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What started as a diversion with friends turned into a passion and a business for Josie Passantino, who dialed in on a career at age 14. Two years later, she just celebrated the 100th episode of her program, which features guest interviews, music and listener calls, all broadcast live from the studio in her Bartlett home. Her Internet radio show has earned award nominations each year, and she’s won added exposure on the Southern Star network, moving from guest radio personality into the role of host on “Josie’s Hard Country,” airing online Saturday nights.
When the fun of “The Josie Show” turned serious, her mom, Tina, came on board, learning the ropes of producer. As for Josie, she’s now a junior earning straight As in a remote-learning high school program, and plans to major in broadcasting at college. The online schooling gives her the time she needs to book guests and run her business.
“She can get schoolwork done in the morning and carry on with the rest of her schedule for the day,” Tina explains.
What’s a favorite part of the radio experience?
The reason I like doing this is I meet new people I wouldn’t normally meet. … I help promote their work. (And) I love talking. When I was 14, I didn’t have anybody helping me. I used to call (talent managers) myself and book guests. You don’t expect to get a call from a 14-year-old, who says, ‘I’d love to have (your client on) the show.’ (Guests have ranged from) Katie Cook from Country Music Television, to Skyler Jett (from) The Commodores (to Disney actress) Nicole Anderson.
You have a modern country recording on the way?
I’m completing the work for my upcoming album. I’m so excited. I’m looking to get into the studio to start recording in January. It’s a collaboration with (my mentor and agent Milliea McKinney’s) Conscious Music Entertainment. The title is ‘Life and Love are Tricky.’ It fits. It basically tells you about everything I went through. It’s very relatable for teenagers my age. I wrote five songs with Milliea, a (noted) country music songwriter. … I’m looking forward to touring.
Tina: We’ve gotten really lucky. Milliea McKinney is letting her learn the whole industry inside and out, sheltering her from anything that isn’t good. Everybody has been warm, welcoming, supportive.
What started as a diversion with friends turned into a passion and a business for Josie Passantino, who dialed in on a career at age 14. Two years later, she just celebrated the 100th episode of her program, which features guest interviews, music and listener calls, all broadcast live from the studio in her Bartlett home. Her Internet radio show has earned award nominations each year, and she’s won added exposure on the Southern Star network, moving from guest radio personality into the role of host on “Josie’s Hard Country,” airing online Saturday nights.
When the fun of “The Josie Show” turned serious, her mom, Tina, came on board, learning the ropes of producer. As for Josie, she’s now a junior earning straight As in a remote-learning high school program, and plans to major in broadcasting at college. The online schooling gives her the time she needs to book guests and run her business.
“She can get schoolwork done in the morning and carry on with the rest of her schedule for the day,” Tina explains.
What’s a favorite part of the radio experience?
The reason I like doing this is I meet new people I wouldn’t normally meet. … I help promote their work. (And) I love talking. When I was 14, I didn’t have anybody helping me. I used to call (talent managers) myself and book guests. You don’t expect to get a call from a 14-year-old, who says, ‘I’d love to have (your client on) the show.’ (Guests have ranged from) Katie Cook from Country Music Television, to Skyler Jett (from) The Commodores (to Disney actress) Nicole Anderson.
You have a modern country recording on the way?
I’m completing the work for my upcoming album. I’m so excited. I’m looking to get into the studio to start recording in January. It’s a collaboration with (my mentor and agent Milliea McKinney’s) Conscious Music Entertainment. The title is ‘Life and Love are Tricky.’ It fits. It basically tells you about everything I went through. It’s very relatable for teenagers my age. I wrote five songs with Milliea, a (noted) country music songwriter. … I’m looking forward to touring.
Tina: We’ve gotten really lucky. Milliea McKinney is letting her learn the whole industry inside and out, sheltering her from anything that isn’t good. Everybody has been warm, welcoming, supportive.
You’ve done public service announcements for the environment and against bullying, and now you’re taking part in a radiothon by MuzArt World Foundation.
I choose (causes) that mean something to me. We’re working on the radiothon — with two other radio stations — to provide grants to public schools for art and music programs. (It streams at facebook.com/muzartworldfoundation from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8; Josie is featured the final two hours.) Music and art programs … helped me in public school. I loved to do those talent shows, (and) all those choruses. Those helped me get to where I am. They got me interested in music. I want to spread the word about this.
