The most common question I received all weekend, after I appeared on KFI-AM 640 to ply my ¡Ask a Mexican! spiel: How the hell did I smuggle myself onto the KFI airwaves? Tequila? Are they sponsoring my citizenship? Tamales?
Chalk it up to luck, idiocy, and graciousness.
A couple of months ago, I received an email from Neil Saavedra, KFI's marketing director, host of The Jesus Christ Show, and OC Weekly cover boy. He was wondering if I'd be interested in guest-hosting on KFI. After reassuring me he wasn't joking, Neil said he'd take the idea to KFI programming director Robin Bertolucci. We had lunch a couple of weeks later, where I pitched my radio show idea to the two--non-stop bashing of Carona and the Catholic Church, with ¡Ask a Mexican! for the last hour. They seemed interested but I left lunch with no promises for guest-hosting in the future.
Cut to a couple of weeks ago, when John Ziegler announced he was leaving his 7 p.m.-10 p.m. weeknight slot. Thank God for that--both myself and Nick Schou never liked Ziegler after he trashed the Coast to Coast AM nation to which we belong (watch out for the reptilians!). Bertolucci invited me to fill in for a night but asked for topics. I gave her some, but said I'd start by answering people's questions about Mexicans, and would continue as long as folks had questions.
I ended up doing ¡Ask a Mexican! the three hours, in between playing tracks by Banda el Recodo and Luis Perez Meza. The KFI nation lived up to its Know Nothing reputation--hey, Eloise in SanTana: still railing about Mexican kids stealing and Mexicans husbands learning to lie from their wives?--but I also received many calls and emails from Latinos and gabachos thanking me for providing a different view on the Reconquista than what KFI hosts usually offer. More importantly, I received calls and emails on all types of questions--the lines were lit up all night, and I received at least 100 emails in those three hours. And throughout, all KFI staff was incredibly gracious--Bill Handel and Wayne Resnick plugged the show during their programs, Saavedra and Bertolucci provided helpful tips before the show, and news anchor Leah Brandon provided encouragement throughout.
My actual performance? KFI hasn't put up the audio on its website yet, and I'm not sure if they will. But if you heard me, and liked the show, email programming@kfi640.com or leave your comments below, and ask them to have me back. And if you hated my radio debut? DO NOT email them, me, or leave comments below. I repeat--DO NOT. It's the worst thing you can do--trust me.
December 3, 2007 08:42
What a breath of fresh air on KFI! Wit, satire and common sense facts from a bonafide Mexicano---what more could us thirsty KFI listeners want?! Please invite Arellano back. I was smiling and chuckling so much my face hurts. :)
December 3, 2007 13:53
Gustavo! As a long time listener of KFI, almost 20 years, I was very pleased to hear your show last week. You did a great job for a first timer. I personally found John Z's show extremely frustrating as all he ever did was scream for three hours and seldom took calls.
I found your show to be entertaining, educational, and interactive - all of the things that make talk radio so cool.
Gracias very mucho,
Kevin Stanchfield, Pasadena CA.
December 3, 2007 22:20
Next they should have you guest-host a picante Latin-themed Coast to Coast in which you delve into the secrets of brujerias, La Llorona, chupacabra, and that one dude worshipped by thousands of Guatemalans as the Antichrist. I could arrange for a chupacabra to call in, though please bear with him as he's learning English as a second language since sneaking over the Rio Grande border ( www.clevelandleader.com/node/2649 ). He can elucidate why they're migrating north, but essentially it's because gabacho white meat is plumper and tastier.
December 4, 2007 12:02
Gustavo! As a longtime KFI & Coast to Coast listener I think having you on KFI would be great. Although I didn't get to hear your show I am a regular reader of your online articles and it would be fantastic to hear a different perspective on some of the urgent issues we all face as Californians. You should understand that just like the welcoming KFI employees that you worked with, most of the KFI listeners are not rabid nazi's or racist's. The John & Ken show was one of the earliest and loudest supporters of Ignacio Ramos & Jose Compean, the wrongly convicted Border Patrol Agents. Over all, I think that KFI & John & Ken don't differentiate between skin color. Their focus has predominantly been about right and wrong. You have my vote of support and good luck with your show.
December 4, 2007 21:05
I down loaded your 3 hours from the KFI website yesterday. Sometimes it takes them a couple of days to post shows.