The Full Metal Jackie Radio Show, hosted by Jackie Kajzer, is syndicated on over 65 terrestrial stations across the U.S. and broadcasts on AFN (American Forces Network), bringing Rock and Metal to service members stationed overseas and ships at sea from Asia to Europe.
Additionally, Kajzer hosts Whiplash with Full Metal Jackie on 95.5 KLOS in Los Angeles and is the author of Full Metal Jackie Certified: The 50 Most Influential Metal Songs of the 80s. If that’s not enough, she also hosts and curates the Full Metal Jackie Channel and The Full Metal Jackie Slaylist on the iHeart Radio App.
Beyond radio, Kajzer works in artist management, particularly with Five Finger Death Punch (a band she is largely responsible for breaking) at Tenth Street Entertainment. She also spearheads promotions and artist development for the #1 Rock label, Better Noise Music.
Kajzer grew up in New Jersey, inspired by the Hard Rock and Metal she heard on 89.5 FM WSOU, Seton Hall’s Pirate Radio. “That station sparked my passion for radio and motivated me to attend Seton Hall so I could become part of it—which I did,” she says. “After graduating, I began my career as a DJ at WHTG in South Jersey and later moved to WDHA in North Jersey.”
In 2001, Kajzer relocated to Los Angeles to pursue artist management and radio promotion. “A few years into my time in LA, I launched a show on Indie 103.1, working alongside incredible talents like Steve Jones (who coined the name Full Metal Jackie), Henry Rollins, Dave Navarro, and Rob Zombie,” she explains. “During that time, I was also traveling across the country as a radio promotions rep and building relationships with programmers—many of whom are still good friends today.”
During this period, Kajzer was asked to create metal shows for various stations. She eventually began syndicating her show independently, growing it to eight to ten stations on her own. This caught the attention of a syndication company, which helped expand the show’s reach to even more stations nationwide.
“In 2016, Keith Cunningham invited me to host a hard rock show on 95.5 KLOS in Los Angeles, which became WHIPLASH—a show I’m proud to still host today. In addition, I program the Full Metal Jackie Channel on the iHeartRadio app, which is a 24/7 metal channel and also airs my syndicated show after it broadcasts on weekends.”
What separates The Full Metal Jackie Radio Show from the rest is her focus on the music and the guests. You can tell by listening to her and reading her answers to these questions that her success started with a massive passion for the music and those responsible for creating it. You know what they say, “You can hear her smiling on the radio,” and you can tell she really loves what she does.
“The vibe of my show is all about celebrating the spectrum of Hard Rock and Metal, from the iconic classics of the ‘80s and ‘90s to today’s most exciting releases,” says Kajzer. “I aim to strike a balance between recognizable hits that fans know and love while also spotlighting the new music in Metal that truly matters. And while I’ve had the privilege of meeting and working with incredible people, the spotlight isn’t on me; it’s on the artists and their stories. I want my audience to feel connected to the music and the voices behind it, keeping the energy authentic and fan-focused.”
“I take pride in breaking new and emerging talent, giving them a platform to reach passionate listeners while also celebrating legendary bands and artists who might not get the recognition or airplay they deserve anymore. It’s about keeping the music alive and thriving, honoring its past while championing its future.”
One of the things Kajzer’s show is known for is Jasta’s Weekly Pick from the Pit, featuring Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed. “I’m a huge fan of Jamey—not only is he incredibly talented, but he’s also such a genuinely great guy,” she says. “It’s an honor to have him as part of my show for over a decade, bringing a fresh song and artist to the spotlight every single week.”
Another fan favorite is The Dethklok Brutal Pick of the Week, which showcases the hilarious and creative voices of the animated band Dethklok, performed by Brendon Small, the co-creator of the show Metalocalypse.
“I laugh so hard every time I prepare these segments,” says Kajzer. “They’re wildly entertaining and add a unique, fun vibe to the show. These features not only celebrate metal in all its forms but also bring an extra layer of personality and energy to the show.”
Kajzer is pretty old school when it comes to prepping for her show. “I put everything together with a trusty notepad and pen,” she says. “Each week, I listen to all the latest releases to decide which new tracks fit the vibe of the show and complement the guest I’ll be featuring. At the same time, I love revisiting the classic tracks I grew up on, keeping that connection to the roots of Metal alive.”
“When I’m assembling the show, I’m blasting every single song at full volume, fully immersed in the music. It’s a hands-on process that keeps me connected to the heart of what makes the show special: curating a mix of timeless classics and fresh releases that resonate with the audience.”
Between radio, record promotion, and managing bands, Kajzer has created some exciting memories over the years. “Hosting The Full Metal Jackie Radio Show has opened the door to so many incredible experiences. I’ve had the privilege of hosting and traveling with various festivals and bands, participating in industry panels, and serving as the Black Carpet Correspondent for the first-ever U.S. Metal Awards show, The Revolver Golden Gods Awards. I’ve even traveled the world to witness some of the most iconic Metal festivals, connecting with fans and immersing myself in the global Metal community.”
One of the most surreal and exciting moments for Kajzer was getting to host an episode of Headbangers Ball. “It’s a show I grew up watching, and it played a huge role in shaping my love for Metal. It was truly a full-circle experience.”
Another recent highlight for her was being featured in the docuseries Nothin’ But a Good Time, which celebrates the untold stories of ‘80s hair metal—a genre and era she’s always loved.
One of Kajzer’s biggest challenges over the years has been juggling multiple responsibilities. Being a DJ for various shows, managing artists, and working in record promotions for the #1 Rock label is a lot to balance. Like many in the industry, she wears a lot of hats, and it can be a lot to manage.
“What keeps me going is my genuine love for everything I do,” says Kajzer. “That passion makes the challenges feel rewarding rather than overwhelming. It all comes down to time management and maintaining a sense of balance. Staying organized and focused on what needs my attention most has been key to navigating the demands of my career while still enjoying every moment of it.”
That being said, radio is facing incredibly challenging times right now; sometimes, it’s hard to stop and smell the roses. “Things are very different these days. Many stations are short-staffed, which means they often can’t do all the things that once made radio such a personal and dynamic medium,” says Kajzer. “The local connection, community involvement, and the unique personalities that made radio feel like a part of your life are sometimes missing in today’s fast-paced environment.”
Kajzer has some good advice that might help solve some of our industry’s problems.
“To bring back that unique connection, we need to refocus on the human element—investing in talent, creating more opportunities for genuine interaction with listeners, and tailoring content to local communities. Radio has always thrived on its ability to connect on a personal level, and by prioritizing that connection again, we can reinvigorate its relevance and appeal in a way that streaming services simply can’t replicate.”
Follow Jackie Kajzer and The Full Metal Jackie Radio Show: Full Metal Jackie Radio, Instagram, Facebook.
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Charese Fruge’ is an award-winning Content, Broadcast, and Marketing executive with over 20 years of experience in markets like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, San Diego, and Las Vegas. As the owner of MC Media, she works with radio brands and individual talent, especially young women, helping them grow their brands and negotiate on their own behalf. She is also a Voice Actor and Voice Over Talent as well as a Freelance Writer for International Broadcast Outlets. Find her at @MCMediaOnline or www.mcmediaonline.com.
