Meet Cab! He started his volunteer career in April 2017 at the Festival of Books. He came highly recommended from a long-time volunteer, and he definitely did not disappoint! He went all-in with our Summer Nights events and became indespensable. Working one of the events, Cab mentioned he has a news background and knowning his dedication and hard work, I connected him with the Left, Right and Center producer to be one of the PAs. Cab has grown so much with KCRW and it’s been a joy working with him. Get to know why he’s so great…
Where did you grow up and do you have any siblings? Pets?
I grew up in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, none-other than the home of Kevin Hart, the Fresh Prince (Will Smith) and Kevin Bacon, Philadelphia.
What 5 things would you wish you had if you were stranded on a deserted island?
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Almond Butter
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My mom (we’re best friends)
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Terry Gross’ Fresh Air Podcast
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A pen and pad
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An R & B playlist
What is your current occupation / what do you do outside of KCRW?
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I work as a News Editor for Fox Sports.
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I’m a weekly contributor to the Los Angeles Wave newspaper covering crime, government, and education.
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Lastly, I’m a night manager for Westside Comedy Theatre and do stand-up and improv there. So, I basically live at the comedy club performing, watching shows or taking classes if I’m not doing newsy stuff. I love that place
What is your fantasy occupation?
I want to be the successor of Trevor Noah on The Daily Show, work for Vice and travel around the world reporting (or create my own comedy/news/social justice show) and teach part-time at the college level.
When did you first discover KCRW?
Not really sure to be honest? I always loved public radio/NPR, and being from Philly I have always been a big fan of PBS/WHYY. I listened to Terry Gross and Tavis Smiley. When I moved to Los Angeles I did some research on public radio outlets and I learned about KCRW and KPCC. Obviously, I became a much bigger fan of KCRW.
How did you find your way to our station for volunteering?
I had a background in journalism and was looking into reporting opportunities. At the time my friend had worked for the station as a PA and said I should start by volunteering and work my way into opportunities to pitch stories and get to know folks in the newsroom. Was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. It’s really such a warm, interactional and engaged newsroom filled with amazing individuals that are so down to Earth, but more importantly, take pride in the work that they do.
What’s your current volunteer position and how long have you been at it?
Currently I serve as a volunteer intern with Left, Right & Center and of course still try to sign-up for as many events to participate in as possible. Started working with LRC in August ‘17 but before that, I had been volunteering at events since April ‘17
Favorite volunteer moment?
Any time there’s a screening, honestly. Matt Holtzman, the host of KCRW’s The Document, hosts a series of panel discussions when we have screenings. I love film, especially documentaries, so I’m always stoked when we have one. It may sound a bit unusual, but there’s something that I really love about the sequence of interacting with members during check-in, viewing an amazing film and then discussing it with the director and cast at the end. You learn so much about the listeners and their interests. You also learn a lot about the cast and work that went into the art. One of my favorite screenings was Gilbert Gotfriend’s documentary, Gilbert, and it was so cool to hear what went into the project and to hear audiences weigh-in on it. It was so cool to hear and see Gottfriend’s life both on and off the stage and how much depression consumed a lot of his life. But also how he was able to live a successful life while starting a family and continuing to tour around the world. His story of triumph and resilience really resonated with me.
If you could get on the mic and say one sentence on the air, what would it be?
This is your favorite African-American Bald and Bearded host Cab Washington and you’re listening to Cab Talks, on today’s dose of Black Excellence we’ll be sitting down with Barack and Michelle Obama to discuss how they met in Chicago, how to be successful and BLACK in America as well as life after their time in the White House. Stay tuned.
What song(s) have you hit repeat on lately?
Jorja Smith’s, On My Mind
Favorite book, movie?
Book: Stephen King’s On Writing
Movie: American Beauty and He Got Game
Favorite thing to do outside the station?
Anything comedy related. I love doing stand-up and improv. So, anytime I’m not doing something with the station or reporting I try to write jokes in preparation for a show or attend a show and take notes on how other comics/performers present their material.
What does KCRW mean to you?
To me, KCRW and the larger public radio medium means, community. I feel like this is a sector of media that goes overlooked a lot, but I love it because it’s humble yet deeply intellectual. The programs are thought-provoking with a refreshing balance of creativity, humor, and seriousness. The station and audiences that it looks to reach, the majority at least, are filled with genuine, intellectual and modest individuals focused on community and diverse interests.
Isn’t Cab the best? Thank you, Cab! We’re so happy you’re a part of the KCRW team!
