Apple Podcasts 
Spotify 
Youtube Music 
Amazon Music 
Audible In this episode, Johnjay Van Es shares his journey from a radio intern to a nationally syndicated DJ. He discusses the importance of vulnerability in broadcasting, the art of content creation, and the influence of family and personal loss on his career. Johnjay also explores the challenges of monetizing a brand and handling criticism in the public eye, all while maintaining authenticity and connection with his audience. In this engaging conversation, the speakers share their transformative journeys, highlighting the power of mentorship, personal growth, and overcoming adversity. They discuss their experiences with health innovations, including biohacking and natural healing, and reflect on influential literature that has shaped their lives. The conversation also touches on their passion for dog rescue through the Love Pup Foundation and their aspirations for the future. Memorable celebrity encounters and interviews provide a nostalgic backdrop to their stories, showcasing the impact of personal connections and the importance of setting goals.
Takeaways
+Johnjay's journey into radio began as an intern in 1990.
+He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in connecting with audiences.
+Content creation should be spontaneous and authentic.
+Investing in local talent can lead to viral success.
+Family support is crucial in pursuing one's dreams.
+Personal loss has shaped John Jay's perspective on life.
+Comedy influences from childhood helped shape his career.
+Monetizing a brand can be a complex decision.
+Handling criticism requires a thick skin and perspective.
+Building connections with guests enhances the podcast experience. Overcoming adversity can lead to transformative personal growth.
+Mentorship plays a crucial role in professional development.
+Networking can open doors to unexpected opportunities.
+Celebrity encounters can create full-circle moments in life.
+Health innovations like biohacking can significantly improve well-being.
+Influential literature can inspire and motivate individuals.
+Dog rescue efforts can make a meaningful impact in the community.
+Setting and writing down goals is essential for personal success.
+Memorable interviews can leave a lasting impression on one's career.
+Sharing personal stories can foster deeper connections with others.
Thanks for watching! If this episode moved you, hit LIKE, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, and SUBSCRIBE for more raw stories, mindset shifts, and real conversations.
New episodes drop weekly!
TikTok: tiktok.com/@wys_whatsyourstor
Instagram: instagram.com/whatsyourstorypod_com
X: x.com/WYSPodcast_com
Facebook: facebook.com/WhatsYourStoryPod
Mike's Website: mikelindstrom.com
Scott's Website: scottleeseconsulting.com
Show website coming soon!
Co-Host, The Johnjay and Rich Show
Johnjay Van Es is co-host of The Johnjay and Rich Show, a nationally syndicated morning program on iHeartMedia and Premiere Networks, based at 104.7 KISS-FM in Phoenix.
He was born September 4, 1968, in Los Angeles. He interned at 91X San Diego in 1990, trained with The Groundlings in the mid-1990s — where he met his wife Blake — and landed his first hosting job at WKRQ in Cincinnati in 1996, winning Best of Cincinnati within three months. After a stretch in country radio in Houston, he partnered with Rich Berra after a chance meeting in New Orleans. The show launched at KRQQ in Tucson in 2001, moved to Phoenix in 2006, joined Premiere in 2014, and received a five-year extension in 2025.
The program airs weekdays from 5 to 10 a.m. Mountain Time, is syndicated to nearly 20 stations, and has more than 75 million podcast downloads. It has ranked number one among women 25–54 and persons 25–54 in multiple markets and won the 2025 Kidd Kraddick Award at Morning Show Boot Camp. In 2015 Van Es started the LovePup dog-rescue campaign; in 2021 he opened a purpose-built Scottsdale shelter with 14 kennels. He also hosts The Johnjay Van Es Podcast. He and Blake have three sons: Jake, Kemp, and Dutch.