Bob grew up on an almond ranch in Modesto, California. While his family was involved in farming and land development, Bob knew he had a passion for the news and music. “I remember driving a tractor listening to the Beatles and thinking about things like being a disc jockey,” states Bob.
…and his dream soon turned into a reality.
Bob began taking radio classes at Modesto Junior College while he was still a senior in high school. After high school, Bob enrolled in William B. Ogden’s Radio School in Huntington Beach and received his first class FCC license to be a disc jockey. He also attended Cal State University of Stanislaus.
Bob’s career took off quickly. At age 18, he worked as an on-air personality for KFIV Modesto “I couldn’t believe they were paying me to do something I loved,” states Bob.
…and opportunity came knocking.
In November of 2001, Bob was asked to work for K-EARTH 101. “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work for one of the greatest stations on earth!” states Bob. “Not only that, but I came to work for a group of people that I already knew. Gary Bryan and I go way back.”
After first being hired to do the night shift, I was moved to The K-EARTH 101 Morning Show with Gary Bryan in July of 2002. “We make a great team,” states Bob. “Together with Gary, Entertainment Reporter Lisa Stanley, Tim Halm a.k.a. “The Cabana Boy” and Executive Producer Brandon Castillo … well there’s so much chemistry. Once we all get together, the show takes on a life of its own and we’re all along for the ride.”
…and what a ride it has been.
Bob’s talent makes his job seem effortless. He has honed his craft, and continues to bring news every weekday morning from 5 a.m. until 10 a.m. “I try to keep up on what’s happening locally. I check the CBS-LA website for news and do that before bed each night so I can get a handle on what’s happening locally and around the world,” states Bob. “I’m usually in the office before 4 a.m. for my first newscast at 5:25 a.m. The news is pretty straightforward, and while we have a framework that we follow, every day is different with The Morning Show. It’s amazing how much ground we can cover in that timeframe,” states Bob. “It’s a dream job working with such a great team.”
…and his dream only got better.
In 2005, Bob was asked to host Westwood One’s The Beatle Years, a nationally syndicated show that airs on over 200 stations across the nation. “I have always been a huge Beatles fan,” states Bob. The Beatle Years takes a look back at the band and their iconic music, and runs locally every Sunday at 9 a.m., following Jim Carson’s Back to the Beatles. “Fred Lindgren writes and produces the show, and he does such a great job,” states Bob.
Throughout the years, Bob has met many talented musicians. “Stevie Wonder has the most wonderful spirit you could ever imagine,” states Bob. “Sometimes he will sit in on an entire morning show.” The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson is another friend of K-EARTH 101. “Brian is a genius, and I feel privileged that he and Stevie are both friends of K-EARTH 101. Meeting such genuinely talented people is a thrill.”
“At K-EARTH 101, we work hard to make it sound easy. The advantage is that we really are friends and enjoy each other’s company. We are like a machine that works as one.” The lineup of The K-EARTH 101 Morning Show With Gary Bryan features Lisa Stanley and Timmy “The Cabana Boy, Brandon Castillo and of course the host Gary Bryan, followed by Jim Carson, ‘Shotgun Tom’ Kelly, and Christina Kelley. Jhani Kaye comes on at midnight. “Jhani Kaye has done a phenomenal job programming the station in such a competitive market. K-Earth has always been one of L.A.’s most popular stations, but Jhani has taken it to a new level.
Not only does Bob work with his friends, he also shares his love for the business with his son, Paul. “It is a true joy to work with my son; to see him do what he does and do it well,” states Bob. “He’s very passionate about his craft.” After attending College of the Canyons, Paul became an intern for The Morning Show and one thing led to another. “Paul hit the ground running as K-EARTH 101’s Associate Producer, and I’m so proud of him.”
Bob and his son made their way to the Santa Clarita Valley a few years back. “I first fell in love with the SCV in the early 1970’s,” states Bob. “We would take trips to Los Angeles from Modesto, and would always make a stop here. Back then it was rural, but it was so unique. I always had an affinity to this place and knew I’d end up here.” Bob’s soon to be wife, Sandy, will be joining him here in Santa Clarita. Bob proposed to Sandy, live and on air, just last month. “Sandy is an amazing woman,” states Bob. You can catch the newly engaged couple at Le Chene Restaurant in Agua Dulce, entertaining the crowd with Sandy at the piano playing some Beatle favorites. “Everyone at Le Chene is like family. We absolutely love it there.”
From the farms of Modesto all the way to Hollywood, Bob has made his mark on the airwaves, bringing you news every weekday morning and sharing his love for the Beatles with fans nationwide. “To be paid for something you love to do…well it just doesn’t get any better than that.”
For more information on Bob Malik and K-EARTH 101, visit http://kearth101.radio.com.
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