..:: Talk Radio 702 ::..

Udo Carelse

Udo Carelse has been in the media industry for 10 years, having started at KFM 94.5 as news anchor/reporter. He is probably more known to listeners for his television work in the sports arena. Ironically he owes his big break on television to his time as radio sports presenter at 702 where his talent for turning simple sports scripts into lyrical and engaging monologs was spotted by one of the major production houses in SA television. His main motivation for rejoining the Primedia family was so that he could reconnect with his home town of Atlantis in the Western Cape, where he will soon be involved in programmes geared towards uplifting the lives of youths from the area and breaking the shame and dysfunction related to sexual abuse. His favourite holiday destination is Thailand and no, it’s not for the exploitative sex tourism. He just loves Thai food, the humidity, the temples, avoiding being ripped off by tour operators and the hospitality of a nation not dissimilar to his beloved South Africa. His motto in life is Dum Spiro Spero, which translated into English means, “While I breathe, I Hope…” - the credo of the eternal optimist, in his case, wrapped around a broadcaster with a somewhat cynical and questioning nature.

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PROFILE

What did you want to be when you were little?

A Grand pianist. My parents bought me a velvet suit with huge collars because they loved Richard Clayderman, if you can believe that. Whenever family members visited I’d donn the suit and play my gobbledey-gob on a little toy grand piano.

What soothes you?

Curtains drawn, dark room, peace and quiet with a good book or an assortment of newspapers and magazines. All of this after a nice hot bath.

What irks you?

Fake smiles, back stabbers and negativity.

Is there a book you read that changed your life?

Martha Beck’s Finding your True North Star

The music you listen to most often?

Anything with Soul. Love my Motown Ballads, Lyrically rich Hip-hop, not the trashy type. I am a George Benson nut. Moody’s Mood does it for me everytime. My rendition would probably get a nod from Randall and put me into the second round of Idols. But I’d have to bring my shower along to the audition.

Who would you go to the ends of the earth for?

Andile, Steven, Valerie, Rolf, Dibe, Dolly, Koketso, Sonto, and most of all Kamogelo.

Who is your greatest source of inspiration?

My Dad. He is a living reminder that people change and can develop a sense of emotional ease and intimacy.

Do you have any 'show off' coffee table books in your home?

Remember the Fake Smiles? nope, certainly not.

Ever been left speechless on the air?

No. unfortunately I haven’t developed the positive character trait of simply shutting up when I have nothing to say. Occupational Hazard I suppose.

Who is the one person you would love to interview, but haven't yet had the pleasure?

Piet Koornhof about how one goes through life with ears that big and still turn out to be a poor listener.

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Udo hosts 702’s Early Breakfast show between 4am – 6am