Ep. 58 Johnjay Van Es

EPISODE SUMMARY: Johnjay Van Es is a radio host who alongside his partner Rich airs his show on over 20 stations across the country. He is also devoted to the community helping children in foster care and rescue animals through the LoveUp and LovePup foundations. He shares his journey from being a passionate radio enthusiast to becoming a successful radio host.
 

On this episode of Chachi Loves Everybody, Chachi talks to Johnjay Van Es about:

1. Growing up in Arizona and Mexico and his early passion for radio
2. His love for improv and comedy, and joining the Groundlings in L.A.
3. Challenges he’s faced in the workplace and how he manages creative control of the show
4. How his show took off following a shoutout from Rod Stewart
5. Forming a strong partnership with cohost, Rich, and how they worked through conflicts
6. How taking risks and following passion can lead to unexpected opportunities
7. His unique morning routine that involves a trampoline
8. Unforgettable on-air moments from his career
9. His involvement in the Love Up and Love Pup foundations
10.  And more!

And more!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST: 
As a child, Johnjay Van Es always dreamed of being on the radio. He applied for an internship at 91X in San Diego in 1990 and eventually started working in sales for a number of radio stations, but he never let go of his lifelong dream to be on the air.It wasn’t until 1996, after training with the LA-based improv troupe The Groundlings that he would get his first on-air job hosting a morning show on WKRQ in Cincinnati. After just three months on the air, he won the “Best of Cincinnati” award. After years of dominating the market in Cincinnati, Johnjay moved on to Houston, Texas and made his mark in the Country format.

A chance meeting in New Orleans found Rich teaming up with Johnjay. The beginning of The Johnjay and Rich era began in 2001 with their first show airing on KRQQ in Tucson. In 2006, the program moved to KISS-FM in Phoenix, Ariz., and was syndicated in select markets nationwide.

In 2014, the program joined Premiere Networks lineup of nationally syndicated programs. Airing Monday through Friday from 5 to 10 a.m. MT, The Johnjay & Rich Show is a non-stop blend of pop culture, news and events, welcoming a wide range of music artists, news makers and celebrities. Joined on-air by Kyle and Suzette, the show is a special brand of “reality radio,” in which listeners become an engaged and integral part of the program by interacting with the crew via all forms of social media -Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, email and text messaging.The Johnjay & Rich Show is also available on iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia's free all-in-one streaming music and live radio service, and www.johnjayandrich.com.

In addition to hosting their daily radio program, Johnjay and Rich remain steadfastly connected to the community via the Johnjay and Rich #LoveUp Foundation, a non-profit organization that strives to improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable children in our communities, with a primary focus on children living in the foster care system. The foundation’s annual Christmas Wish program provides thousands of dollars’ worth of gifts to deserving families in need during the holiday season. Johnjay and Rich also raised funds for #LoveUp’s sister foundation, #LovePup, by hosting adoption and fundraising events. To date, more than 500 rescue dogs have found forever homes through #LovePup’s ongoing efforts.In addition to serving children and pets, the radio hosts raise thousands of dollars for other worthy causes including disaster relief efforts nationwide.

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Chachi Loves Everybody is brought to you by Benztown and hosted by the President of Benztown, Dave “Chachi” Denes. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the myths and legends of the radio industry.

PEOPLE MENTIONED:

• Rich Berra
• Tra