When I'm on the phone with a listener or I meet someone one-on-one, and they're on the lowest rung of hell and they open up, I realize, hey, this isn't about being a DJ anymore. When you're with people who are going through a difficult part of life, that's sacred space. That's better than any trophy or meeting a rock star.

Kids today are doing really hard work. Years ago they were involved in anti-apartheid protests. Now there's the whole Occupy movement. Kids are studying to work with handicapped children and so many other things.

When I'm on the phone with a listener or I meet someone one-on-one, and they're on the lowest rung of hell and they open up, I realize, hey, this isn't about being a DJ anymore. When you're with people who are going through a difficult part of life, that's sacred space. That's better than any trophy or meeting a rock star.

I like to tell the students the radio business's like surfing. You get knocked off your board by a wave, you get back up, stabilize, regain your balance and keep going. One thing I can guarantee them is that everything will change. You have to be ready for it. But that's life. Life constantly changes.

The music is huge. I consider it a privilege to do what I do, turn people on to music and tell them about issues.