Meet Jaime Maggio | Television Broadcaster & Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaime Maggio and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaime, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
I actually have two. The first is by legendary New York Yankee, Yogi Berra, (my dog Yogi’s namesake). Yogi was famous for quirky Yogi-isms, but they actually made a lot of sense. My favorite Yogi-ism is “if you don’t know where you are going, you might end up someplace else.” For me, that means living with intention. While I think it’s important to be flexible and open-minded as you navigate your career and life in general, I think realizing your goals and what you want your journey to look like is important to bear in mind. Without that, it may be hard to stay focused, maintain your drive, and stay the course..

The other is a quote by another icon, Maya Angelou, who said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” As a professional storyteller, this is everything. The stories I love to share the most are the ones that touch you on visceral level. The ones that make you want to change yourself or change the world. On a personal level it applies as well. I always hope to make someone feel better, not worse.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My path to becoming a sports broadcaster started in production. I worked behind-the-scenes as a talent coordinator and production manager on a national sports talk show before crossing over in front of the camera. It was helpful to learn the various sides of production before transitioning into my current role. It’s definitely not as glamourous as it appears on the outside! There are too many times you’re away from your loved ones during holidays and milestones, a lot of hours spent on planes and in hotel rooms. That’s the drawback. On the plus side, I still enjoy the thrill of working games and doing live television. I’m so appreciative of the countless people I get to meet from all different walks of life, and the impactful stories I’m trusted to share. I’m also grateful for the opportunities to give back to the community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles has so much to offer! Highlights for me that I like to share with out-of-towners are the Griffith Park Observatory; a coffee at Menotti’s and a stroll by the Venice Beach skate park & boardwalk; peruse the exhibits at LACMA, the Getty and The Broad; take advantage of the year-round good weather with rooftop dinner somewhere with a view – Perch is a fun spot DTLA! We obviously have a robust sports scene here, so check out some of the iconic venues like the Rose Bowl, Dodger Stadium or the new SoFi Stadium; see a concert at the Forum, Wiltern, the Greek or Hollywood Bowl. There are Michelin star restaurants and great hole-in-the wall places too, and you’ll find any and every cuisine. There are plenty of classic “Old Hollywood” spots – you really can’t beat the chicken parm at Dan Tana’s. The Arts District downtown LA is fun to roam, and I like to pop into a speakeasy called Varnish (if you can find it!). If you’re more a beer person, take in the views and brews at Ballast Point Brewery in Long Beach. If you’re lucky enough to know someone to get in, The Magic Castle is always a good time! Otherwise, check out the Comedy & Magic Club for some laughs. A drive up the scenic PCH to Malibu never disappoints, with a stop at Broadstreet Oyster Co for one of their lobster rolls… or stop at the Reel Inn for a fresh catch of the day. Take advantage of the outdoors by hiking in the canyons, enjoying a stroll through the Huntington Botanical Gardens, renting a bike or a surfboard, dipping into the Pacific, or testing your swing at TopGolf.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are many people whom I am grateful to for lifting me along the way.

High school teachers Mrs. Addison and Mr. O”Keefe, who saw potential and encouraged me to hone my public speaking skills via the Academic Decathlon and in local speech competitions.

One of my first bosses in the sports TV industry, Laura Marcus, a woman who championed for other women and whom I still count as a dear friend and confidant today.

Graham Hughes, a colleague who helped me develop interview skills and on-camera presence.

And lastly, my agent Alan Sanders, who took me on as a client when I had zero experience and helped me build a career I am proud of.

Instagram: @jaime_maggio

Twitter: @jaimemaggio