How did you get into radio?

I’ve always been interested in radio. I love the whole aspect of running a radio station. In the Navy I’ve done everything a broadcaster/journalist can do. I came from the AFRTS Broadcast Center, where I programmed sports for AFN TV and radio.

And before the Navy?

Before I joined the Navy I was working in the funeral business. It’s a family business on my dad’s side. He and my uncle are third generation funeral directors. I was looking for a change and the Navy gave it to me.

Don’t you radio talents have cool nicknames?

My nickname is “Big Daddy.” It was given to me as I went through journalism and broadcast school by my buddies. The movie “Big Daddy” had just come out on video and my wife was pregnant with our oldest daughter at the time. Most people are intrigued by radio DJs since you only hear them and don’t see them like you do anchors on TV. I think a nickname just adds to the mystique.

Give us a glimpse of what your own show would be like ...

Definitely an Old School rap show. I grew up listening to Eric B and Rakim, EPMD, Run-DMC, Grandmaster Flash, Whoodini, Sugarhill Gang. They all paved the way for people like Eminem, Jay-Z, Ludacris. Back then, hip-hop wasn’t just a genre of music, it was a lifestyle.

What is most fun about being a DJ?

The best part is getting to listen to music for a living. What other job can you have where you get paid to do that?

What is the worst part?

You aren’t going to please everyone, no matter what you do. Knowing that there are people that absolutely hate the music you are playing or the shows that air, and you can’t do anything about that.

Being the main man on the mike, have you developed any part of DDS (Divine Diva Syndrome)?

Of course...not. I’m still a down to earth guy, but once you open that mic, you have a certain “attitude” that you are the best. Kind of like when I was playing baseball, every time I stepped on the field, I thought I was the best one out there.

OK, but you have to at least know somebody with DDS.

I work with the “Best DJ in the Pacific” and he’s not even a DJ. And he lets everyone know it.

Can you spin records like a Sir Mix-a-Lot?

I act like I can, kind of like “air guitar” but with records. In actuality, I can’t.

“Good Morning Vietnam” or “Private Parts”?

Of course, “Good Morning Vietnam.” I’m not a Howard Stern fan. Sorry.

I hear you like the LA Clips; isn’t that like being a Red Sox fan … just a little worse?

Yes, because we haven’t won anything yet. I’ve been a fan since they were in San Diego. They are the only LA team I like. I thought they were going to make it to the Western Conference Finals last year. This year, they are struggling.

All right Big Daddy, send us off the air DJ style.

That does it for me folks. I hope you enjoyed your trip down Big Daddy’s showcase of life. I’ll catch you on the flip side. Peace out!

William PriceAge: 32Title: Petty officer first class, NCOIC, part-time DJ for Eagle 810 Radio, Yokota Air Base

Pacific readers: Know someone whose accomplishments, talents, job, hobby, volunteer work, awards or good deeds qualify them for 15 minutes of fame? How about someone whose claim to glory is a bit out of the ordinary — even, dare we say, oddball? Call Paul Newell at Stars and Stripes with the person’s name and contact information at DSN 229-3158 or e-mail him at: newellp@pstripes.osd.mil.

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