Local DJ spins tales of family life

Family life is the driving force behind WGY's radio personality, Joe Gallagher.

A parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church in Schenectady, he entered the field after being inspired by his brother, chose the markets he worked in based on their proximity to his parents, and now works a schedule that allows him to spend time with his wife and young children.

He first decided he wanted to be a disc jockey after his older brother took him to work one day. "My brother Tom did it," Mr. Gallagher said. "He wanted to do it his whole life. He took me to work one day, and I thought it was neat. I think it was the excitement of the controls."

In his blood

Since the introduction to the field from his brother, Mr. Gallagher has worked in radio stations in Rochester, Buffalo, Albany and Syracuse. While his brother left the field after 10 years, Mr. Gallagher has pressed on.

"It's one of those things that gets in your blood," he said. "It's hard work, a lot of hours; but you're with creative, entertaining people."

Soft-spoken and subdued off air, he has spent the past several years looking for full-time radio work and enjoying a different career. A self-proclaimed "Mr. Mom," he is the primary care giver for his two sons ages six and four. His wife Kathleen serves as associate director for the New York State Catholic Conference.

Family man

"Being a Mr. Mom is a great experience," he said. "I'd like to work [in radio] full time, but I am with my kids, watching the boys grow up."

Describing the time with his sons as a luxury he says, "If I were working full time, I would have missed this. God has a plan. He really wants me to be with my kids."

He returned to WGY in January, working weekends. "The Joe Gallagher Show" can be heard on Saturdays from 5:30-10 a.m. and on Sundays from 6-10 a.m. Describing his return, he said, "I couldn't ask for a better situation." The schedule allows him to work in the field he loves and to spend the time with his children he has grown accustomed to.

Fun on the air

Mr. Gallagher's goal on the radio is to make people smile or laugh. As a child, he made his peers and teachers laugh but tried not to be disruptive. This same theme continues in his work on the radio: He wants to make listeners smile or laugh -- but never at the expense of others.

"I do humor that's based on situations, not people," he said. His show usually involves poking fun at himself, because that's a safe way to make people laugh.

"It's the way I am," he explained. "I like to keep it light and have fun. All I want to do on the radio is have fun."

This light-hearted humor developed with the guidance of his parents. "It's a combination of family values and a partnership with faith," he explained. "It's also about respect. I don't want to offend anyone."

At home at WGY

He is happy to be back at WGY, where he worked several years ago, because it offers the benefits of working at a large city radio station, without the drawbacks. While he's had offers to move to larger cities, he's content to say in the Capital District.

In the beginning of his career, spending time with his parents and brother was the force behind his choice of jobs. "I didn't want to go too far from home. I had far-away offers, but I didn't want to go," he said. "Although my parents encouraged me [to move], my family life was a strong pull. I appreciate the time with my family. I was home every weekend."

Today, the driving force is his wife and children. Free time is spent playing games with the children or watching videos. He said he couldn't have a hobby that took him away from his children.

Mr. Gallagher's biggest effort right now is providing his children with the same type of home life that he had growing up. A native of Geneva, New York, he attended Catholic schools through high school and "came out with a strong faith," he said.

Although he was taught by nuns, he sees today's Catholic schools offering the same values-centered education. "The lay teachers are doing a great job," he said.

"Your existence is for your faith and beliefs," he said. "We're living to do things right to gain eternal happiness. I'm a strong believer. My faith was passed on from my parents, and I hope to pass on the same. Faith is the backbone of your existence."

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