Meet Jacob Aka Shmity Schmidt | Talk Show Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacob Aka Shmity Schmidt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacob aka Shmity, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I originally stated out as a local musician here in the East Bay Area. I eventually became friend with a man named Rich Barnes, and he invited to out to the radio station in Vallejo that he volunteered at to come and be on his broadcast….I immediately fell in love with the idea of doing my own radio show shortly after.

I co-hosted that radio show for a few years before I was offered my own show on the station, shout out to Ozcat Radio 89.5 FM!

Currently, I am about to come up on 10 years of broadcasting through Ozcat Radio.

Eventually, my friend George Rosenthal invited me to be a corespondent on his new talk show based out of SF called What’s Poppin! I was basically recording show announcements and doing on air live for the show. George eventually asked me if I would be interested in hosting a live performance and interview based talk show.

Being a local musician, I’ve always been incredibly grateful for anyone who was willing to to talk to me about my band and give us a platform. That was my main inspiration with doing the show at The Complex, wanting to give local musicians an opportunity to be heard both on and off the stage.

This entire past year has been an incredibly process for me, and learning about and meeting all these new bands face to face in this setting has truly been a highlight of my life. I look forward to the 2026 season of Talking Schmidt: Live At The Complex.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think I’d like the world be just be informed by my live shows and broadcasts. There are a ton of incredible musicians and artists scattered throughout your local communities, and hopefully, this show can be a reminder to not only be more involved with your local art scene…but to also encourage the artists to not give up by offering them a fun and unique opportunity to showcase their talents to a wider audience that your local dive bar…which you should also go support. Lol

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d probably start by taking them on BART to SF and go to Doppio Cafe on Mission and 12th, great coffee to get the day started.

Next, I’d take them to the SF MOMA to enjoy some cultural tastes and see what new exhibits that they have currently.

Then I’d try to catch a show one night at with The Chapel, Great American Music Hall or The Independent. They have a fantastic rotation of traveling bands that come through thee doors and they never disappoint.

Outside of that, you’ve got to take them to a Nations in the East Bay. They have amazing hamburgers and breakfasts, and are a STAPLE of Bay Area culture that gets slept on because of In and Out taking over the burger world….both good, but Nations is better.

You can always go to Faded Gold Vintage in downtown Martinez for some cool vintage clothing, and maybe get a coffee at State’s while you take a stroll through historic downtown Martinez.
I’d end it down by the waterfront to catch a sunset or watch the kite flyers do there thing, it’s great.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a shout out to my family for always supporting my musical and creative endeavors. Without that foundation, I’d be a different person entirely.

Also, massive love to Rich Barnes and Ozcat Radio in Vallejo, CA. They were the first places that ever gave me a chance hosting anything, and I learned a lot of my chops from the years at Ozcat and it still continues to grow.

And thank you to George, Alanna and everyone at The Complex Recording Studio in SF! I literally would not be here right now without their support and friendship, love them dearly.

Instagram: @talkingschmidtlive

Image Credits
George S. Rosenthal