My National Radio Day Story

Tara “CaribGem” Lewis
Aug 20
3 min read

From Radio Booth to #NotaContentCreator

Apparently, today is National Radio Day, which feels like the universe is nudging me to tell you how I got started on the mic. So here I go, my little luv letter to radio, mixed with some lessons I picked up along the way.

Let me say this up front:

I’m NOT a content creator.

I don’t batch TikToks or spend 3 hours finding the perfect lighting. All I do is share podcasting + self-care tips, sprinkle in some stories, and hope it helps someone who needs it. So think of this blog like less of a “masterclass” and more of a storytime from the booth. 🎙️

How It Started

I still remember my first time on the radio. I was a part of a team of 3. Each one of us had a role to play -- Lead Host, Engineer & Programmer. I was the Programmer. It was my responsibility to map out the overview of the radio show down to the minute. BUT i also had co-hosting duties. Which meant I HAD TO speak on-air. The mic was soooo intimidating, my palms were sweating, and my brain kept screaming, “Don’t mess this up, there's a shyt ton of people listening!”

A black woman with headphones on. — 2009

And of course… I messed up. I started stuttering when it was my turn to speak, the timing was off on some of the segments, and I accidentally left dead air for a good 15 seconds (which in radio feels like a lifetime). But guess what? I survived. And so did my team & the listeners.

What hooked me to radio wasn’t the “perfect” delivery—it was the connection. The way people around the world could hear me. I was heard in somebody’s car, kitchen, or earbuds. Radio made me feel like I was part of something bigger, even when it was just me, my team, a mic, and a soundboard that didn’t always cooperate.

Lessons the Mic Taught Me

A black woman in front of a microphone. — 2010

Over the years, the mic has been my greatest teacher. Here are a few lessons that stuck:

Consistency wins. Radio doesn’t wait for your mood. If your slot is at 8pm, you show up at 8pm—even if your energy is at 2%. That consistency is the same muscle podcasters (and honestly, anyone chasing goals) need.

Boundaries matter. Not every caller, song or potential guest deserves airtime. PERIOD. The same goes for comments, DMs, or even advice from people who don’t get your vision.

Your voice has value. At first, I worried if anyone would care what I had to say. Over time, I realized my perspective mattered, even if it wasn’t polished or “influencer-level.” (Same goes for you—your voice is valid without filters or a script.)

Rest matters. Late-night radio followed by early mornings? Recipe for burnout. I learned the hard way that self-care isn’t optional—it’s oxygen.

Radio vs. Content Creation (Spoiler: I’m Not One)

Here’s the thing: radio & today’s “content creation” world are basically cousins.

Back then, I worried about dead air. Now y’all stress about dead feeds. Same energy, different platforms.

The skills overlap—planning, showing up, engaging—but I’ll be honest: I’m not chasing the “content creator” badge. I don’t post my every move or spend hours editing reels. I just keep showing up to share what I know & remind folks to take care of themselves (while reminding myself!). THAT'S IT.

So if you’ve ever thought, “I don’t have what it takes to start a podcast,” let me tell you—if I survived 15 seconds of dead air, you can survive hitting record on your PHONE. Yup, that's all you need to get started!

Why National Radio Day Still Matters

National Radio Day is a reminder that audio has always been about connection. Whether it’s a morning show, a community station, or a podcast with 12 listeners, voices have power.

I’ve seen indie artists find their audience through airplay. I’ve seen small businesses get

their first real boost because of a local interview. And I’ve felt firsthand how hearing someone’s voice—authentic, imperfect, real—can make you feel less alone.

That’s why I’ll always love radio. It taught me discipline, gave me a platform, and showed me that impact isn’t about numbers—it’s about connection.

Closing Thoughts

So on this National Radio Day, here’s my reminder: whether you’re behind a mic, recording into your phone, or just singing in the shower—your voice matters.

Not a content creator… but trust me on this one. 😉