KDHX Donor Spotlight: Chico McMullan

Chico McMullan is an incredibly enthusiastic donor and listener of KDHX.

He has demonstrated his KDHX ambassadorship by supporting the station financially, over the airwaves via his donor testimonial and he is always recruiting new listeners by having KDHX on in his car when he is driving people around town. We thank Chico for being a terrific KDHX ambassador and for the many ways he contributes to keep the joy of discovery and the power of music thriving at KDHX.  

Tell us about yourself: 

How do I define myself? I’m a devoted husband and the primary caretaker of my two boys (11 & 8 years old). I drive for Uber and Lyft to make ends meet. I’m also an entertainer on the side, bending balloons and juggling as Shortbeard the Pirate. Juggling is a great passion of mine! I grew up in Waterloo, IL, but lived in New Orleans for 10 years and Chicago for seven. I know what it means to miss New Orleans! It was there I developed an understanding of the power of music, the importance of great food, and the human need to celebrate. Since I’m in my car talking a lot to strangers, I keep the radio locked on KDHX to share the greatest station in the nation with everyone I meet! 

How long have you been listening to KDHX?

Sorta since 1990. When I moved back to St. Louis eleven years ago I rediscovered KDHX. It really is the best radio station I have ever listened to!

Do you remember when you first discovered KDHX? Do you have a KDHX "origin story?"

I’ve been listening to KDHX since high school when my German teacher told me about a show called “Brain Salad Sandwich.” I thought the show was fun and quickly found other shows I enjoyed as well. One time my friends and I drove to The Lou to participate in the KDHX fund drive and one of the jockeys let me say good things about the station on air! A truly formative experience!

Why is KDHX important?

KDHX is local yet global, expansive yet specific, historical yet cutting edge. It is an example of what independence, hard work, and collaboration can achieve. KDHX brings so much joy to the community by staying true to its independent values. KDHX teaches us about the past while being focused on the future.

Do you have any favorite KDHX programs?

I have so many favorites! Sonic Space, Higher Ground, She HEALz Radio, The Record Sto, Mystery Train, The Greaser’s Lunchbox, Radio Rio, Traveling at the Speed of Sound, The Big Bang, The Other One, Blues in The Night, Howzit Bayou, Serious Journalism… I can go on but I know space is limited.

How do you listen to KDHX? Live radio? Via the stream? Through the recorded archives?

Mostly I listen to KDHX on the radio in my car but I do on occasion stream an archived show because I loved it so much. I have turned lots of people on to KDHX streaming.

Is there anything else you would like to share about how KDHX has impacted your life?

KDHX has taught me a lot about St. Louis history with its partnership with the Missouri History Museum. “Here’s History” is so great at finding overlooked gems about our city and bringing them back into the conversation.