Today, we’d like to introduce you to Just Blane.
Hi Just, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My journey as Just Blane kicked off when I received an audio editing software as a holiday gift, igniting my passion for audio. I chased my dream of working in radio at the University of Memphis, joining the heritage station WHBQ.
Under the mentorship of industry legend Karson With A K, I mastered the ins and outs of the radio world. After a stint in sales in Phoenix, Arizona, I realized my heart was in creative work. I returned to Memphis to produce for a national radio network. Crafting shows broadcasted globally from LA to the Gaza Strip.
I made my mark as an electronic DJ spinning rocking colleges and clubs throughout the U.S. My journey moved me to Hollywood Blvd where I would spend the next decade and most pivotal point in my life.
I contributed to video games, including EA’s Medal of Honor: Warfighter. However, radio called me back, and I joined Westwood One, playing a critical role in the launch of NBC Sports Radio and its podcast network, and producing Rodney Harrison’s ‘Safety Blitz’.
A career-defining moment came when Joe Grande, a co-worker and radio legend, introduced me to hip-hop icon Big Boy, leading to my role at Real 92.3 after his departure from Power 106. I became the editor, associate producer, and eventually the syndicated executive producer of Big Boy’s Neighborhood, an influential hip-hop radio show.
I was a key contributor to launching the show’s Podcast Network, which features a plethora of daily podcasts. During my five-year tenure with Big Boy, I had the honor of meeting Dr. Dre at a birthday party. As I was leaving, I humbly said, “Thanks for having me. I’m just a guy who grew up on a farm. I can’t believe I’m here.” To which Dr. Dre assured me, “You’re here because you’re meant to be.”
That encounter erased any doubts or ‘imposter syndrome’ I had about my purpose and potential.
In 2020, I took on a role at Apple Music. I produced George Stromboulopolous’s live radio show, reaching audiences in 165 countries with celebrity interviews. I also developed Apple’s first audio docuseries, “iMiss Punk,” delving into punk music’s rich history and impact. The series was a critical success, resonating with both critics and fans. That’s the best project I’ve ever worked on.
I’ve always been a proponent of diversity and inclusion, producing audio content for events like “International Women’s Day,” “International Transgender Day Of Visibility,” Pride Month, and celebrating indigenous cultures.
In 2023, I stepped away from the corporate scene to co-found Ride The Wave Media with my wife, Lindsie. Our podcast network empowers creators with top-notch tools, resources, and opportunities. Ride The Wave Media isn’t just a company; it’s a movement to inspire, educate, and entertain millions. As the leader of this movement, I’m geared up to champion the voices of those who haven’t gotten the chance.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
While my road has not been as challenging as some of the voices of the people who I ‘champion’, I have still faced my issues.
One of the hardest things for me was feeling like I belonged or could make it in Hollywood after being told so many times that I couldn’t do it. I got close to throwing in the towel and heading back to my safe space, the couch of my lifelong best friend, who might as well be my brother, Derick Passero.
I bought a cup of Ramen noodles one night for .38. I checked my bank account after and I had .01 in it. I found a penny on the ground walking back to my apartment and laughed and cried for awhile….I told myself that I had doubled my worth and I would never go down from there. I never have.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have produced over 10,000 radio shows, podcasts, and other forms of audio over a 20+ year career for all the big names. I lived in Hollywood for a decade. I have produced something you have heard no matter who you are.
I’m most proud of the work I did with George Strombouloupoulous and Bob Macowyckz at Apple Music; I would love to work with those guys again on my new venture, Ride The Wave Media.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
If you don’t take risks, then you are going to never evolve. Everything is evolving around you at all times. The only thing that is absolute is that things will always change.
If you don’t take a risk in yourself, no one else will.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://justblane.com/?page_id=35
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/justblanetv
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RideTheWaveMediaPodcastNetwork/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/blanenicholas
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RWMPN
- Other: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/ridethewavemedia
