Jackie Greenberg

You are a co-founder and programming head for Brainrot Radio (KROT)? How did the idea come together and how are things going so far?

Yes! So I’m a co-founder and head of PST programming over here at Brainrot. The sort of basic rundown of Brainrot is that we’re a totally remote non-profit internet station that streams on both coasts! We stream from 5-8pm on the east coast and then from 5-8pm on the west coast and we’ve recently added in late night programming that runs from 11pm-2am on both coasts.

The idea of Brainrot came together after me and my co-founder, Spencer (head of EST programming and tech), graduated from USC in May of 2023. We both were heavily involved in our college’s station, KXSC and we worked a lot together there (him as GM, me as MD). At that point, I had been doing a radio show of my own (jackiestrackies.com) for three years and we realized that internet radio is and can be such a good way to keep radio alive and to keep building music communities. After graduating, we were both missing the creativity and community of radio and decided to start our own station that takes our favorite parts of college, commercial, and public radio.

In the beginning, things were definitely rough, but as it stands now, Brainrot has a really good thing going. We currently have 31 DJs on board, split between coasts, and we’re getting the ball rolling on filling out both our rush hour (5-8pm) and late night programming (11pm-2am). It’s been unbelievably pleasurable to have watched this project grow into something bigger than ourselves, especially given the fact that we only launched in September of 2023.

As both MD and co-founder, tell us about the duties of your job and what part of it you love the most and what you find the most challenging.

It’s definitely a lot of work, but it’s work that I’m passionate about and enjoy. It’s a step-up from what I was used to as the MD at KXSC. I’ve never really been in a leadership role so being the Head of PST Programming has been kind of a huge shift for me. I look after 13 DJs on the West Coast, making sure their shows go as smoothly as possible and mentoring them along the way. And they’re all incredible people, half of whom I would never have had the (joyous) opportunity of meeting without Brainrot.

I love being Music Director but it’s a lot to do on my own. I created a playshelf (here) of songs submitted to us from radio promotion companies, record labels, and artists and our DJs are required to play at least one song off of it each show (so we can report to you guys!) It’s genuinely hard to keep up with it all sometimes, you know, like I don’t have a music department to help me sift through the hundreds of submissions. Often times, I’ll text a few DJs to delegate them albums to listen to, which is a huge help, but there’s still countless submissions I’ll never get to. And that’s the part I hate: music that is potentially amazing that I missed! I love the new music I get to hear daily and the connections/friendships I’ve made through the music. Like obviously I’m going to love these people, they’re as nerdy about music as I am. I love the music and I love the people.

I also run the station’s social media, which is fun, but it does get repetitive at times.

What are your plans for Brainrot Radio? Do you plan to expand programming as you bring in more DJs?

We’re kind of pushing for Brainrot to make a name for itself in the radio and music community. I think we have that advantage of being on both coasts where we can target a lot more people. We strive to have our programming be time appropriate. Meaning a 5-8pm show typically wouldn’t include 4 straight songs of slowcore or ambient music, and an early morning show wouldn’t be playing heavy metal.

Taking that in mind, we’ve opened late night programming which is 11pm-2am on both coasts, and we’re now shifting gears to begin to open up college programming (11am-2pm). A shameless plug, if you or somebody you know wants to apply for a show on Brainrot, there’s more information on brainrotradio.com/apply

Who is an artist or band that you’ve discovered in the past year or so that has become one of your favorites? What is it about their music you love?

Jane Penny! She’s the lead singer of the band TOPS (whom I love) and she just released her first solo album, Surfacing. The whole album is just so atmospheric and her vocals are stunning.

Do you have an all-time favorite artist or album you never get tired of listening to?

Beach House! A hard tie between Depression Cherry and Bloom. I saw them for the first time in 2015 and have been hooked ever since.

Is there a 2024 release on the horizon that you are particularly excited about?

Cindy Lee’s Diamond Jubilee which was released at the end of March. It’s two hours of pure comfort and I’ve loved listening to the progression of Patrick Flegel’s sound over the years. But on the horizon… probably Tormentas Malsanas by Las Nubes, which is set to drop June 14th.

Who is an artist or band totally outside the realm of the music you play on Brainrot Radio that people might be surprised to know you love?

My truest guilty pleasure is Lil Peep. I had such a phase of listening to his music in high school, but then it never went away. I’m not a super fan, but I do enjoy a lot of his music, namely his crybaby and HELLBOY albums. It’s a good listen when I’m feeling angsty and nostalgic.

If you had the power to instantly change one thing going on in the world at the moment, what would it be?

I’d make the world more environmentally friendly.

What event in your life would you say has shaped you the most as a person?

It’s hard for me to pinpoint one specific event in my life because I’m a firm believer that every moment/experience/event is just a puzzle piece in the big jigsaw puzzle that is my life. Everything in my life is a lesson and opportunity to grow! One specific nitty gritty event would probably be my first heartbreak. It taught me SO much about myself and my heart and just how much love I have to give (platonically and romantically). Heart pain sucks, but growing pains are pretty bittersweet in the grand scheme of things.

If you could choose, what time period in the past would you most want to travel back to visit and why?

I think the 90s! I’d like to see all of my favorite bands live, as they are just starting to gain traction. Technology had not reached a point of craziness in the 90s; there was still novelty in things. I guess that’s what I’m after, novelty.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in town that you recommend people try?

Dune!! They have two locations — one in Atwater Village and the other in Downtown LA! You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu but I’m partial to both the hummus and fried chicken plate, as well as the hummus and falafel plate.

What in your life brings you the most joy?

100% the people I surround myself with. I’m beyond fortunate to have such a supportive group of friends and family. I wouldn’t change it for the world. You could put me anywhere in the world (please don’t, though) with this group of people, and I’d still have fun.

Lightning Round:

Dog or Cat? Dogs! I’m severely allergic to cats.
Morning Person or Night Owl? As much as I’d love to be a morning person, I am and will forever be a night owl.
City or Country? Born and raised in the city. Can’t see myself elsewhere.
Beach or Mountains? Beach, though I hate sand.
Watch TV or Read A Book? Despite being an English Literature major, there’s something about feeling intense brain rot (no pun intended) while watching TV.
Sunny or Rainy? Sunny!
Restaurant or Home Cooking? I have to be in a very specific mood to cook, so I’ll say restaurant for this one.
Pants or Shorts? Pants.
Warm or Cold drinks? Cold.

Do you have any current favorite shows you’re enjoying/binging? How about a movie (new or old) that you’ve watched recently that you loved?

My guilty pleasure is reality TV, so probably Survivor. Broad City is my go-to binge show when I need a laugh. I recently watched Fantastic Mr. Fox for the first time
and absolutely adored it.

Finally, If you could have a lifetime supply of anything, what would it be?

Gas! California prices are so insane.