How a recovering addict becomes a radio host, the need for gay radio in Austin and why Sarah Jessica Parker isn’t on his guest list…..

He clicks through websites. Searching for material on his next guest; his next interview; his next radio show that will hit the airwaves in just a few days. This is a weekly routine now for Heath Riddles, who along with the tiny crew of OutCast bring queer talk to Austin radio. Riddles gives ManofAustin.com the HISstory of this new half-hour show.

Answering A Call

So you think you know everything? According to OutCast’s producer and host, Heath Riddles, you don’t and neither does he. “I wondered ‘Why do we need a show like this?’,” Riddles tells us over coffee, “the answer came to me very quickly when we did a show on cancer.” He refers to an episode in June in which he interviewed Liz Margolies, Director of the National LGBT Cancer Network, “she said if you are a gay man having gay sex, you should have a pap smear. Statiscally, HPV is as prevalent in gay men, rectal and anal cancer, as is cervical cancer in women. I didn’t know that! So I went and got one (pap smear).”

Riddles says that conversation was the moment he realized OutCast was a valuable resource to the community. “We need something like this, especially if we want to know what’s going on outside of the bars.”

Thanks but No Thanks

OutCast launched in May and in its very young age has already racked up some heavy subjects (gay cancer, meth addiction) and has snagged some heavy hitters in the city’s GLBT community (openly gay city councilperson Randi Shade, celebrity jewelers Anthony Nak). While the show’s palette of subject matter is diverse, one thing is held in common: it must relate to the people in Austin. Riddles admits being lured to the glow of celebrity interviews but has dropped the idea of chatting with A-listers such as Sarah Jessica Parker just for the sake of selling their wares to gay listeners. “It really has a local, grassroots feel and that’s how I want it to stay,” adds Riddles.

Celebrity Heal Thyself

The fact he is shying away from high-profile guests is a bit ironic for a man who is a self-described “attention whore.” But don’t let the label fool you, OutCast’s conversational host is quiet and laid back in person (at least in this interview he was). He’s also not shy from admitting he is a recovering addict who has found a new habit in this medium, “it’s a real healthy place for me to channel my energy. It highlights what some of my strengths are.” Those strengths can be heard in the conversations held over a live microphone every Sunday. “I love doing this. It’s a significant commitment but I want it [OutCast] to be successful as a resource.”

Airwaves and Beyond

OutCast can be heard every Sunday, 6-6:30pm on KOOP 91.7 FM and streams live at www.koop.org You can also listen to previously recorded shows online at www.outcastaustin.com

OutCast is hosted by Heath Riddles, co-hosted by J.J. Lara and features essayist Douglas Plummer