By Esha Chaudhuri
The radio has maintained a reputation of being a positive medium of exchange. Over the years, its popularity and permeating role among communities has rendered it heightened agency for shaping public opinion and fostering positive dialogue. Ahead of World Radio Day, Sunday Shillong interacts with two spirited radio jockeys whose compelling shows find resonance with large sections of the audience.
With a difference
In this year’s feature, we explore the role of radio jockeys in walking the extra mile with content curation by proactive engagement with the audience on levels that connect on a larger scale. Graciella Thangkhiew (RJ Grace) of Radio Mirchi hosts multiple shows such as ‘The Afternoon Show with Grace’ following themes based on the day of the 
week for skincare, fashion,wellness, health trends, tips and life hacks as well as movie and book recommendations, ‘Hour 2 Millennial Mixtape’ that covers trends and scientific studies in lifestyle, gut and brain health and wellness, skincare, and fashion for personal and professional development. The other shows are ‘Hour 3 Scoops with Grace’, a conversational segment for Indian and international music artistes with an exclusive takeaway on their art, and the ‘Hour 3 Hot Q’s’ which is an introspective prompts for listeners on life and love shared on air and social media.
Calling the shows’ segments a collaborative effort between her content director, designed around the jock’s personality and listeners’ interest, Thangkhiew says a lot of effort goes into its planning. “We 
spent months diving into brainstorming sessions as well as social media polls on the types of content that listeners would like on the airwaves. I think we went through 10 show formats before deciding on the current one.” she says.
On the idea behind these shows she says, “It’s simply about introducing ideas and perspectives on life that could facilitate a different and wholesome way of looking at experiences that my listener may be personally struggling with or might not have really given a thought about. If it resonates to the point of inspiring change for joyful living, yay!”
Apart from regular music playlists, some sensitive issues of prime importance are also brought to the fore. “On a segment called Unpopular Opinion, the toughest and most recent issue was suicide and the most common opinion on it was that it was called an act of cowardice. I picked up this topic after reading about the tragic death of one of my favourite dancers, Stephen Boss a.k.a Twitch. It had sparked a viral conversation on the issue. After going through comments and some Youtube handles that discussed the event, I felt it necessary to communicate my thoughts with caution as this is a highly sensitive topic that needed revisiting.” elaborates, Thangkhiew.
This show garnered multiple responses – “The next day, I received an Instagram DM that absolutely floored me, where a listener wrote in a message of gratitude for that segment and went even as far as acknowledging the courage it takes to publicly address topics as such.” expresses, Thangkhiew. Similar responses came from others not only from Shillong but other cities too including those tuning in from Hyderabad, who also hailed discussions on body image, depression and bipolar disorder.
Original and Offbeat
A different spin on programmes, Radio Mirchi’s RJ Gordon builds a path for his listeners on issues ranging from mental health, real people and stories behind glamorous faces, trending issues locally as well as food, health and fitness.
BTS (Behind the songs) that encapsulates some of the most iconic songs of all time and not just superficially but also understands what artists or bands were experiencing at the time. Relationships, breakups, marriage, divorce, friendships, families, betrayals, mental health struggles, and parenthood 
are just a few of the life experiences that have inspired some of the most famous songs. These pop, rock, and country songs have some seriously interesting stories behind them, in fact several of these famous hits are actually written about other celebrities, including Ellie Goulding, Jay-Z, Christie Brinkley, Chrissy Teigen, John Mayer, and others. A few of these songs are actually a part of major pop culture or music feuds (like Katy Perry and Taylor Swift’s now-resolved feud), while others have amusing or uplifting backstories.
On the backdrop of this show, Gordon says, “I felt like it was going to work hence introduced the segment and now it’s become one of the listeners favourite segment.”
Feeling strongly on the subject matter of mental health, he further explains, “I like to touch upon mental health as a subject as and when it comes up since people are uncomfortable saying that they’re seeking therapy or that they’re going through something that others might not relate to. But pressures from work, family and social media can be exhausting.”
What’s up & what’s down – This new segment is about what’s obvious on the graph. From daily market commodity rates comparison weekly to ones from localities and village market prices. This applies to songs and music charts as well, on what’s topping the 
bulletin and what’s not. Other than that, this talk show also entails discussing weather conditions to trending hashtags on Twitter all to engage with people on happenings locally and world over.
“Our radio channel is infotainment based, so we do the songs and artists but I also like to have open ended discussions on burning topics that are on the newspaper, whether it’s a revelation on corruption or traffic, road conditions” says Gordon commenting on the curation of programmes.
Another popular show is the Gordon’s Kitchen where RJ Gordon has a set of instructions with a list of ingredients of the recipe for the day. Listeners use these recipes to replicate foods they enjoy that they otherwise do not know how to make. “Lots of direct messages (DMs) on various platforms have been coming in to acknowledge the fact that they love listening to these easy to remember yet delish recipes.”
Apart from these, there’s a section on birthday horoscopes with predictions, which lends people an opportunity to request and dedicate soundtracks to their loved ones.
A career alternative
Questions on this career path and its rewarding aspects, one thinks of offbeat choices for making that ‘right’ decision for carving one’s occupational journey. Thangkhiew on her arriving at this juncture, attributes it to meaningful engagement with the audience. She exacts by saying, “the decision to build a radio career through radio jockeying came five years after my first radio gig in 2016. Before Radio Mirchi, there was RedFM and before RedFM, there was Archies, the gift shop. Back then, I was helping clueless customers pick out presents that would hit the receiver “right in the feels” and as I was cleaning godforsaken spots off the windows, I heard an audition call one afternoon for hosting the night show on Red. It excited my heart enough for me to gather my courage to give it a shot. I did, and landed the role. Almost a year later, I struggled with my mental and physical health to the point of hospitalisation and that required me to part ways with the station. When Mirchi came my way, I had to weigh my decision carefully before choosing to audition. But now that I’m here, over a year in, it’s been the most fulfilling journey. It’s largely because of the most meaningful conversations and connections I’ve had along the way.”
On any tips that she’d like to convey to young readers who aspire to become an RJ, she says, “Trust your gut, and if you need help developing those instincts, ask God to get the right folks to turn up for you because you were never meant to figure it all out on your own.”
On his journey to becoming a radio jockey, Gordon elaborates, “I always say this that I didn’t choose radio but the radio chose me. I always felt I wasn’t cut out for jobs with people and sometimes I feel like a looney myself blabbering in a room all to myself when I remind myself that there are many listening to me.”
Commenting on how his career choice helps him grow personally and professionally, Gordon says, “There’s growth everyday because there’s so much to learn and the biggest enemy here is complacency which one should avoid at all costs.”
The dynamic duo – Graciella Thangkhiew’s (RJ Grace) authenticity, joy and empathy are core values that drive her in life. She enjoys meaningful conversations and believes in holding space for people to show up as they are, perfectly imperfect for the beauty of being human. While Gordon’s activity and presence on social media too with his take on happenings in and around the city is his strong suit.
The wide array of talk shows and segments go as far as to suggest the growth and evolution of the radio beyond playing only just music. Therefore, it can be surmised that the radio is here to stay as a medium of imparting a ‘sound’ message.