XL 106.7’s Johnny Magic on being one of the most beloved radio DJs in Orlando, surviving a devastating house fire, and how the coronavirus affected his life. 

1. My first radio job was for an overnight college radio station. I was petrified that first night! All I wanted to do was get off the air and never, ever do it again.

2. The thing I love most about my job is that it challenges me every day to bring my ‘A’ game. I get to make people smile, make them laugh, and I work very hard to help people in any way I can. Helping people is an honor and a huge motivator for me.

3. The Baby DJ program has been a passion of mine for 29 years.It started out with helping families for the holidays but has evolved into helping families with children in the household in so many ways. We help families find a place to live in emergency situations and give prom dresses to whoever needs them for prom and homecoming season. We also provide many Title 1 schools with backpacks and supplies for the school year. It’s an honor and a privilege to be part of an organization that truly helps people. 

4. Family is everything to me. I’m originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, and I’m the youngest. I have an amazing son who is brilliant and the light of my life. Most of my life revolves around my family—blood and chosen. I recently got to go home to see my parents. I hadn’t seen them in over a year due to COVID. It was an amazing homecoming, and we are blessed that everyone is healthy. I might have cried a little. 

5. One of the scariest nights of my life was when my house caught on fire! It started in the fireplace and spread quickly into the walls. The house was engulfed in flames within an hour. Fortunately, I was able to get my son and dogs safely out of the house. It was a humbling life lesson to be grateful in life because you can lose it all in a blink of an eye. When something like this happens, you find out who your friends are and who cares. And I found out I’m very blessed in so many ways! 

6. During the week, I get up in the middle of the night to be at the station to prepare for the show. Our morning show is very high energy and we try to give our ALL every day. So, after the show, and any meetings, I typically take a nap in the afternoon before I have to pick my son up from school. I don’t ever get enough sleep and could probably sleep anywhere. On the weekends, I spend most of my time with my son or my friends. I live a pretty low-key family life. 

7. My favorite musical artist is Kem. I love his music because it’s filled with deep emotion. When he sings about the way that he feels about a woman, it really touches my heart. There’s just something about this music that I really enjoy.

8. It’s such an honor to meet our listeners when I’m out. I’m still surprised when it happens. I work in radio so they don’t see my face! Most of the time they just want to take pictures with me. I think the funniest thing is when someone does recognize me but they aren’t sure I am who they think I am! I get the glances and questioning, “is that who I think it is?” looks. 

9. The Orlando Magic are my favorite NBA team. We started around the same time and we have a name in common. A story I don’t tell a lot is that I got my radio last name because of them. It’s a long story for another time. 

10. Having COVID-19 changed my life. I have never felt anything like it before. I was sick in bed with a fever for over two weeks. I could feel my body fighting to get better. And it still took several weeks after to fully recover my strength and energy.