- Tell us how you became a radio presenter – and involved with Cool FM?
When I was around 16 years old, I had my first couple of DJ’ing gigs in local nightclubs. I was warming up for the likes of Pete Snodden, DJ Hix and Paul Kennedy. After chatting with the presenters about their jobs, I decided it was what I wanted to do. I quit my job at the time, and went to volunteer in community radio. After a few years, I got my first ‘proper’ radio job – and not long after, Cool FM asked me to join the team!
- What do you enjoy most about your job?
Absolutely everything! When I get out of bed in the morning, I don’t feel like I’m going to do a job. I grew up listening to Cool FM, and I still can’t believe it’s where I work now. It sounds cliché – but no two days are the same. I am constantly interacting with listeners, and I love how they chat to me like we have known each other for years – when it’s the first time we have spoken!
- What is your highlight of working at Cool FM so far?
There are a lot of highlights – even though I haven’t been part of the team for long. Recently, my favourite was interviewing Niall Horan at the launch of his solo career. I’m working alongside presenters who have a lot more experience than I do, so it was a real privilege to be asked to handle an interview of that size and importance.
- Outside of radio, what are your hobbies?
I enjoy going to the gym, although I have been slacking recently because I’ve just become the proud owner of a rescue dog – a little Jack Russell called Alfie! I also love watching football, rugby, ice hockey….in fact I’ll watch any sport if it’s a good game! I’m also a MASSIVE plane geek. I hope to have my private pilot’s licence in the next few years.
- Where is your favourite place in Northern Ireland?
That’s a hard one, because we live in a country that has some of the most amazing scenery in the world. That being said, I love Belfast. It’s hard to beat the buzz of the city. I could happily sit outside a coffee shop for hours and watch the world go by.
- Where is your favourite restaurant in Northern Ireland?
There are quite a few. It depends on what I’m in the mood for. I eat at Slims Healthy Kitchen with my girlfriend quite a lot. But if I had to pick one, there’s a little bistro in Comber called Sugarcane, which does an amazing steak!
- If you weren’t a radio presenter, what would your dream job be?
That’s easy…an airline pilot! I’ve always wanted to be a pilot since I was kid!
- Who is your biggest role model?
My parents. They work hard and they have always been my biggest supporters. Even when I told them I wanted to leave my full-time job to volunteer in community radio at the age of 21, they were 100% behind me.
- Tell us about a great book which you have read recently.
The last good book I read was Chris Evans’ autobiography. It taught me the importance of taking chances in the radio industry when they’re in front of you!
- If you could only listen to one artist for the rest of your life, who would it be?
There is a lot of good, new music out at the minute – it’s hard to narrow it down to just one! If I absolutely had to choose, it would be Coldplay – specifically the X & Y Album. I went to see the band play the Odyssey Arena in 2005 when the album was released, and it is probably the best live show I have ever seen. I’m almost sure Chris Martin sang to me!
- What is your advice for someone looking to break into the industry?
Get your ‘foot in the door’. Whether it’s volunteering in community radio, or making the tea at a commercial station – if you’re in the building, you’re one step ahead of most people. Be prepared to work hard, and learn as much as you can.
- What’s your favourite joke?
Why did the scarecrow get a promotion? … because he was outstanding in his field!! (I’ll see myself out…)
Discover more from LoveBelfast
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
