Freewheelin' - A Quadratec Channel Exclusive
Welcome to Freewheelin’, a question and answer session appearing every other week on the Quadratec Channel and featuring a person somehow involved with Jeep and its aftermarket/off-road/entertainment/lifestyle.
If you have any suggestions or ideas about someone you feel would make a great Freewheelin’ addition, hit us up at [email protected].
-----
by Matt Konkle
Quadratec Channel Editor
We’re quite sure there is no such thing as a surfing, skiing, snowboarding, Jiu-Jitsu-ing, biking, music-loving, off-roading, Jeep loving, DJ.
After all, no one could realistically have that many hobbies and still have a time left over for a semblance of life. Right?
Then we got to know Philadelphia-area radio personality Paul Jaxon, saw the kind of stuff he does each day, and saw that we were way, way wrong. Not only does Jaxon have a life with all these activities, but he excels at the whole life thing too.
See, you quickly learn these activities are not just hobbies to Jaxon. Normal people have hobbies. Jaxon has loves. He has passions. You may see him one day on the mat at the Jiu-Jitsu academy he co-owns, then on the beach chasing waves the next, then he’s out throwing his Jeep into 4-low on a weekend trail ride or event with fellow members of the Jeep club which bears his name – Jaxon’s Jeep Club.
All passions.
And yet, somehow, he finds his way to the 93.3 WMMR studio each weekday afternoon for his drive time 3-7 PM shift, a spot he has held for 13 years - something almost unheard of in this current age of radio.
For those outside the Philadelphia region, WMMR is not just a team in the Major Leagues of radio. It’s more like the New York Yankees. An influential rock station that has boosted the careers of such musical luminaries as Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Van Halen, and The Grateful Dead by being one of the first East Coast stations to play their music.
In short, it’s a nearly impossible destination spot that just about anyone who aspires to be anything in radio still tries to land. Jaxon knows. His road to the destination wasn’t easy, and was filled with plenty of stops all over the country as well as a boatload full of luck - all while watching just about everyone he first started with move on to something else.
But ask any of the local musicians he’s helped promote through his ‘Jaxons Local Shots Artist of the Month’ program, or all those who are now seriously into the Jeep world because of Jaxon's Jeep Club, and you’ll know they are all happy he followed his passions to the summit no matter the obstacles.
Yeah, turns out there definitely is such a thing as a surfing, skiing, snowboarding, Jiu-Jitsu-ing, biking, music-loving, off-roading, Jeep loving, DJ - after all.
His name is Paul Jaxon.
And he is next up on Freewheelin’.
-----
Quadratec: Paul, I wanted to start with a weird one because the title just jumped out at me - but before you came to Philadelphia, one of your stops was in Boston at WFNX which was, at the time I think, like the first alt-rock station in the country. So you’re there in 2000-2001 and you co-hosted a morning show called ‘Jaxon and the Pharmacist’. I read one former employee describe that station as “not governed by ratings — we had none. We were not ruled by money — we had none. We could pretty much do anything we wanted, and we did.” What do you remember about hosting that show with the awesome name and did you, in fact, do pretty much anything you wanted? Did it, in some part, impact the way your career is now?
Paul Jaxon: Ahh yes, The FNX Radio Network. It was actually, during my tenure, a network of stations. Our morning show was on in Boston, Providence, RI, Portland, ME and Manchester, NH. That show consisted of some of the most talented and funny people I’ve ever worked with. I have a ton of great memories from the era. Did we do anything we wanted? Close, but no. If we could truly do anything, I wouldn’t have been fired. Ha. Another story entirely. It definitely impacted my career, I decided I never want to get up that early again! Which is why I do afternoons now.
Quad: I’m pouring over all your activities and it’s a laundry list that, just reading, probably could make most people tired. You’ve got Jiu Jitsu, surfing, running, snowboarding, skiing, biking, music, off-roading. It’s like a man’s man list of stuff. Where do you get the time for all these awesome activities and am I forgetting any? Do you have a favorite, or are you like that parent who loves all the kids equally? What made you interested in so many different activities?
Paul Jaxon: Ha… my wife always tells me I have way too many hobbies. I grew up mostly in and around the Rockies. So my love of skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking came from there. My first radio job was evenings in Steamboat Springs, CO. It didn’t pay enough to live on, so I was a ski/snowboard instructor for Steamboat during the day and we pretty much mountain biked all summer. These days it’s mostly Jiu Jitsu, Surfing and Wheeling. I co-own and teach at an academy in Ardmore, PA called Main Line United Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, so it takes up a lot of my free time. My Dad used to always say 'I’m not going to die quietly, I’m gonna slide into the grave screaming “Woo Hoo, what a ride!”' I feel the same way.
Quad: Besides music, I know you are really into Jeeps and off-roading so I wanted to share something cool I read on the Main Line United Brazilian Jiu Jitsu webpage. It says ‘(Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) teaches that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger opponent by using leverage and proper technique.’ And I got to thinking, doesn’t that essentially sum up off-roading as well? A smaller, weaker vehicle successfully overcoming that larger, stronger environment. Do you agree, and is that something you’ve heard before? Are there other cool Jiu Jitsu techniques that can translate to off-roading?
Paul Jaxon: I’ll tell ya what translates… injuries! Ha. Jiu Jitsu over the years will have you plagued with injuries and surgeries, but we keep coming back because we love it so much. With wheeling you’re constantly breaking stuff and then emptying your pockets again, but we keep doing it because we love it so much. Crazy right?!
Quad: You’re very well known in the local Philly music scene, but you are also just as well known in the off-road community thanks to heading up Jaxons Jeep Club. What made you decide to start a club rather than just joining one, and was this something you’ve always wanted to do? Do you find yourself recommending the Jeep Club experience when you meet people who just bought a Jeep? What sort of things can members do in a Jeep Club that everyday Jeep drivers really can’t?
Paul Jaxon: We have a handful of guys at the station who own Jeeps, so we were always talking about them. One day we thought, why not start our own club! With the station’s promotional power and reach, we can do a lot of good for the community and pull off some really cool events! Day Off in the Dirt at Rausch Creek was a perfect example and our huge Jeep food drop/caravan at Camp Out for Hunger is another. I think the coolest thing about being in a club is the camaraderie, the meet ups - and Jeep owners are just typically really cool people with a sense of adventure.
Quad: You’ve been in Philadelphia radio now for more than 10 years, having all kinds of adventures, but before that I think (correct me if I’m wrong) your radio career bounced you around like a rider on the Rubicon Trail. South Dakota, Denver, Missouri, Providence, Boston – how would you describe your professional radio ascent and were there times when you were like, ‘this isn’t for me anymore?’ Were there some memorable spots, and ones you couldn’t wait to leave? Tell me about what you were doing when (WMMR program director) Bill Weston called and wanted you in Philly?
Paul Jaxon: Yeah, in my 13th year at WMMR now… time flies. When I came up in radio, that’s how it was done. You started in a small market, proved your mettle with some ratings and then applied to a larger market. Slowly working your way up, with the goal/pinnacle (for most) being a top-10 market. So that means there are a handful of big gigs and thousands and thousands of people who want them. It gets pretty cutthroat. If you haven’t been fired three or four times and stabbed in the back a few times, you haven’t had a career in radio. I can think of 50-60 people, we all started radio around the same time, and there are probably two of us left still doing this. I thought about giving up on it plenty of times… and I did. I got caught up in a format change/firing back in 2003 and decided that was it… No more. I was sick of bouncing around the country. I packed up and moved back to Steamboat Springs, CO. I did a show on a little alternative station a friend of mine runs and scored my season ski pass. Then I started talking to Bill Weston, who had just taken over the reins at WMMR. If you’ve lived here your whole life, you might not know it, but 'MMR is a legend of a radio station in the industry. It’s truly one of the last great…No....epic, heritage rock stations standing. When the opportunity presented itself to work for what I did - and still do - consider the best radio station in the country, I couldn’t say no. I had to do it. I feel blessed to walk in to that studio every day and work with the best in the business. I think I have the greatest job in the world, but it was a sh*t show getting here. Ha.
Quad: A lot of people around the off-road community say we are in the golden age of Jeep right now because it seems sales keep growing, we’re getting an updated Wrangler next year as well as a Jeep Truck, and even re-imagined Wagoneer and Grand Cherokee models are on the horizon. Do you agree with this statement? Disagree? Are you worried Fiat Chrysler may dilute the Jeep brand by offering so many different new models, or do you think the more the merrier?
Paul Jaxon: Jeep truck! (drools). There is always a fear that they’ll dilute the brand. They’re in it to make money. What I’m sure we would all like to see improve is just the overall quality. We Jeep folks are a strange breed. Yes, we own the most capable off-road vehicles on the planet and we love our Jeeps with a cult-like passion. However, we are major apologists. We’re all guilty of it. “It’s a Jeep thing”. Rear main seal goes 5000 miles in on a new Jeep? “Oh it’s a Jeep thing”. Death wobble? “Oh it’s a Jeep thing”. Squeaks, rattles & leaks right off the lot? “Oh it’s a Jeep thing”. C’mon! But, yeah… I’m one of them. Wouldn’t drive anything else. It’s a Jeep thing.
Quad: Music is certainly a huge part of your life and you’ve definitely made a positive impact on tons of Philly-area musicians with ‘Jaxon’s Local Shots’, between the podcasts, videos, live events, artist of the month, etc., which all help promote Philly music. Why is getting exposure for local musicians a cause so close to your heart and how did the powers that be at WMMR, such a huge station in the industry, react when you said ‘I want to put these talented local guys on Philly drive time radio?’
Paul Jaxon: First and foremost, I love music. It all starts somewhere. Pearl Jam, at one time, played bars. Discovering great music is half the fun and Philadelphia is overflowing with talent! Trying to make it as a musician is a struggle. Sure it takes talent, but it also takes a lot of luck and an incredible amount of faith and persistence. There are times they want to give up too, but they keep doing it because it’s what they love. I can relate to that. I have the ability to help them, so I do. I’ve also met some of the coolest people I know through local music. What did 'MMR say when I suggested we do more than just a Sunday at Midnight type of show to support local acts?? A resounding NO! Let’s just say I was very persistent and today we have the “Jaxon’s Local Shots” program that has helped hundreds of musicians in the area be heard.
Quad: I heard you say the other day that Green Day is one of your top-5 favorite live performances. What are the other four and what really makes for a standout live concert? Are all these bands in your off-road music playlist as well, are there others, and what needs to be in a good set to play when you are enjoying the outdoors?
Paul Jaxon: Yeah, they really put on a high energy and incredible show! I prefer seeing big bands in smaller venues. So those shows always top my list. Tool at the Tower Theater, Foo Fighters at the Tower, Metallica at Webster Hall in NYC, etc. For some reason I always love listening to the Grateful Dead when doing anything outdoors. Just always seem to fit the mood.
Quad: Best career moment; conversely, something you wish you could do over again?
Paul Jaxon: Wow, too many to mention. I’m really fortunate that I get to work a job where I interview and hang out with some pretty interesting people! So many stories. Let’s grab a beer sometime and I’ll share some. Ha. I’m not sure I’d do anything over because even crappy experiences are character building and opportunities to learn.
Quad: Tell me something that people don’t know or realize about being a professional radio personality. I mean, I know there has to be prep time, meetings, playlists, and all that, but when the red light goes on does it just become anything goes - flying by the seat of your pants - or is it pretty structured? Has technology made it easier, or more difficult to do the job these days?
Paul Jaxon: I am every Program Directors nightmare, lol. I’ve always been a fly by the seat of my pants guy. Yes, you prepare, but I don’t script anything or over-prepare. Radio should be real. People screw up - they say um and ah. We’re not perfect and I don’t think people can or want to relate to somebody trying desperately to be that way. Technology has made things easier to operate, but honestly it’s more work than it’s ever been. I don’t know what I’d do without my producer, Sara. Back in the day, you had CD players, a microphone and a telephone. That was it! When you had time, you’d take calls and requests and chat with listeners. Now we have so many ways to interact with our audience. We have the phone, we have text, email, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, podcasts and the website. We sit in a room filled with computer screens that all do something. Trying to stay on top of all of them can be very challenging.
Freewheelin’ Express Questions
Quad: Best career advice you’ve received?
Paul Jaxon: Careful who you sh*t on, on the way up. Chances are you’ll see them again on the way down.
Quad: Say my son comes home and says ‘Dad, I want to study Krav Maga’. What do I tell him?
Paul Jaxon: I prefer Jiu Jitsu, but I’ve trained in both. Krav is a very effective self defense system that can be learned in a fairly short period of time. It also trains you to react effectively under stress, which is key. I’d say go for it.
Quad: What gets your motor running more: listening to a song for the first time that makes you go ‘wow’, or successfully tackling that off-road obstacle when everyone said ‘no shot’?
Paul Jaxon: Usually tackling the obstacle ends in breaking something - I’ll go with the song. Ha.
Quad: What makes Philly a great music city, or is it?
Paul Jaxon: It is. We have an abundance of incredibly talented people.
Quad: If Paul Jaxon is not on the radio every afternoon, where is he now?
Paul Jaxon: Probably trying to find a way to make a living surfing and doing Jiu Jitsu.
Quad: Rank in order: CJ, YJ, TJ, JK, XJ, WJ, ZJ
Paul Jaxon: JK, TJ, CJ, YJ, XJ, WJ, ZJ
