Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Basic Stats
Age: 48
Family: Quinn, 17; Ryan, 14; wife Jen
Profession: Radio personality
High School: Lindbergh High School, Class of 1990
What I really do
I talk to people on the radio and try to brighten their day. Luckily, people like my low-key approach. Being able to do this in my hometown—I’m a St. Louis boy through and through—is extra joy.
My childhood dream career
I remember watching MTV with my mom and thinking, I want to do that! Since I was 17, I have been recording (at first with a boom box) myself and friends. My goal was to be a game show host or David Letterman.
Record-breaking Moment
I was on-air for 90-plus days in a row!
Most relevant thing I’ve learned from hosting a radio show
We, as human beings, need connection; we need to talk and be heard. I love being able to do that. Folks light up when they get to share with others.
Fun fact
I am really good at recognizing voices from commercials and animated shows.
On being a dad to teens
It is wild! It’s funny and totally maddening. I definitely feel a responsibility to try to make sure they don't live all of the excitement in life on their smartphone.
Lessons for my kids
Lift someone else, and make them feel loved. To be good at anything, you have to put the time in.
How colorectal cancer changed my life
What I’ve been through should have taken me, but I’ve been given a gift. I went through 12 rounds of chemo/radiation and had two big surgeries. At the one-year check, a new cancer was found, and I had an even bigger surgery. As of June, I am cancer-free.
When life throws you a curve
I research and try to be informed. For the last six months, I’ve been meditating and doing qigong.
How life has changed with the pandemic
I can go deep with people. I’ve had suffering and awakenings from it. And I want to make sure that people know they are being heard. By me. Every day.
