I'm on the Canadian Radio

Right after my ride along with the Thunder Bay Police, I headed to CILU's studio. I had met Ryan, the last time I was in Thunder Bay. He is the host of Lipstick and Leather, which is an 80's hair metal show. CILU is a volunteer radio station run by Lakehead University and he has been doing this for over 10 years. I was going to be able to sit in with him and watch him at work. We even had a conversation on the radio talking about various music-related things.

White banner sign for CILU 102.7 FM Radio (luradio.ca) displayed on wooden posts in a lawn with trees and a house in the background

The station was this small, cozy house.

White single-story house with gray roof and overgrown front yard featuring bushes and tall grass

I was slightly late for the start of the program, so Ryan was already in action.

Radio DJ at broadcast mixing console with microphone boom arm, computer monitor, and audio equipment in studio with red walls

On the way in, I noticed all the offensive words that you can't say on the radio.

Posted list titled 'Words Considered Banned Or Vulgar On CILU' showing prohibited language guidelines on bulletin board

I sat down and Ryan pushed a mic over by me. Our conversations definitely made the time go fast.

Radio host wearing WABO shirt sitting at CILU studio control board, smiling at camera with professional broadcasting equipment and large windows behind

When Ryan would go on the air, there would be a spinning light. The light itself was burnt out but you'll get the jist of it. Ryan would also give some background on the music. He'd also have to do station identification. I was told by Canadian law he has to do this every 8 or so minutes and also 35% of content needs to be "Cancon," or of Canadian origin.

The view from the station was nice and peaceful. It was also a beautiful day.

Open grassy area bordered by mixed deciduous and evergreen trees on a sunny day

While the music was playing, I was able to see some of the cool murals and things they had all over the studio.

Mural artwork depicting drummer with wild black hair playing drum kit against textured green and beige background Mural artwork showing singer with microphone and guitar amplifier, featuring energetic performance pose CILU 102.7 FM logo featuring stylized radio transmission tower design in white on dark background Dense collage of overlapping music concert posters, band stickers, and promotional flyers covering wall or door 'Love Your Radio' promotional sign for CILU 102.7 FM luradio.ca featuring cartoon illustrations of two people with newspapers in banner design

It was definitely a fun time sitting in with Ryan on Lipstick and Leather. It's amazing the people you meet when you're traveling and Ryan is definitely an encyclopedia when it comes to 80's hair metal. The time just flew as we talked about music. I know when I broke my leg, almost every Friday night I'd tune in to Lipstick and Leather.

Thanks Ryan for letting me sit in on this. It was definitely a good time!

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