Joe Breezy has become one of Nashville’s most recognizable on-air personalities. The seasoned entertainment pro brings his brand of energy and humor to Middle Tennessee’s airwaves every weekday. But his influence goes beyond radio and TV. Breezy is also a fixture at local events and a passionate advocate for the community.
How did you get into radio?
When I was a kid, I always loved radio. I was the kid that was calling the DJs, and requesting songs, and my mom would take me to the different radio station events to meet the DJs. I just thought there was something really cool and intriguing about the DJs that were on the air. It was a consistent friend that I could rely on that played my favorite songs, and just made me feel alive.
I remember winning contests when I was a kid, and all the DJs knew my name. When I told them, 'I want to be an on-air DJ when I grow up,' they said 'No kid, don't do it. Get a real job. This is fun, but get a real job.' I was like, 'I don't know, a real job doesn't sound like too much fun. I want to do this.' So I started interning in radio right out of high school.
I actually became a certified EMT at the same time when I was interning in radio. And then I got offered a paid gig in radio and I was like, 'Well, this seems a lot more fun. Let me just see how long I can keep this going.' And it's been over 25 years now.
Tell me a little bit about your show now. What do you cover?
I'm on the air Monday through Friday. I do afternoon drive time from 4-7 p.m. We're an upbeat, feel-good, hit-driven radio station. So every time you put on the radio, you're going to hear a song you know that makes you feel good. We play the best of the 80s, the 90s, the stuff today. And just stuff that's just kind of warm, whether it's Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, but also Sabrina Carpenter, and Taylor Swift, and that kind of stuff. So we're really big with obviously the at work audience, but also the active moms, and the people with families that they're zipping around, and picking up their kids from soccer practice, and they still want to go to the movies at night, or a concert, or still go to a festival that we're doing on the weekends. Very community-driven, which is awesome
What was the segue that brought you into TV?
Our TV partner, WKRN, where Danielle works, and Mix 92.9 have always had a partnership. Their meteorologists do weather on the radio, and then in return they'll play our commercials. The general manager at the time, Tracy Rogers, was starting a lifestyle and entertainment show. She saw me and gave me an opportunity to be the pop culture correspondent, which is what I do now.
Had you ever previously thought about TV?
Not really. I kind of avoided it. I feel like I could have given it a shot, and might've gotten a bite or something, but it I didn't want to go there. I'm a radio guy. TV was intense. Those first six months nerves were going. I'm visibly sweating, and my lips are shaking when I'm on TV. But I saw it as an exciting challenge. The benefit is unreal. I mean, the exposure. And it speaks very well to radio to what I do, and radio speaks well to TV. So they complement each other really well. And it's a fun show. The hosts Laura Schweizer and Stephanie Langston are awesome, and it's just a fun crew to be a part of. I talk about different events and pop culture. It's a good life-work balance, and a good one-two combo professionally.
Do you prefer one medium to the other?
I sincerely enjoy doing both. Radio's in my blood. I think at the end of the day I'm just a radio guy who loves creating moments for our listeners by playing their favorite songs, and giving out really cool prizes. And getting to know our listeners so they know that they have a friend, and a companion on their favorite radio station, that cares about what they care about. But TV is just a thrill. It is so much fun. And it's a blast.
I know you and Danielle are passionate about giving back. Tell me about some of the charities that you work with.
As cliche as it sounds, I know I'm fortunate to have a platform. And I feel there's a responsibility with that, to use your platform for good. I've worked hand-in-hand with the American Cancer Society over the years. I've done the Real Men Wear Pink campaign a few times. That's definitely something that's near and dear to my heart. The National Humane Association as well. They're just great people. And we love dogs, we love our furry friends. I've also consistently work with the Rally Foundation, Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee and St. Jude.
Tell me something you love about Franklin.
I love the people here. Plenty of people that work in my building live in Franklin, so we'll do gatherings over there. And I hate to say wholesome, because it sounds a little cheesy, but it's wholesome. It's a breath of fresh air. Spending time in Franklin, and meeting people in Franklin, and getting to know the local businesses and supporting them. That's something that I really care about too. I love the way Franklin is its own city. It's just really well-kept. All the nature, the rolling hills, the flowers, all that stuff.
@joebreezyradio
Mix929.com/shows-joe-breezy/
Joe Breezy is an accomplished on-air personality who currently hosts afternoons on Mix 92.9. Breezy's career stops prior to landing in Nashville, include San Francisco, Atlanta, Phoenix, San Diego and Boston. In addition, he hosts a nationally syndicated show, Open House Party and also serves as the pop culture correspondent on the daily entertainment and lifestyle show, Local on 2 on ABC affiliate WKRN.
You can find Joe and his wife, Chief Meteorologist Danielle Breezy, around town checking out the hottest events, concerts, new restaurants and helping people and pets with their charitable work. Breezy's love of nature and wellness is why he spends most of his free time outdoors, working out, meditating, and just having fun.