20/20’S TWENTY QUESTIONS WITH MIKE ‘LOCCO’ O’LOUGHLIN, 4CA AM846 Mike ‘Locco’ O’Loughlin is 4CA AM’s breakfast announcer. With a passion for talk and true blue sense of humour, Locco is 4CA AM’s shining light for breakfast. His versatility and experience makes Locco THE voice of Cairns. Combining an all round good bloke with a collective mix of great music, interesting guests and amusing anecdotes ensures mornings with Locco will never be dull! Tune in to Locco 600-900am weekdays on 4CA AM 846.

1. What was your first ever job?

I was a junior sales assistant at a Myers store in South Australia for a short while.

2. What did you want to do when you were 20?

I really wanted to have my own show on radio, as I was working as a ‘cartridge operator’ on the Adelaide station 5KA and saw how much fun they were having while I worked in the Production area.

3. What events led you to become a radio presenter?

The Manager of 5KA told me that they were automating our department so three of us had to find work and I got my break at 2MO in Gunnedah doing a 6 to midnight shift, finally ‘on air’.

4. What are your 3 tips for success?

Be able to embrace change and believe in yourself. Be highly motivated and find what it is that motivates you. Remain connected to a work/life balance and stay focussed.

5. What motivates you most to go to work each day?

I enjoy what I do as every day has a purpose.

6. What is the best thing about doing business in Cairns?

The Region is beautiful and offers so much, while the people have a fabulous attitude and I love the weather.

7. What do you dislike most about the industry?

Not a lot but possibly the moving around the country so much for job transfers took its toll on family life and also getting out of bed at 3.40am each week day..

8. What is the most extreme thing you have had to do live on radio?

Get drunk on air in the studio with Police present to measure your alcohol content for a Drink Driving feature, with 4 others and very funny watching the P’s and Q’s. A great lesson on how much we put in a glass!

9. If you could live anywhere else in the world where would it be?

I would alternate between Cairns in the Dry season and Ireland.

10. If you had an opportunity to change careers for a month – what would you do?

Be a Media advisor for President Barrack Obama, wow what a rush! If that was not to be I could always be Angelina Jolie’s wardrobe assistant?

11. Have you ever had a great idea or innovation that you wish had the time to pursue?

I have always wanted to write a book on my 37 years in Radio and TV especially the Adelaide/Melbourne/Sydney years and call it ‘Radio Daze’

12. Who do you aspire to in business or in life?

In business it would have to be a Bill Gates character, who can make so much yet give so much back, that great generousity. In life I think of Robin Williams, his great humour and quick wit yet maintaining a peace of mind.

13. If you could re-live one moment in your life – what would it be?

My 21st. birthday with my entire family together and Mum and Dad still with us. (And listening to their good counsel)

14. Who would be on your ultimate dinner-party table of 8?

My Wife Kim and I plus Graham Kennedy, Billy Connelly (he was great in Cairns).Barry Humphries, Phillip Adams, Oprah Winfrey and finally Margaret Fulton (it would be at her house and guess who is preparing the meal?)

15. Describe the best holiday you ever went on?

The Registers Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, a bike ride of 7 days from the Missouri river to the Mississippi river with 15,000 like minded cyclists per day and no cars, camping in tents each night, just prepare the liver in advance. Wonderful people and so much to see and enjoy as you cycle across Iowa. The website is RAGBRAI and is fabulous, an opportunity to make new friends.

16. Which is your favourite restaurant in Cairns?

I like most but a standout is C’est Bon, Great food, service and of course lovely Junelle.

17. What was the latest gadget/ toy you bought?

My ‘Surley Long Haul Trucker’ road bike, heck of a name but what a great bicycle.

18. Tell us something we don’t know about you?

I have 5 ‘Tom Quilty’ buckles from endurance horse riding and trained as a farrier for years, I bred Arabian horses mainly for endurance riding. That was then and this is now.

19. What’s the best advice you have ever been given?

‘Stay true to your course’

20. What do you want to be doing when you are 80?

Having the Big Family Sunday get together with my grand kids? Plus still riding my bike and enjoying that lovely bottle of red! And occasionally writing letters to the editor with my opinion!