We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful TJAY Jones. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with TJAY below.
TJAY , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Crazy stuff happening is almost as certain as death and taxes – it’s technically “unexpected” but something unexpected happening is to be expected and so can you share a crazy story with our readers
I relocated to South Carolina primarily due to a promising job opportunity within the retail sector. It felt like my broadcasting days were behind me. However, a serendipitous moment occurred when a coworker and I were assembling a Bluetooth speaker capable of tuning into local radio stations. We stumbled upon 90.9 FM and were instantly captivated by its sound. To my amazement, my colleague revealed that this station was conveniently located near our store.
I interpreted this as a sign and decided to contact the station with the intent of volunteering during my free time. Upon reaching out, they invited me for an interview to discuss potential volunteer roles. The interview went exceptionally well, and I had the pleasure of meeting both the Production Manager, Earnest Hilton, and the Station Manager, Greg Kintz.
At that time, I had just moved to South Carolina, still utilizing my GPT for navigation. To my astonishment, I input my home address and discovered that I resided merely four minutes away from the radio station. It felt like destiny was at play. In 2018, the retail store I had been working at closed its doors, leading me to transition into a full-time position at Radio Baha’i. Initially, I served as a producer, but in 2022, when Greg Kintz retired, I was honored to be appointed as the Co-General Manager at WLGI.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is TJAY Jones, born in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Raised by my single mother, I have the privilege of growing up with two brothers and one sister, forming a close-knit family bond.
Ever since I can remember, I have had an insatiable passion for broadcasting and sports. Growing up in the 90s, I witnessed the New Orleans Saints facing some challenging times, with many of their games being blacked out. This was a pivotal moment for me as it led me to listen to radio broadcasts. I vividly remember the excitement of listening to play-by-play maestro Jim Henderson and the late Hokie Gajan, the color commentator, calling the games and adding their unique entertainment flair.
This early passion for sports and broadcasting stayed with me through adulthood. I pursued a degree in communications and successfully earned my BA in Communications from Jackson State University in 2008. Soon after, I relocated to Dallas, Texas, where I attended the American Broadcasting School. During that time, alongside my role as a store manager, I began a side hobby of creating YouTube videos discussing life issues and pop culture under the name “TJAY Rants.” However, I felt I wasn’t truly passionate about what I was doing at the time.
The turning point came in October 2018 when I watched my beloved New Orleans Saints suffer a disheartening loss to the underdog Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Fueled by my frustration, I rushed to the radio station where I worked. The unique aspect of my radio job was its proximity and the access to the station’s resources for personal projects. I recorded an audio segment expressing my frustration about the Saints’ humiliating defeat, and as I played it back, I realized that people needed to hear this perspective. It was in that moment that I found my calling in broadcasting.
And thus, the “State of the Saints Podcast” was born. Over time, it has grown to become one of the most-watched and listened-to Saints podcasts in the country. I’ve had the privilege of interviewing some of the most renowned reporters and players in the world of sports. My vision for the podcast was to provide an authentic voice to everyday fans, bridging the gap between the professional sports world and the passionate supporters.
In addition to my podcasting endeavors, I’ve been fortunate to attend prestigious events like the NFL Combine in Indianapolis and the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. My dedication to sports journalism also extends to covering the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers football team in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
In conclusion, my journey has been one of dedication, perseverance, and a deep love for sports and broadcasting. I look forward to discussing how my experiences and passion align with the opportunities at your organization. Thank you for considering my application and for the opportunity to share my story.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
As a podcaster, I’ve always aimed to provide consistent and enjoyable content for my listeners. This commitment has not only been a personal passion but also a driving force behind building my reputation in the podcasting community. It’s incredibly fulfilling to hear from people who love the podcast and those who have been inspired to embark on their own creative journeys.
The feedback and support from my audience have been a tremendous source of pride and motivation. Hearing that my podcast has resonated with people and inspired them to start their own podcast projects is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do. It reinforces the idea that we, as creators, have the power to make a positive impact in the lives of others by sharing our passions and expertise.
If you have any specific questions or would like more information on my podcasting journey, please feel free to reach out. I’m more than happy to share insights, anecdotes, and advice to help shed light on the world of podcasting and content creation. Your dedication to showcasing these stories is an important part of the media landscape, and I’m excited to contribute to the conversation.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
In my experience, the most effective strategy for expanding your audience in the realm of radio and podcasting is to prioritize consistency and create anticipation among your listeners. This consistency should extend to the frequency of your content releases, the quality of your delivery, and the themes or topics you cover.
By consistently delivering content on a regular schedule, you give your audience something to look forward to. Whether it’s a daily radio show, a weekly podcast, or another format, adhering to a predictable release schedule helps your audience develop a routine around your content. This, in turn, creates a sense of anticipation and reliability, as people will come to expect your content at specific times, much like they would a favorite TV show or a daily newspaper.
Moreover, showing appreciation for your listeners is a pivotal aspect of audience growth. Acknowledging and thanking your audience for dedicating their time to tune in or listen to your podcast is crucial in building a loyal and engaged community. This can be achieved through various means, such as responding to comments and messages, hosting listener appreciation events or Q&A sessions, and actively incorporating their feedback into your content.
As a content creator, it’s imperative that you understand the value of your audience. They are not just numbers; they are individuals who choose to invest their time in what you have to say. Demonstrating gratitude and acknowledging their role in your success can foster a deeper connection and encourage word-of-mouth recommendations, which can significantly contribute to audience growth.
In summary, consistency and appreciation are two key pillars for expanding your audience in radio and podcasting. By delivering content consistently and showing genuine gratitude for your listeners, you’ll not only keep your current audience engaged but also attract new followers who appreciate your commitment to them.
Contact Info:
- Website: gumbopotsports.com
- Instagram: tjayjones_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/407220164184966
- Twitter: tjayjones8
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPfQ0RMP2_mYAKoKbwQ24Hg