We had the good fortune of connecting with Damon “Doc” Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Damon “Doc”, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
I’ve always been obsessed with time. Am I using it properly or wasting it? Do I have enough or too much? It’s been a concept I’ve tried to master my adult life. I recently read Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman, and it really put some things in a different perspective. The main concept is that the average lifespan is just about 4000 weeks (77 years) and no matter how hard we try, it’s impossible to master or control time. It’s better to enjoy this time and focus on making the better choices along your journey. The timing of this book was perfect, because my family recently lost our patriarch, my granddad; who was a HUGE part of my upbringing and my interest in music. Losing him was a major blow to my family and I, and it made me question a lot of things about life. His transition along with the timing of this novel helped me understand the value of living, learning and loving. Cherish each and every moment. I’d definitely recommend it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would have never guessed that I’d be doing what I am today. I grew up in Cleveland in a blue-collar family. We all know how to work and survive. The idea of being in entertainment or on the radio or any of this was always a dream, but was so farfetched and seemingly unattainable. Hearing, “Damon, you should be on tv or something” since I was young, helped keep my mind on the eventual prize. After working 28+ jobs in retail, warehouses, pyramid schemes, call centers, etc…; I finally took the leap of faith and pulled up to 92.1FM in Raleigh. A friend of mine was in the middle of her shift and introduced me to the Program Director. After about a 45min conversation, I was offered an internship, which lead to being on-air overnights. I worked that shift for a month or so until one of the mid-day hosts was unable to make it to work. My PD called me in to go live that same morning and boom… I was the new mid-day host! Six years later, I’m now an on-air host, producer, Music Director and mix-show coordinator for the same station! Get out of your own way and let God guide you!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Great question! If my friend flew in to NC for the week the first thing we’d do is get some food! Somewhere mind-blowing like: Boricua Soul or La Mala in Durham. Then we’d catch a show at the Raleigh Improv in Cary that night. Drinks later at Watts & Ward in Raleigh. The next morning it’s breakfast at Dame’s Chicken and Waffles. Hang out at the NC Museum of art for a while then head to my radio station for a quick tour and to record some drops! Go back to Durham for a Bulls MiLB game. Next day, visit the skaters at Marsh Creek Park and off to the Crafty Crab for lunch and drinks. Open mic at The House of Art in Raleigh that night. Then we’d take a trip to Charlotte the next day. Catch a Panthers or Hornets game, eat, hang out and grab some drinks that night. Next day, we’d go to Carolina Beach for the last two days. Grab some pancakes from my favorite breakfast spot, Kate’s Pancake House! Then it’s back to RDU to say adiós!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family is my greatest inspiration! Grandparents who built my foundation, making sure I put God and family first. A mother who unconditionally loves and supports my endeavors. Aunts and uncles who give me strength and knowledge through sharing their life experiences. Cousins who show(ed) me the ropes and kept me on the right track. And friends who fill the roles of my brothers and sisters; always there if/when I need them… I wouldn’t trade my family or my roots for the World.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wasup_doc/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-johnson-5997b57b/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@_TheDOCumentaryShow

Image Credits
Tye Melendez (@tyevisions), Ahmod Goins (@modg_theproducer), DJ Double A (@djdoublea_336)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.