Check Out Dia Tardino’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dia Tardino.

Hi Dia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a Radio host at California Lutheran Univeristy. I grew up with learning disabilities and a speech impediment, struggling especially with sounds like “sh” and “r.” It was hard to keep up with my classmates, and I was often teased for the way I spoke. Even today, I occasionally get comments when I say words like “shoccer” instead of “soccer.” But since childhood, I’ve worked hard with tutors to improve my speech.

Today, I host a two-hour radio show called “The DDDDia show” and serve as president of the ICLU Radio Club. My show is one of the most listened to on campus, and I’m passionate about continuing a career in radio—either as a host or as a sound engineer.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road; I never imagined that my voice would become something I’d be proud of. Over time, I’ve learned that writing scripts for my shows helps me speak more clearly and confidently, making my broadcasts more polished and professional. Talk radio isn’t as easy as it might seem. There are strict rules about what you can say or play, so figuring out how to connect with my audience while shaping the kind of show I wanted to create has definitely been a journey.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I believe my journey and passion truly set me apart from other radio hosts. I have a wide-ranging taste in music. From classic rock and ’90s hip hop to indie. I love switching up genres and sharing the music I’m passionate about. I’ve had the opportunity to interview musicians like Missing Wiba and Lily Belknap, as well as individuals from other fields, including students and stage managers. What I’m most proud of is the progress I’ve made from my very first show to now. I currently have 40 shows under my belt and hope to continue the DDDDia show after I graduate.

How do you define success?
I believe success is subjective. For some, it might mean reaching a career milestone; for others, it’s simply feeling happy and confident in their craft. Personally for me, success is about being proud of the progress I’ve made and feeling fulfilled in the talent I’ve worked hard to develop. I also believe that not giving up on something you love is one of the truest measures of success. I would like to thank Kyle Tamkin, Spencer Fischer, and my family for helping me on this journey and being my biggest supporters of my passion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.icluradio.org/
• Instagram: Dia.tardinosaur27
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dia-tardino-94704134a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app