We chat to Emily Jade O'Keeffe, the female voice behind Gold Coast’s number one radio Breakfast Show on 102.9 Hot Tomato!
What’s your most memorable on-air experience?
After nearly 30 years in radio, there are almost too many to mention - that or I can’t remember - which is more likely at my age! I’ve been lucky enough to speak to my favourite stars like Michael Bublé and Hugh Jackman. I really cherish giving away big prizes that change people’s lives like cars and holidays. But it’s the personal moments like sharing, Like when I finally fell pregnant with my son after 6 years of sharing my IVF journey and the emotional response from everyone was magical. I felt very loved by our listeners.
What’s your favourite music to listen to when at home?
I love blues, jazz, soul, and country. Anything in that genre and I’m on my happy place… but really, I’m a lover of all music and appreciate all styles. If I need to rev myself up Guns and Roses does the trick.
What is one track that never gets old for you no matter how many times you hear it?
Sweet Child of Mine by Guns and Roses is my all-time favourite. During the GC marathon, I had it scheduled in my playlist a few times to keep me pumped.
If you could eternally be stuck in music decade, which decade would it be and why?
I think it would be the 90’s. They were my formative years and so many styles came out - you didn’t get bored. You could have the Spice Girls followed by Pearl Jam and it wasn’t unusual.
What’s been your proudest moment?
I love musical theatre and performing the last few years with Matt Ward Entertainment in Mamma Mia and Priscilla really pushed me to my limits. I almost bit off more than I could chew, so getting kind reviews for my performance did give me both a sense of pride and also a "phewwww I pulled it off." Now my daughter has been performing in Billy Elliot and seeing her on stage doing so well has certainly made me even prouder.
Beverage of choice:
Sparking Water…. Honestly, I love it! But if we are talking of the alcohol variety, I can’t say no to a really nice mellow Pinot Noir!
Who or what inspires you?
Anyone managing grief and adversity inspires me. I’ve lived such a blessed life and recently going through a bit of grief has made me realise how many people are living with pain and hurdles and still manage to hold themselves and their families together. Listening to people learn to cope and still create a life after unimaginable grief or adversity is what helps me try to live my best life. We only have one life no matter what happens to us.
What’s one thing your listeners would be surprised to hear about yourself or your life?
I’m such an open book so there isn’t really anything I haven’t shared at some point. I do love reading and consuming anything regarding how the brain works, so that may surprise people because although I read it all, I barely retain it.
How does your weekend usually look?
A typical weekend with two busy kids is on the sidelines of footy early, followed by dance drop offs or taxiing kids to birthday parties and play dates. Then perhaps beach time and snuggling on the couch watching a movie with the kids. We have a family apartment on the beach at Surfers Paradise so we love staying there when we can and a weekend there is bliss! Running or riding along the ocean way, checking out the markets, playing on the beach, swimming, surfing and at the end of the day walking into the Paradise Centre for dinner and an ice cream at Gelato Messina!
Advice you live by:
Hard now, easy later… easy now, hard Later…I apply this to a lot of situations in my life. When I question decision making and life choices, I have found in my life that anything worth it takes hard work to get started but if you put the effort in, the reward is always worth it and it gets easier.
Next holiday destination/bucket list holiday destination:
We are heading on a Royal Caribbean cruise in January and the kids can’t wait. We went at the same time last year and they adored it. It was a such an easy family holiday. I can’t wait to do it again and do it better this time now that I have my head around cruising.
Underrated spot on the Coast:
Not that its underrated but I wonder if everyone has cottoned on to how amazing the new ocean way is and how you can go from The Spit all the way to Broadbeach all along the beach! Tt’s magnificent and such an asset to the city. As a family we love it.
GC Favourites:
Beach: Rainbow Bay
Cafe/restaurant/bar: Shiraz Persian Restaurant
Entertainment: Watching Musicals
Shopping: Not a fan of shopping. It stresses me out.
