This much I know: Colm O’Sullivan

I was an outgoing child — you couldn’t shut me up.

When I was younger, I played guitar in bands, hoping a career in making music would work out for me. The guitars have gathered dust now, but at least I’m lucky enough to be making a career out of talking about music.

I started working in radio on the pirates in Cork. I think my first time was as a guest on some show and then in the mid-’90s I was on a dance station but they didn’t take too kindly to my love of guitars so they told me to get lost!

First, I studied computer science. Then, one of my biggest challenges was going back to college to study something completely different — media production. It took a while to adjust to being a student again but I found it very rewarding. I’m actually on my third course of study — this time for a Bachelor of Business. Having worked in managerial roles I have an interest in all aspects of business and marketing.

It was only when I was in UCC that I started presenting music shows properly on the community-based campus radio, that’s where I really cut my teeth.

That led to a job on Cork 96 FM and then Red FM, so I’ve done stints at producing, being a music director and assistant CEO, as well as presenting.

I always wanted a national radio slot so naturally I was delighted with the Today FM offer. The move to Dublin wasn’t too problematic. I grew up in Bantry so my family is in West Cork and my girlfriend is in Cork — but it’s not too difficult to commute.

Once the decision was made, I was really looking forward to starting in the weeks before we went on air. But on the first day as the clock counted down I thought ‘Oh dear God, all of Ireland could be listening’, and the nerves kicked in.

I’m a night bird, I love staying up late — it’s always been the case.

I used to have a very unbalanced life, it was all work. When my girlfriend’s brother passed away unexpectedly it gave me a jolt and made me rethink my priorities. I try to enjoy my family and friends more as you never know what’s around the corner.

I used to do martial arts — karate mainly — as a kid and I’ve taken it up again recently. It’s a great way to keep fit. I try to train a couple of times a week and to watch my diet.

I like to think that our energy continues on after we die and that we might be reunited with those that have gone before us. It’s a vague idea I know but it gives me a bit of solace.

Listeners don’t like to be talked down to — that much I know! I want my show to be more than just your usual music show. I spend ages choosing the music for the show, working with Brian Adams in the music department. We sit down and work collaboratively through lists of songs that we think will suit the slot.

I think the Irish music scene is very good at the moment. There’s plenty of talent bubbling under in different genres but I don’t think the Irish musicians are getting enough coverage or the record label support that they need.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is that everyone is frightened of new situations — we need to be aware of that and give people a break. Everyone is in the same boat. Ultimately, its really just about having confidence and carrying on.

Colm O’Sullivan presents The Mix-Up, Monday-Thursday, 7-9pm and Sundays, 7-10pm on 100-102 Today FM