10 Questions with ... Julian

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started as an intern in my hometown of Washington, D.C. at now defunct Z104. I'm sure you've heard the phrase "act like a sponge" a lot, but it really was true. I soaked it all in. I did promotions, sales, producer/board-op, to eventually part-time on-air on the Z. Fast forward after a few years moving around doing nights. I started part-time at Hot 995, Washington DC. After 18 months of grinding I got a huge break and the shot to do full-time nights. I credit a man whom I consider my friend to this day, Jeff Wyatt. He took a chance on a kid who had really strong work ethic and creative, but didn't necessarily have the tons of years of experience yet on paper. This opportunity was pivotal in my career. I'm proud of what we did there. I took some L's on - air of course, but with that also took W's. I always say how can talent truly improve without the PD really believing in their skillset, and entrusting them to take some risks?

From there, I got a huge call and dream in the legendary team of Todd and Erik at B96 to come host the night show. I love those guys. I had a great time in creating a memorable content heavy show which I can proudly say we did. After a few years, I had the opportunity of a lifetime in hosting Mornings on B96 as well. I loved it. I learned a lot about myself, others, and the craft of morning drive. I eventually hosted afternoons at heritage KZZP/104.7 Kiss -FM in Phoenix for the awesome Steve Geofferies and Mat with "One T". I also tracked a bunch of stations for the company at the same time. 2 1/2 years later, I got the call to come host afternoons in the Bay Area for Mark Adams, and Don Parker at heritage Wild 949. Currently, I'm doing part-time for 99.7 NOW San Francisco.

1. What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and to stay motivated?

I have a close group of friends, plus my Mom who I like to talk to and chop it up with. We gotta believe in ourselves more as broadcasters, content creators, and personalities. I've taken this time to grow my brand and start a weekly YouTube series show. It's been a lot of fun, and just further reinforces that digital is just as important as on-air. And, even though I'm in this situation I also am fully aware this is just part of the story. I believe in myself. I don't think there's anything wrong with that. I also enjoy the simple things in life. So, give me a good coffee, and a walk in great weather, I'm in a happy place.

2. How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?

I work part-time for 997 NOW here in San Francisco. Shout out to legendary Jazzy Jim Archer for hiring me, and for being such a great guy to work for! I'm also part of Sun Broadcasting Groups "Personality On Demand" voice-tracking line-up--tap on in! I've traveled to places that I've never had the chance to go to before. I watch a lot of video podcasts/shows, and actually started doing our own video channel with some friends of mine. It's a work in progress for sure, but it's fun being able to talk longer, and choose content a little more tailored to me. The link to our YouTube is in the video channel section under my name if you want to check it out! We'd appreciate that.

3. Some people get discouraged or enlightened with the business when they actually step out of it for a while. Tell us your observations from the outside.

I think enlightened is more on target. I've come to accept the realization that the business is what it is right now, and we have to accept that. I think more to the question is, what am I/we going to do about it? Sit back, and just chill? Or, be more proactive and do things about it. But, it definitely is more fragmented. Last thing, I suggest (if you don't already) find podcasts, and other forms of media, and listen and/or watch stuff you gravitate too. Not only for entertainment but I look at it as research.

4. Do you plan on sticking with radio?

Yes. Ideally I'd love to share content/personality not just on-air but on-line heavy as well.

5. What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?

Right now! It's been awhile at 18 months. Some people have said, "just take anything". And, I could've done that and been back at work way earlier. But, is that fair to the employer and myself? That's just how I'm built. Maybe, I'm too honest. I don't know. But I just can't take a job to take a job. Do what makes you feel right in your gut.

6. What's the best way to get your foot in the door?

I've always done the traditional work hard, work your way up method when I got started. But, now it's so much more difficult with consolidation. Personally, I try and shoot messages to colleagues I've known for a long time, and check up on them. At the same time, update them on things I'm doing like the video podcast for example. I'm definitely no expert on this as I'm trying to figure it out myself. It's hard to meet someone you don't know but want to. Especially, in a different market. Shooting emails, and sending a note that's all fine, but if they don't reply to you than what? I feel like you have to be respectful of their busy schedule and it is what it is.

7. What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?

The trades, of course! But, also keeping up with managers who you may have worked for before, or had relationships with in the past. Keeping it going with other people in our industry as well--from personalities, to production, anyone you can think of. Also, if you happen to be in another market shoot the PD a note and say, 'I'd love to come say hi and grab a coffee." Worst that can happen is they can say is no, or not reply.

8. What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?

To keep it real--nothing. I've never done anything "wacky" to get a PD's attention. By the way, there's absolutely nothing wrong to anyone who does. I have a very solid presentation that hits you 360, not just one-dimensional. And, I'm just very focused, and diligent in following up. I could be doing it wrong. Maybe I need to start sending pizza's out with station logo's and PD names. Not sure.

9. What is the next job you'd like to obtain?

Morning Drive and/or PM Drive. Although, I've worked in CHR most of my career, I'm flexible on format as well. For me, it's about the content.

10. Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?

Lower. But that's to be expected. We all read the same articles and know the situation going on right now in our industry. So, this shouldn't be too shocking. It's just hella more competitive with less jobs open than the amount of talent that are available.

Care to contribute a recipe for our "On The Beach" cookbook…

Julian's Choppy Chops!

• Buy thin sliced pork chops
• I do this not saying it's right. I combine Kinders garlic + another marinade like lemon pepper or herb garlic and combine them into my chops.
• Stuff some garlic into the chops and let them sit in the fridge overnight.
• Than place on baking sheet covered in lemon pepper + high heat olive oil
• Bake (google for temp and time, I'm lazy)
• Buy a bag of steamed veggies and microwave for 3 minutes
• Afterwards, drizzle coconut oil or olive oil atop veggies
• After chops are done I garnish with lemon + use a Chimichurri sauce for dipping.