This much I know: Ian Dempsey

I prefer working in radio to TV.

The things you can create on radio are magical. And when you’re a control freak like me it’s good not to have too many people to depend on.

I never had a burning ambition to do anything else. I’d still like to be a writer or a journalist but I’ve never wanted to fly a jet or build a bridge.

When I started out in radio, back on ARD, everybody was doing it for the love of it rather than as a means of earning a living. Technology was very different too — I remember every single commercial I played was on a separate cassette tape which I had to rewind to the exact starting spot with my finger in an anti-clockwise direction. Nowadays it’s all digital and just starts when you press ‘go’.

I’m used to the early starts now. !

Tricky on air moments include Mike Nolan of Bucks Fizz and Michael Stipe of REM — neither were willing to answer any question for me.

The most memorable interview was probably Madonna in London. She was brilliant but she was surrounded by so many people, the whole experience was like a theatrical farce.

My first job ever was working with my uncle on a building site — I was the nipper who went around to The Kylemore to buy the cakes and sandwiches.

The highlight of my career was joining Today FM in 1998 because it made me evaluate my worth for the first time. It was a reputational risk as well.

My earliest memory is Sports Day in Ballymun Park — free Club Orange, medals for everybody (just worked that one out now!) the Egg & Spoon race, the high jump, the long jump — great day.

I absolutely believe in fate. There’s a plan. When it’s your turn to be good, great, a failure or whatever it’s your turn. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t put in the effort — just don’t plan every little detail because you may be disappointed.

I keep an eye on my general health but I’m not obsessed with it. I get checked up every six months for my diabetes.

Apart from getting out of bed, testing my blood sugar, drinking juice, making porridge, adding blueberries, drinking coffee, showering, driving to work, doing the breakfast show — the rest of my day is completely spontaneous!

My advice to anybody who wants to get into broadcasting is to be yourself and let people in on your life a little bit.

Most people who know me would say that I’m the same at home and at work. I’m always thinking about what might be good for the show but it doesn’t really interfere with my family life. At this stage I have a fair idea what I’m doing and my job is flexible so if I need to prioritise for my family I can easily do that.

Portugal is a passion of mine and I really switch off when I’m there.

So far life has taught me that your real friends are the ones you meet or call on the phone.

I believe in a working hard/playing ethos — I think it’s good to reward yourself and celebrate when something has worked out after you’ve put a lot of hard work into it.

I’ve been influenced by many people — my father talks a lot of sense, my brother, my wife, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Mike Murphy, Des O’Connor..... Advertising — I’m a sucker for ads and get completely taken in — I sometimes find myself watching the shopping channels saying things like “oh a battery operated sweeping brush for the ceiling, now that’s a really good idea — where’s the phone?”

Ian Dempsey wants everyone to celebrate Family Day Sunday, May 13. See www.familyday.ie for how to hold your own event, win €500 in the Family Portrait Competition — or join EBS and One Family for a free fun event in Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens. Ian’s breakfast show is on from 7-9am Monday to Friday 100-102 Today FM.