Heeere's Jonny!!

Written by Brit B Dubbs

Jonny Staub loves his job as daytime DJ on The Beat 94.5FM, but leading up to his success was quite a climb. He bore all in this interview, and I am so excited to share his story with you!

Jonny is fairly sure he was 21 when he came out openly, but he knew he was gay all his life. 
 Jonny is originally from Windsor/London, Ontario. His love of media all started when he was in his senior year of High School, he read the morning announcements and was constantly complimented on his delivery and style. It was the ONLY thing that anyone ever positively pointed out in 4 years he says, and he loved the radio medium. He ended up studying both Radio and Television in College and spent a majority of his career behind a microphone vs. a camera.

Jonny shares that growing up he wanted to be a dentist because he loves teeth. Unfortunately, science didn't love him. He says his brain is totally different than those with actual mathematic/scientific skills. The crazy thing he thinks is that who he is, and what radio is, happens to be the perfect pairing. He mentioned, perhaps one day he will do something different, but 14 years so far (and still going) is a dream come true.

He left home at 18 for his first full time radio job in Vernon, BC. Staub later worked for a radio station called Z95.3FM (here in Vancity) for just under a year. Combining that, plus his current 4 years (with The Beat 94.5FM) makes having made Vancouver home 5 years all together now, give or take.

JS says, "I'm the worst self-promoter. I'm sure I could do more (career-wise), but I'm still dealing with the whole internal "Seriously dude, no one cares, get over yourself". LOL. As far as radio, I work daytime here in Vancouver at The Beat 94.5FM and have also added duties hosting the evening/weekend shows for our affiliate Kool 101.5FM in Calgary. It's pretty exciting to have your brand in Western Canada's two largest markets."

Aside from radio, in his personal life he is a huge fan of A Loving Spoonful, which is a charity that works with people with AIDS/HIV and ensures that no one living with the disease goes hungry. It warms his heart, and he's honored to be a part of that family.

Bullying is something so prevalent for people growing up who are in the closet, or even out. This is what Jonny had to share about his experience. "I grew up in the Catholic school system, so it kinda fucked me up... but I'm also grateful to know that any higher power has the power to judge, and sexuality is the smallest blip on his/her/it's radar. I was bullied, but let's get real, I too bullied others. It was a two way street that made some of us stronger, and put others in expensive counseling."

I asked JS about his feelings about Vancouver, his keys to success, and his advice to others. He had a ton of very heartfelt truth to offer. "I love Vancouver. I think we would have more of a community evolution if pay checks where higher. It's too expensive for the average person to go out. Dinner/Drinks/Clubs. It hurts that experience. But we are all progressing, and I'm glad to be in this city at this time. It's fantastic and the people here are beautiful, inside and out.

" The two keys to his success he believes are connection and humility. "Try it. It works", says JS. Get ready for hard work. If the job requires you to be in the spotlight, don't make that your focus, it'll kill you. Remember, people are often more attracted to the "light" than the person standing in it. Take time to learn who you are, and have a strong backbone."

In response to my question about his advice to someone struggling with his or her sexuality and coming out Jonny stated, "You are perfect and beautiful. You were made EXACTLY the way you are for a higher purpose. Find a way...do something....anything to start to shed that shame and guilt. Know that no matter what, you matter and have a brighter light when you are in an authentic moment. Be yourself. And I LOVE YOU. "

For all things Jonny check out his website www.jonnystaub.com or tune in to The Beat 94.5FM www.thebeat.com!!!