10 Questions with ... Brandy "Beasy Baybie" Henshaw

1. Do you think there are enough opportunities out here?

No, there aren’t. Those that have jobs are keeping them and the industry as a whole is minimizing the human factor. With the opportunity to use streaming and AI, there just aren’t a lot of bodies in buildings anymore. I also believe there is always a door opened for the person meant to go through it. Timing is everything and, ultimately, divine purpose trumps all.

2. What things are you working on these days?

I have a podcast out (Beasy Baybie Podcast) that gives my fans a deeper look into who I am as a person and how I deal with everyday struggles just like them. I also do the occasional interview.

I’m a television correspondent for local news stations and I host a local Entertainment segment on WACH FOX every Thursday morning at 8:40am.

I’m about to launch a second podcast with some friends, and I’m partnering with a local News Anchor to produce a vlog that will live primarily on Youtube and Social Media.

I am a motivational speaker, sharing my story with others as often as possible. I’m listed on the Great Black Speakers website and have shared my journey with people from all walks of life.

I am also in the process of writing my second book.

3. What’s the book about?

This book is my autobiography. So many people were hoping my first book would be my life’s story; instead it was a short story/journal sharing my journey through situations, and how I became a follower of Christ. This book will be my life, from as far back as I can remember until…. well, now.

4. How are you approaching this time away from radio?

I am on day 4 of unemployment so I’m not sure it’s set in yet. I don’t really have a plan. I know I will work on finishing this book, I’ll continue growing my podcast and social media following. I’ll listen to other talent and enjoy the down time until the phone rings. When I’m working, I work nonstop. So, I think I’m going to enjoy this break, because that’s really all that it is. I’m on an unpaid vacation, with no sand - got drinks tho.

5. Who have been some of your influences?

Radio Talent:

I truly admire Angie Martinez - she’s the G.O.A.T to me, as far as female on air talent goes. Her interview skills are unmatched, and she’s naturally built organic relationships in the industry. Charlamagne Tha God is one other on-air personality I admire. He uses his platform in a big way and has shared his radio journey openly. He’s unapologetically himself, and listeners either love or hate him for it, but it’s REAL either way.

A few other “radio folk” I admire are:

• Jeff “Uzi” Anderson
• HeadKrack
• Mark McCray
• Terri Thomas
• Thea Mitchem
• Bill Black
• Big MMike
• Jay Tek
• Hurricane Dave
• BJ Murphy
• Kashon Powell
• Colby Colb
• Willie Moore Jr
• Mike Love

6. Why do you like being on the radio?

I like having the opportunity every day to make someone else's day better.I am a lover of Hip Hop as well, so having the opportunity to be able to be directly involved in the Hip Hop culture is huge!

7. How did you get your start in radio?

I had just moved to Charlotte, NC, was driving my youngest daughter to school, and looking for a radio station. I came across WGIV 103.3FM with a commercial playing “Do you think you have what it takes to be the next on-air star?” I thought I had what it took, so I called the number. BJ Murphy interviewed me and told me I could come on as an intern. I did so and would do whatever was required. I answered phones, was a salesperson, created content, sat in meetings…. whatever. To me, what was important was that I was in the building. I knew I would do whatever was required to learn the rest, and I did. I became the co-host of The BJ Murphy Morning Show and his executive producer. I also went on to have my own Saturday night show on the same station called “Hip Hop Hysteria.” I would run the board for other shows as well. I was at WGIV for about a year, before hearing about a Midday opportunity (through Terri Avery’s husband Chris Clay) about an hour away in Columbia, SC. With a great recommendation from BJ Murphy, I was hired by Chris Connors, for the midday position in Columbia, SC on HOT 103.9FM. I began middays in Oct 2013 and was moved to Afternoon Drive in Jan 2015. I held that position down until I resigned last week (2/6/2020)

8. Has radio changed since you got into it?

When I began, my job was mostly on-air. Today, on-air is still a large part of the job but social media and other online presence is equally important! Which means radio has to sound good and look good! Outside of that, radio has transformed into a big machine run by very few bodies. Meaning talent will wear several hats, but that doesn’t necessarily equal a larger salary.

9. How do you see the future of radio?

Radio is having to compete with streaming. With that, there will be fewer localized shows and most definitely fewer bodies in buildings. The feeling that listeners get by being able to see and touch the people they hear every day will diminish. I think over time, those companies will see the loss attached to removing LIVE bodies. But, for now radio will begin mimicking the streaming services.

10. Would you share with us the funniest moment you’ve ever had in radio?

I forgot to pod down the board and was live on air having about 3-4 conversations with co-workers and callers. I only knew I was live when Twitter followers began to tweet “Beasy we can hear everything you're saying on the radio”

What was your last non-radio job?

My last non-radio job was in a factory, I ran machinery and drove a forklift. It was located in Reading, PA. and was the only place I could get hired in that city. I was only months out of prison and had no real job history. It taught me a lot in terms of doing what you have to do until you can do what you want to. I began the job working second shift, and as a single mother that was a big sacrifice but a necessary one. Eventually, I worked myself up to the first shift position. I was there a year before the factory completely shut down, that occurrence is what pushed me to relocate to Charlotte, NC. Also, beginning my career in radio.

What's your advice for those thinking about choosing a career in broadcasting?

Whew, this is a loaded question. A few things I have learned.

1. You’ll have to hustle OUTSIDE of the station, you won’t make the money that adds up to the “fame”. Find a way to use the job as a platform for you to create money doing something else.
2. Most creatives forget that radio is a business...if you do, it WILL remind you.
3. Sometimes what you want, you have to create. If you can’t create it where you are DO NOT be afraid to leave where you are to go after what you want. Life’s short.