Dancing to the Rhythm of Radio

A Conversation with Janet J, the Vibrant Voice of The Blend

At just 12 years old, Janet J was mesmerized by the enchanting voices of local DJs emanating from her radio. Their segments were cool, their energy infectious, and she couldn’t help but yearn to be a part of that world.

Fast forward to age 37, Janet embarked on an unexpected journey, pursuing a degree in psychology to give back to the community. Little did she know, her path would lead her to her childhood dream of becoming a radio personality.

Janet recalls with a laugh how she learned about the radio station at Gulf Coast State College. She had been telling a classmate about her dream of becoming a DJ, and the classmate said, “You know there’s a radio station at the college, right?” Janet immediately dropped her world history class and signed up for the radio class. She went on the air for the first time in the spring of 2021.

The Thrill of Live Radio

Transitioning from psychology to the world of radio might seem like a leap, but Janet embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. “Hosting a live radio show is unique to any other form of media because we are solely heard and never really seen but still have the pressure of a person in front of the camera, yet we are behind a mic,” she explains. “The thrill of going live, the one-take nature of radio, keeps me on the edge of my seat.”

Her Passion for Music

Janet’s enthusiasm for her craft is palpable, and she’s not shy about incorporating modern tools into her process. “I use the internet a lot to help me prepare for my shows. Things like Google and believe it or not, even AI. That’s right, artificial intelligence helps me prepare my segments for the midday show I host. It’s amazing how far we as people have come, isn’t it?”

While curating engaging content for her listeners can be a challenge, Janet’s focus on the music and the artists ensures that her shows are consistently dynamic. “I have had so many great times so far during my radio career. But if I have to narrow it down, my most memorable experience to date was having the opportunity to be a guest on ‘the Steve and Johnnie Show’ a radio show hosted by Steve King and Johnnie Putman on WGN Chicago.”

Her Love of Dancing

Janet’s connection to music extends beyond the airwaves. “I love music and I love to dance to the music I love. I remember one morning I was really feeling a song that was on and got up and started dancing around the studio, really in the zone.” She fondly recalls a humorous incident involving the late DJ Boomer Bill watching her dance with a mixture of horror and amusement.

Her advice for Aspiring Radio Hosts

Janet’s candidness extends to embracing the imperfect moments in her career. “Although radio is my dream, I still have moments when I get nervous and forget what I’m supposed to be saying. It can be challenging trying to maintain the flow and not reveal to the audience what has occurred. It happens. But I don’t let that get me down, I’m human, and I think not being perfect on-air is as human as you can get. Ad-libbing is a tool often used in the radio personality playbook!”

Her Passion for the Past

Despite joining the radio scene in the digital age, Janet’s passion for the past shines through. “I do wish I could have the opportunity to go old school and broadcast a show the way it was done in the past.” Her show, “The Blend,” is a celebration of jazz with a personal touch. “On my show, The Blend, I usually cover jazz topics. Whether it be pertaining to the artist or the song that I just played. I do a lot of storytelling and like to teach my listeners things they may not know about the music they love.”

Her Parting Remarks

“To someone thinking of starting a career in radio, go for it, do it. It will be the best decision you have ever made. Oftentimes I feel like I should not be getting paid to do this. It feels like I’m stealing because I don’t feel like I’m really at work. More like a hobby. I love what I do and I know you would too.”

Tune in to “The Blend” on GC90.7 FM

In a world where authenticity shines, Janet J’s journey from psychology to radio exemplifies the magic that happens when dreams meet determination. Tune in to “The Blend” weekdays at 11a.m. on GC90.7 FM and let Janet J’s vivacious spirit infuse your day with joy and foot-tapping!