Genuine, Heartfelt Interviewing Style

Since beginning his broadcasting career in early 2008, Brad Brooks has been consistently delivering compelling interviews to both Vancouver audiences and to the thousands of listeners who join him via the Internet. In turn, he has developed a reputation for giving some of the best interviews in the industry.

His engaging style is driven from a genuine interest in the guests on the show. Each guest is hand picked by Brad and his producer, Andrea Stewart. This dedication to the quality of the guests results in a strong show every week.

Careful, Thorough Preparation

As impressive as the guests are, so is the level of commitment that Brad displays as he prepares. Despite a hectic schedule between work and family commitments, Brad reads every book and carefully outlines every segment. This shows through in the interviews and it is easy to tell that there is true passion and genuine interest behind the questions. In fact, a review of Brad's notes after an interview often reveals that only one-third to one-half of his questions were actually asked.  This carefu attention has allowed The Brad Brooks show to attract some of the most sought-after guests in North America.

Heartfelt Passion

Brad's raw passion can act as a double-edged sword at times. Interviews like the one with Andrew Bridge, the author of Hope's Boy, was so emotional that it left Brad unable to speak about it long after the interview ended. At times, Brad will choke up on air and pause to collect himself. While he absolutely respects the ability that journalists have to remove themselves from the emotion, Brad does not consider himself a journalist and feels no need to suppress emotions like anger, rage, sadness and elation while on air.

All is not doom and gloom in the studio though. Brad's sense of humour and love of life shine bring a lightness to interviews even when he discusses the loss of loved ones with guests (Abby Carter, the author of The Alchemy of Loss can attest to this).

Background in Business

One of the things that separates Brad in this industry is his background. A veteran of the hospitality industry, Brad has worked since he was fifteen years old. He's worked in sales, operations and spent nearly a decade as the Director of Technology for a large restaurant chain. When he's not on the air, Brad is a marketing executive with a Vancouver technology firm.  The result of this varied background is a well rounded individual who has face a lot of adversity and success.

Talk Show Idol

The other element of Brad's background that sets him apart is the path he took to the broadcast industry itself. In late 2007, CKNW News Talk 980 in Vancouver began advertising a Talk Show Idol competition. Brad answered the call and soon found himself competing against some of the strongest personalities that he'd ever met. His competition ranged from psychologists to socialites to professional public speakers and even a 20 year veteran of the comedy circuit.

Brad describes his first appearance on air like this:

"I sat in the chair and barely heard Tom [Jeffries] make the introduction. As I started to speak, my hands began to shake uncontrollably and my vision dimmed. I was under so much stress that my body was literally shutting down."

Third Generation Broadcaster

But Brad made it through and beat his fellow competitors (he uses the word "vanquished"). Not surprising at all given that his grandfather was a pioneer in the television broadcasting industry in Western Canada and his father continues to work in the broadcast industry today. Brad shone with pride as his first show opened and he became the third generation of his family to work in the industry.

The Power of a Mentor

The staff of CKNW has been critical to the success of The Brad Brooks Show. From his producer, Andrea Stewart to CKNW's Program Director, Tom Plasteras and News Director, Ian Koenigsfest as well as the various technical producers; all have given Brad guidance along the way.

But no one has been more influential than Shirley Stocker. A long-time veteran of broadcasting and widely regarded as a top producer in the industry, Shirley declared herself as a mentor shortly after Brad won Talk Show Idol. She has consistently provided feedback and coaching, including some "tough love" style lessons.

Dedicated Family Man

In spite of a split-career between marketing and broadcasting, Brad is a committed family man. He has been married for 16 years and has four children.

Contact Brad Brooks

To contact Brad directly, please use the Contact Us page on this website.