Hey Kidz!
It’s the start of a new week… and that means we have another indomitable RFB show host, who, even during one of the worst weeks ever, continues to do a new show each week from home. Here’s the latest chapter in our ongoing series: #RFBatHome (Part 8): Mike Joseph of “The JCC.” Be safe!
Your friendly redheaded editorial director,
MicheleC
Hello! I’m Mike Joseph, host of “The JCC” (formerly “The Jheri Curl Chronicles”). I originally conceived the show as a way to celebrate the hip-hop, R&B and dance music of the ‘80s, but it has since expanded to include different genres and eras. I like to call it “an eclectic old-school experience.” I’ve been with RFB for nearly four years — my first show was the week after the 2016 election (ugh!).
I’m a huge music nerd and caught the broadcasting bug after doing a podcast for a couple of years. I met Shane (host of “Everybody Plays the Fool”) at a music trivia event he and his partner used to host. After we became friends, he asked if I’d ever thought about hosting a show. I already had this idea floating around so… I figured I’d give it a shot!
This might sound weird, but I’m actually having fun doing my show remotely! My favorite part of doing “The JCC” overall is the feeling of community, and I’ve got regulars in my chat room who always make the show fun. I’m now broadcasting from my bedroom in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn. My setup is super simple: I play music from my iTunes Library of 30,000 songs (!!!), use a program called DeeJayPro to mix, and alternate between a blue snowball mic and a AudioTechnica mic. But there are two things I do miss: the ability to play vinyl, and the ability to have guests. Hopefully, I’ll be able to do both of those again soon!
I’ve consciously been playing more upbeat and positive music since the coronavirus pandemic began. I want people to feel good when they listen to my show. I also make sure to include messaging to my listeners asking them to look out for one another by following distancing protocols and protecting themselves and one another. I think it’s important to keep things as positive and reassuring as possible — especially when a lot of people (myself included) are feeling alone and confused.
People have always turned to music in tough times, so I hope my show is bringing people two hours of joy. All of the people in the RFB community that I’m tight with also feel grateful that we get to get out of our heads to do our shows and sort things out. Hopefully the audience also feels the joy we feel when we’re hosting!
I’m so happy to have this outlet. I appreciate all of the work Tom (in particular) has put into RFB to make it viable, and have a ton of respect for his persistence and dedication, even in the face of this pandemic.
Tune in to “The JCC,” Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m.
