A pilot on the air waves, he now writes and “talks CALM.”

Title: Director of Legal Services, CEO

Hometown: St. Croix, U.S.V.I.

Now resides in: Baton Rouge

Degree: B.S. aviation; M.B.A. UNO; J.D. LSU

What brought you to Tech? After serving as air traffic controller in the Marine Corps, I wanted to continue my career path in aviation.

Why choose this career? Because flying was in my blood. I grew up near an airport in the Caribbean. I wanted the freedom.

How does a guy go from aviation to Law School to radio? Aviation was logical because of where I grew up and my service in the Marine Corps. School was fun; the aviation department staff was very experienced and professional. Dale Sistrunk was a great department head. I couldn't wait to leave English class, go jump in an airplane and fly to Monroe. It was a motivating and inspiring way to have fun and finish college. I applied to several law schools and I got a scholarship to LSU. I wasn’t sure what was next and I felt that the scholarship was the answer. After law school I practiced federal criminal defense and entertainment law. I developed strengths in cross-examination and research. I love to try cases because I am a natural debater. In fact, I won the PSCFA impromptu debate category while attending a junior college in California before coming to Tech. I beat competitors from Loyola Marymount and many other West Coast four-year colleges. It was my first year of competition on a collegiate debate team. The combination of air traffic control, becoming a seasoned trial lawyer and my natural ability to debate prepared me to be an effective and credible radio talk show host in ways that I did not plan. My radio show is an unexpected blessing that allows me to focus my last 12 years of education and experience. The short answer to your question is that, I didn’t see it coming. Tech gave me a foundation of focus and concentration. Our unique quarter system does not give you much time to play. Tech made me become a serious student and overcome my weaknesses quickly. I made the president’s and dean’s honor roll several times, pulling my GPA up from less than 2.5 when I returned from the Marine Corps to near a 3.2 overall when I graduated. My in-major GPA from Tech was 3.4. The point of sharing this is, I came here as a dumb jarhead (lol!, marine), relying only on discipline and the limitless opportunities that Tech provided. I learned to believe in myself at Tech. Aviation was the foundation that allowed me to realize that I can soar anywhere the wind of determination could carry me. Special thanks to Dr. Terry McConathy for believing in my creativity and telling me I could write when I was her student in the English department. Special thanks also to my aviation professors for teaching and allowing me to fly airplanes.

Tell us about your radio show: My radio talk show is called TalkCALM. I believe we can talk about anything without becoming acrimonious or spreading fear to make a point. Research and respect is the foundation of my talk show. I talk about anything I want to on my show; particularly we talk about reducing violence and building peace, power and prosperity in our community by talking calm and taking personal responsibility. You may hear my talk show anytime, anywhere at TalkCALM.com. The Talk CALM radio signal reaches more than 1.2 million people live and via internet; it’s monitored by listeners in 17 countries. Talk CALM airs Sundays at 7 a.m. on New Orleans Power 102.9 FM and Sundays at 5 p.m. on Baton Rouge Max 94.1 FM. 

Where do you see yourself in five years? Nationally syndicated in all 50 states and internationally relevant as an alternative to negative fear talk. TalkCALM is a new conversation with real people, based on respect.

Your best memories of Tech: Lady Techster basketball games. I loved to see them crush other teams.

Your advice to Tech freshmen today: Like any good Bulldog, be disciplined in your academic routine, stay loyal to your dreams and set high goals. Always learn from your mistakes and then move on.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s: … that right now is the best time.

Tell us about your new book: This is my second book. It’s called “Search Me, The Art of the Question.” It is a new way to communicate and learn the truth about your girlfriend, boyfriend, friends and family. It’s very fun. It’s available at 25,000 bookstores and as an e-book on Amazon.com. You may follow me @YouSearchMe on twitter or email ptamon@me.com