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3 Questions for FOUI: ‘Confessions of a Radio Guy’

Published

5 years ago

6 minute read

‘Foui in the afternoon’ a phrase you’re sure to have heard over the last several years…

Wait though, lets dive in and peel back the layers of this unique and exceptionally well dressed ‘Hummus King’ that makes up the voice of the great FOUI. Well at least a couple of the layers…

Ive personally had the pleasure of working with Foui on so many levels. Comedy, Radio, Podcast, Live Taping, Writing and the list could go on. Foui has a way of keeping me in check lol (wait, did I just write ‘lol’ in the news? does it matter?) It’s true if you know me you know that there are certain people in my world that keep me level. Foui being one of the few. The guy is just crazily talented and all around inspiring.

“Music is my mental health.”                                                                                     – Jason Foui

Did you know that at one point he had the most downloaded Podcast in central Alberta? If you don’t know what ‘Death By Foui’ is, you do now. You’re welcome. Foui is on air every afternoon at 106.7 FM The Drive from 2pm – 6pm Monday thru Friday. You can catch him on the weekends with ‘The Drive Top 20’ a weekly countdown that has some pretty great tunes. What makes the Top 20 show really cool is that they focus a spot in the show on indie bands. SO COOL. I’ve been very grateful for the support of that show many times over the years.

Did you know that Foui is basically the ‘Hummus King’ of the west? Humble Hummus is one of the most amazing local companies ever. Foui makes more hummus every week than most of us will ever see in our lifetime. Every Saturday for years Humble Hummus sells out at the local markets. The perfect summertime snack companion for all occasions. SO GOOD!

Any way the bottom line here is that Foui is a super cool and creative guy, we could write a book or make a movie on all the things about Foui that I’m leaving out. Lets be real though, this is supposed to be a 5 minute read. What will his answers to ‘3 Questions for’ reveal? Here you go:

1. What’s your number one on air pet peeve?

Look whenever there’s a question like this I think hmm what can I blame on listeners? The truth is, if you’re complaining about me or correcting me on something silly or mundane or maybe I just made a mistake, I’m simply honored you’re listening. Please never stop telling me how to be better. Because when that stops I’m out of a job. By the way my biggest pet peeve is unpreparedness. 

2. How does it feel talking on air, never sure if anyone is listening?

This is a great question because in theory it is possible. I think that’s the beauty of radio, it’s unlike any medium out there, nobody truly knows who listening or when. Don’t get me wrong they come up with some pretty creative ways to figure that stuff out but in general nobody actually knows. If you are facilitating what goes on-air (a DJ, announcer, programmer etc.) you have to have something to say. You could think “is anyone listening?” But even worse, “does anybody actually care?” The best radio people sell a product you didn’t even know you needed. So how do feel about not being sure? I feel fine about it. 

3. How has music affected your mental health during COVID-19?

So music for me is all about feelings. Moods and vibes. Being a radio DJ is like a wet dream for a music lover. You’re surrounded by it and there’s always new stuff on the way. The day I die I’ll be thinking about missing ‘so and so’s’ new record and how I just missed it. I love new music equal to the classic’s but it’s the music I grew up with that puts me to a place of nostalgia, innocence and comfort. Beastie Boy’s, Pixies, Jane’s Addiction, Dandy’s, Beck, especially Beck because he’s still producing new music at the highest of levels, this music is my friend, my flag and my voice. I’ve actually bought more music over the last two months than I have in years. Music is constantly on in my house these days, cooking, cleaning, on the deck, yard work, if I’m not making it, I’m listening to it. Music is my mental health. 

 

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Jesse was born in the city of Lethbridge and raised to his teen years in the southern Alberta farming communities of Raymond and Fin Castle, AB. Jesse's early inspirations include the hypnotic sounds of big-name artists such as Jimi Hendrix, The Black Crowes, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, City and Colour, Jack Johnson, Guns 'N' Roses, and Pink Floyd. Jesse is a Blues/Rock/folk/Indie performer who has done his fair share of "paying his dues" opening and touring with such acts as: The Lazys, One Bad Son, Doc Walker, The Odds, The Northern Pikes, The Grapes Of Wrath, Monster Truck, The Age Of Electric, The Wild, Holly McNarland, Econoline Crush, Coal Creek Boys, Wild T & The Spirit, Cara Luft, Carson Cole, Clayton Bellamy (of The Road Hammers), Tupelo Honey, Retrograde, The Smalls, and Mcquaig to name just a few. In 2015 Jesse was awarded the title "Master of Blues Folk Rock" for the 6th Annual Black American Music Awards. Jesse is known for his funky heavy jam style guitar. Big riffs, an impressive vocal sound all his own and the ability to captivate the crowd with ease. His fans have coined the term "no string solo" as he can be consistently found ripping strings off the guitar like they aren't supposed to be there in the first place.

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Southside Dodge donates new van to Ronald McDonald House

Published on February 8, 2021

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Matt Swainson (Vice President & General Manager, Southside Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram) -left , Lori Rechlo (General Manager, Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta – Red Deer House) – right

Submitted by Sarah Heibein, Stakeholder Relations Manager, Central Alberta Ronald McDonald House

We’ve received a donation of use of a Dodge Caravan from Southside Dodge- they’ve been an incredible support of us over the years.  Attached is the photo we took at the dealership when we picked up the keys on Friday.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta, Red Deer House is truly grateful to Matt Swainson and his entire team at Southside Dodge for their steadfast support of our work to keep families together during the unimaginable hardship of the need to travel for medical treatment for their sick or injured child. Our House is not a nice to have, but a need to have, and we are honoured to work with such an amazing community partner in Southside. The use of the 2021 Dodge Caravan will help us to keep our operating costs down so that we can focus on our work to keep families close.

We have operated in the city for over 8 years, ensuring there is a safe and comfortable place for families to rest while they focus on the recovery of their child(ren).

We are grateful to everyone in Red Deer who supports us!  😊

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Smiles Thru Lindsey reaching out with a new video message and urging Albertans to look out for each other at this challenging time

Published on January 18, 2021

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The holiday season is well behind us, we’re heading into the coldest part of the winter, and although the days are starting to grow longer there’s still a definite lack of daylight in our lives.  The winter blues are a real thing and this year we have COVID, a whole new serious problem to add to our mental health issues.

COVID is also the reason the Smiles Thru Lindsey team has not been able do public events for many months.  Unable to reach out physically through school visits and fund raisers, Smiles Thru Lindsey is reminding Central Albertans to check in on each other.  Also, please follow the Smiles Thru Lindsey Facebook page .  They’ll lead you to the resources you or your loved ones need right away.

Meet Lindsey and the Smiles Thru Lindsey team in this powerful video.  …And remember to check in on the people in your life.

If you’d like to help Smiles Thru Lindsey with a donation please click here.

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