There is a unique magic that happens in the silence of a radio booth just before the "On Air" sign flickers to life. My journey into this world began in December 2024, when DJ Out-Régis invited me to join the Thursday night airwaves on the legendary Bizarre Bazaar. From that first broadcast, I wasn’t just hooked—I was transformed.

The Craft of the Playlist

Being a guest host at CKCU is a labor of love that starts long before I step into the studio. Whether I’m covering a punchy one-hour set or a sprawling four-hour marathon, the preparation is an immersive ritual. Each show requires a hand-crafted playlist designed to take the listener on a journey. I dive deep into research, ensuring I respect the "sonic DNA" of the program I’m filling in for so the regular audience feels at home.

However, I also love to gently push the boundaries. I aim to offer my own version of a genre, nudging listeners slightly outside their comfort zones—just as I’ve been doing myself. This process has broadened my own musical palette in ways I never expected; I’ve found myself genuinely hooked on the raw energy of Post-punk, the ethereal walls of sound in Shoegaze, and even the smooth, sophisticated grooves of Yacht-Rock.

Finding the Balance

For me, radio is about more than just the music; it’s about the connection. Every show begins with a carefully prepared monologue—a moment to set the stage, establish the flow, and share the "why" behind the sounds.

The CKCU audience has been an incredible partner in my growth. Through their feedback, I’ve learned the delicate art of the "radio break." While some listeners have praised my storytelling, others have kept me in check when my monologues ran a bit long! Today, I strive for that perfect balance: sharing enough artist history and personal narrative to keep the broadcast human, while keeping the music front and center. Between sets, I’m right there with the listeners, listing off the artists and reminding them that we’re sharing this moment together in real-time.

50th Anniversary & the Fragility of the Airwaves

As CKCU celebrated over 50 years of independent broadcasting this past December 2025, I was honored to be a small part of its massive legacy. The station has never been just a frequency; it was, and remains, a vibrant community of creators and music lovers who have championed my efforts from day one. During the anniversary festivities, I felt a deep sense of excitement to continue supporting the station’s growth and exploring the endless horizons of the FM dial.

However, these celebrations were marked by a somber reality within our broadcasting family. The recent declaration that sister station CHUO has to close down in March 2026 due to a lack of funding serves as a poignant reminder of how fleeting this realm is in today’s technological world.

The loss of CHUO underscores a critical mission: we must work tirelessly to ensure that those who are not digitally connected still have access to community radio—content created for the community, by the community. It is a vital lifeline that we cannot afford to lose to the digital divide.

About: CKCU 93.1 FM

CKCU-FM 93.1: Ottawa-Gatineau's pioneering campus-community radio station from Carleton University since 1975. Volunteer-powered with eclectic music (indie, jazz, world, Streaming 24/7 at ckcufm.com is a non-profit hub for authentic alternative radio.