Stephen Keogh

Hi Eddie Hobbit here, if you’re reading this you are either really bored or you have a lot of free time at the office.

I’ve been granted a World Exclusive interview with Stephen Keogh.

Lovely to meet you Stephen

The pleasures all mine Eddie…

I’ve been sent a selection of questions from your listeners, so let’s begin.

Great

Would you like a glass of water, by the way?

That’s a strange question to start with Eddie - I’m grand thanks

Oh aren’t you the wise guy… Tell me about your first job in radio Stephen?

Well Eddie, I was working for a Dublin radio station called Q102, not the current one, but the pirate which was big in the 80’s. I was only employed in the office doing bits and pieces. However, I really wanted to try my hand at the ‘on air’ side of things. Eventually, after much persuasion the boss decided to give me a gig. They called me the Boy Wonder.

What was the worst job you ever had?

Oh come on Eddie, I work in radio, there are no bad jobs… I've found value in every position I've had, to all my previous Programme Directors – I salute you. To be honest, I don't work at places where I'm not having fun or enjoy what I'm doing.

What was your most embarrassing on-air moment?

I suppose it was when I got locked in the bathroom while hosting the Breakfast Show on CKR. I went for a toilet break during the 8 o’clock news and couldn’t get out till the door was forced open about 15 minutes later. Got great mileage out of it though, the Sun came down and took photos.

Best experience in radio?

Well apart from meeting you Eddie, I loving the show on KFM at the moment… But I suppose it’s a toss up between the Boy Wonder days or my first gig on Today FM.

When was your first appearance on KFM?

Day one, 1st February, 2004… Did the very first show at 8am

What made you move to KFM?

Quality of life… I’m from Kildare and live on the Curragh. I was driving up and down the N7 for long enough. It was always my intention to return to Kildare when a license was finally handed out by the BCI. Plus I knew it would be a great place to work.

If you weren't in radio, what would you be doing?

The scary thing is I honestly have no idea.

What advice would you give to anyone who would like to get into the business?

Be yourself!!! It’s amazing how many jocks in the business aren’t. Also start small, work your way up, and learn about all the jobs in the industry. Finally, never think you’re show is good enough – There’s always room for improvement!

Ok… Let me now fire a selection of listener’s questions at you Stephen. Helen from Naas wants to know if you’ve got a nickname.

Some people call me Stevo…

What are your hobbies asks Christy?

I’d love to say the radio show, but better not in case the boss ever reads this… I love travel! I support Liverpool FC. I also enjoy a trip to the cinema and a quite night it by the TV. I’ve also recently taken up an interest in gardening – guess it’s a sign I’m getting on a bit!

Frank wants to know if you’ve got a favorite Song of all time.

That’s a tough one; it changes all the time…

(Long pause)

I’ll give you a few…

Buggles – Video killed the radio star

Keane – Somewhere only we know

Kenny Chesney – You had me from hello

Elton John – Guess that’s why they call it the blues

If I had to go for one – It would be the Buggles…

What’s your favourite Sport?

That’s a bit easier - Soccer, I play at least once a week, and did I mention I support Liverpool.

Jennifer asks; do you prefer mornings or evenings?

Umm…Everyone likes a lie on, don’t they…? I’m a bit of an early bird all the same, thanks to all the years doing breakfast shows. It took my body clock a little time to get used to the afternoons on KFM. I still get up early enough every morning, and don’t totally abuse the fact that I don’t start my show till 3pm

So what time do you arrive in work – 2.55pm I bet?

No – but it varies from day to day. I’d usually arrive by midday, and give myself a couple of hours prep.

How about this one, sent in by Fiona… Are you a Letter, E-mail or Phone type of guy Stephen?

E-mail, I suppose… I like the way my eyes feel after staring at a computer monitor for hours… If I don’t get an email for 15 minutes I usually send myself one just to check it’s working. (Snigger) Seriously though, like most people I’d never go anywhere without my mobile. So I guess I’ll go for answer ‘C’ the phone…

This is from Tom; do you wear shoes for style or comfort?

Somebody actually sent in that question… My, don’t I have strange listeners. The answer is, both, Tom… Here’s an interesting Stephen Keogh fact for you Eddie… I usually take my shoes off while ‘on air’ - it makes me feel like I’m at home.

If you were a musical instrument, what would it be?

Oh my God, Eddie, you’ve obviously made up that question yourself! You’ve got me there. I don’t know

(Long Pause)

Two minutes later…

I suppose, I like to blow my own trumpet, so there you go Trumpet - is this interview nearly finished?

Who would you like to have dinner with and why?

My best friend Susan… We usually do every evening, all be it sometimes in front of Corrie.

What do you listen to in your car?

The radio – I’m a channel hopper, drives passengers mad.

What’s your favourite TV Show?

Unquestionably ‘24’… It’s the only show I’d actually record. I think I’ve seen every episode since it started over 5 years ago

Which actor would you want to play you if a movie was made about your life?

It would have to be Kiefer Sutherland, in a Jack Bauer, frantic, kind of situation. Not sure if 24 hours in my life would make a Hollywood blockbuster, but he’d be the man. Here’s a thing Eddie - I’m always messing when I go into a car park – I take the ticket – look into the monitor and say, Bauer CTU. I tried it once at the toll bridge, the guy behind the desk thought I was mad.

If you were to have your own reality T.V. show, what would it be called?

"I'm a Radio DJ, Get Me Outta Here!"

Do you ever forward chain letters you get in your e-mail?

Only the ones that say I will die in 5 minutes if I don't pass it on!

If you were the Taoiseach what's the one thing you would do?

I would make it illegal - no matter how cold it gets, for people to put clothes on little dogs!  

Ha ha - I'm with you there Stevo... Next question, what's under your bed?

Is that a trick question…? (Pause)… Just the carpet – It’s one of those beds without legs. These questions are getting more and more bizarre… I’ll tell you one thing Eddie – you’re no Michael Parkinson.

Nearly done now - this one’s from Jimmy. If you could be a bar of soap, whose soap dish would you like to sit in?

Ha ha… that’s a great question Jimmy – well done? Is he suggesting I’m some kind of peeping tom? I’d rather not be a bar of soap to be honest. Come on now Eddie – time to finish up?

Ok then, finally a question which came in a few times from the listeners, what would you do if you won the Lotto?

Give loads of it away, buy some property and continue working on the radio.  I have the greatest job in the world!

On that note, we’ll draw to a close now, thanks for your time Stephen.

No problem Eddie, thanks….