Jo & Sparky

The show

How would you describe your show in one sentence?

Mates having a laugh.

What makes your show, your show?

We've known each other for donkey's years now so it's a friend's catch up you can all join in with.

Favourite features or games to do on air?

I like The Weakest Lincoln — testing Sparky on local knowledge about each area. If he fails he is BARRED from that area for 7 days. Rightly so.

What kind of listener will love your show?

People who don't take life too seriously.

Their journey

How did you first get into radio?

I did Hospital Radio for years before being paid to do it!

What's been your path to where you are now?

I worked in a launderette (very Eastenders) and an insurance company whilst trying to get in!

Did you always want to be on air?

Yes. Even told the school careers advisor when I was 14.

Best moment on air so far?

When Sparky accidentally swore at his cat when broadcasting from home during lockdown. So funny.

Any interviews or moments you're especially proud of?

I went to Downing Street to interview the then Prime Minister Gordon Brown which was exciting to just be in that environment. My fave one is Wham. I am a huge Wham fan so frankly they are lucky I wasn't sick on them (with joy). Navigating Covid was a weird one but when we just decided to be honest and go through the time with the listener it turned out to be almost an honour to keep going.

The listeners

What do you enjoy most about interacting with listeners?

When they tease us like we're their mates. It means we are doing the job we want to do.

A message or moment from a listener that's stuck with you?

I got invited to a listener's funeral once and what could be more flattering. The family said we were so important to him.

Music & influences

Earliest memory of listening to radio?

After school. I used to listen whilst doing my homework and was addicted! Used to ring up and join in and everything!

Biggest broadcasting influences?

Liza Tarbuck, Claudia Winkleman, Johnny Vaughan. Fun natural broadcasting.

One song you'll never get bored of?

Benson Boone — Beautiful Things.

What kind of music do you love off air?

George Michael, Nickelback and Train. Perfection. More of these on Magna please!

Magna

What does being part of Magna Radio mean to you?

Just great to be able to build a community and we've been welcomed with open arms.

What excites you most about what we're building here?

See above.

Quickfire

Tea or coffee?

Tea please.

Early start or late finish?

Early start. Best time of day.

One word to describe your show

FUN.

Guilty pleasure song?

BARRY MANILOW — COPACABANA.