“You know, if you hang around this Earth long enough you really see how things come full circle.” – Patti Davis

My Passion for Radio

Did you know that back in 2014 I was a full-time Breakfast Radio Producer? Yep. I even hosted my own shows too – a Saturday Breakfast Show and even a Saturday Night Party Mix Show. And whilst producing brekkie radio Mon-Fri, I would also report regular traffic and weather updates on-air?!

Every single day, to and from high school, my mum and I would always have 89.9 LightFM on in the background whilst in the car. It was our go-to radio station. We both loved the station because it was family-friendly and there was always a song playing we’d love to sing-a-long to and a talk topic we could relate to. Plus, coming from a Christian fam, we loved how there were hourly ‘Words To Live By’ segments, which is super similar to Instagram’s #MondayMotivation you see pop up in your feed once a week.

Gianna Lucas LightFM Pyjamas

Pyjama Day in the 89.9 LightFM Studio!

My BIG Dream & Passion

During high school I dreamed about me one day working in the media and using my voice to make a positive difference; and growing up with LightFM on the radio, that’s the place I knew I wanted to work. So in Year 12 I studied a Certificate III in Media Industries: Radio Broadcasting as part of my VCE, and then at university I completed a Bachelor of Journalism. During this time I volunteered at a local radio station near my home to gain experience – I initially volunteered as an Office Administrator, then worked as an Assistant to the Business Development Manager. Eventually, I hosted my own Drive Show every Friday afternoon for 3 years.

Life at 89.9 LightFM

Towards the end of second-year uni, I began volunteering at 89.9 LightFM in their Promotions and Marketing department. Eventually I was offered an opportunity to produce one of their morning shows, which lead to me presenting on-air. Initially I was one of their Weekend Announcers. In October 2013, one year after completing my Bachelor Degree, I was asked to become the station’s Breakfast Producer, a full-time role which I loved. Every morning, Monday to Friday I would wake up at 3.30am to be at work at 5am. I never needed caffeine to get my day started. I would literally bounce out of bed when my alarm went off… why you say?! Because I loved my job. It was my passion.

Gianna Lucas on red carpet for 89.9 LightFM

On the red carpet for 89.9 LightFM

Breakfast Radio

During this time, I had the privilege of producing the station’s flagship show. Initially the Breakfast time slot was hosted by Ken and Lucy; but in due course it evolved into radio duo Lucy and Kel. It was such a privilege working alongside these two incredibly-talented individuals. Their show is still a huge success today – they’re currently celebrating their 6th year on-air together!

Gianna Lucas & Kel McWilliam - Lucy & Kel

Kel and I alongside the not-so-delicious squid jerky! Haha.

After I finished up at LightFM, I was offered an opportunity to be a part of a start-up magazine called I AM WOMAN – a bi-monthly digital mag designed to empower professional women. I was their Deputy Editor. From there I created my own biz called Miss Savvy, where I specialised in copy writing and other digital marketing services for small businesses and government agencies. In 2017, I created The Promenade With Me Podcast, a weekly show for young women which spanned 65 episodes. That same year I joined confidence education provider, Beautiful Minds as an Educator. Then in 2018 I was asked to become a Board Member at Bridge Builders Youth Organisation… And as they say, the rest is history!

From Interviewer to Interviewee

Last week, 4 years after I finished up at 89.9 LightFM, I was invited back to the station, this time round as an interviewee. You see, before my media career even began, I lived with crippling anxiety, for quite a number of years in fact. Then some years later the most magical thing happened… I experienced something quite incredible, which acted as a catalyst, leading me to what I do today.

My interview was with Educator, Author and Presenter, Sharon Witt on ‘This One Life‘, a weekly show that features ‘stories that shape us’. On the show I shared my story about my childhood, where I lived with a debilitating anxiety disorder, to then being part of Australia’s youngest all-girl pop group, Charmz. I also talk about dreaming BIG dreams and the work I do with young women.

Sharon Witt Gianna Lucas 89.9 LightFM

Sharon Witt & I last week at 89.9 LightFM

It was such an honour being invited back to share my story at a station I absolutely love. If you’re really keen to tune into my interview, simply click on the play button below. Alternatively you can head to LightFM’s website by clicking here. Happy listening!

Gianna Lucas logo - Motivational Speaker, Educator and Coach

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This