about living and working in Birmingham? 

The best thing about living in Birmingham is that it has so much potential for growth. It’s an untapped market. The opportunities for entrepreneurs are endless. Not to mention the cost of living…you can’t beat affordable with today’s inflation. 

4.  The pandemic years aside, are you able to spend much time in New York? 

I haven’t been home since the pandemic hit. I would love to go back and visit but I would have to sell my arm and both legs to buy a ticket. Inflation is up 40% out that way so no, unfortunately I haven’t.   

5.  What did the pandemic teach you about yourself as a leader? 

Great question! I am always “preaching” to my family (team) that change is inevitable. The pandemic put my words to the ultimate test. It taught me that it wasn’t enough to just expect change but to also be prepared for the quick adaptation of that change. Not only did I have to adjust and re-center, I had to do it without showing any signs of doubt or fear walking into unknown territory so that my team knew that we were going to be ok, in the end. It also taught me to check on my people. The pandemic had no bias or prejudice. Everyone was affected and it was an important reminder as we went through all those changes. It showed me how human we all are and that we all share one goal; survival. The many talks I’ve share with each member has pulled me so much closer to my team. 

6.  Who are/were some of your radio mentors? 

I’ve had some great ones along the way, Ghon Bomb, former Promotions Director at WEUP, who was the first person to give me a shot in radio. Toni Terrell, Program Director at WHRP always gave me the honest truth about radio. Buckwilde of the Buckwilde Morning show taught me everything about all the fine details: how to format breaks, run a board, edit content. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for them.   

7.  Can you tell me about “The Jus Nik Show.”

The Jus Nik Show is one of three entertainment segments that I host in the Metaverse under the Jus Nik Network. The Jus Nik Show is my talk show that I conduct in virtual reality using a VR headset. I also have a radio station/podcasting area as well as aTV news station in my virtual space. It’s a whole new way of conducting celebrity interviews instead of the standard on-air, Instagram and Facebook interview. 

8.  What makes “The Jus Nik Show” so special to you as a content creator?

We live in the age of technology where EVERYTHING has gone digital or virtual. From the way we communicate, to the way we consume music, to even how we purchase our groceries. With this talk show, I wanted to be ahead of the curve in the way we engage media and entertainment through a virtual lens. I’m aware that I am ahead of the wave with this project. We are probably 2 years away from this concept really being “a thing”. I felt it was the best way to really separate myself from the rest of the radio personalities and podcasters out there. It also gives my viewers an immersive experience that they won’t forget. You can watch interviews about your favorite artists all day but there’s nothing like actually being in the same room with them. 

9.  What would you like to do better as a programmer and air personality?  

I am a sponge for knowledge and a forever student in this industry so I will always feel like there is an opportunity to be better. One thing, I can say as a programmer that is heavy on my mind, is that I wish I had more time to be out in the community as a personality. Hours are long and tedious for programmers and most days; I simply don’t have the time. I also have a great relationship with my team, but I would love to push them a little bit more in terms of thinking outside the box in finding that one thing that pushes them to the next level.

10. If you weren't in radio/entertainment, what do you think you'd be doing professionally? 

Quick fact: My first major in college was Psychology. So, if I weren’t in radio, I would be somewhere fixing people’s problems all day. Well, now that I think about it… technically, I’m already doing that. 

You’re crazy busy but what do you like to do in your spare time? 

Spare time? What’s that? LOL! I am very busy, but I fully believe in taking a mental break. When I get a few minutes, I may escape to the metaverse. When it’s a few days, I might paint on a canvas, produce music or go hiking. If I’m lucky enough to get a week, you’ll most likely find me at somebody’s beach.

Your “go to” spot when a friend comes to Birmingham to visit? What about when you go home to New York?

In Birmingham, it’s the Stardome comedy club to catch some good laughs followed by a plate of “Yo Mama’s” for some good Southern cuisine. In New York, we’re going to Times Square in Manhattan and to Jamaica Avenue in Queens to go shopping and I’d have to stop by Sylvia’s restaurant in Harlem for a quick bite.