A Michiana Life in the Spotlight: Sean ‘Big Perm’ Willey

Sean Willey, better known as “Big Perm” at U93, is the host of the radio station’s shows “Afternoons with Big Perm” and “Weekends with Big Perm.” His personality name is certainly one-of-a-kind, and it’s one that he has used for decades in the radio business.

He believes that when he meets people, the name Big Perm is an icebreaker, and its uniqueness really adds to a conversation.

“They remember it or they question it because they don’t know if I said Big Worm or Big Perm,” Willey laughed.

Willey earned the name while interning at Tower 98.3 in Toledo, Ohio, when long-time radio personality Johnny D nicknamed him on the first day they met.

“He said to me ‘I’m going to call you Intern Big Perm,’” Willey said.

Willey grew up in the Detroit area and initially wanted to be a veterinarian. After later concluding a veterinarian career was not his calling, Willey planned to take over his dad’s business. However, when the business folded during the 2008 recession, Willey found himself at a crossroads.

“To be honest, it really wasn’t on the radar to pursue a career in broadcasting,” Willey said.

That all changed one day when Willey received a brochure from Specs Howard School of Media Arts, a top media school located in Southfield, Michigan, not far from Willey’s hometown of Milford.

Willey applied to the school, was accepted, and graduated in record time at the top of his class. While there, he studied every facet of media, which gave him a more comprehensive view of the industry.

“I graduated top of my class,” Willey said. “I studied it all, including radio broadcasting, TV broadcasting, journalism, and production.”

Willey had the opportunity to intern and work across multiple stations in Detroit, including the area’s most iconic stations such as 93.1 WDRQ, 96.3 WDVD, and 95.5 WKQI.

Currently, Willey is also the founder and owner of his DJ and emcee company called “Big Perm Productions.” He does several events throughout Indiana and Michigan with his own independent company.

Willey is additionally a big sports fan, especially when it comes to Detroit-area sports.

“I love the maize and blue,” he said. “It’s always pretty cool when Michigan comes to town for hockey or basketball.”

While he is a big Michigan fan because of his roots, he has also grown an appreciation for the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish since working in South Bend. A few years ago, Willey had the opportunity to coordinate the music as the official press box DJ for the Notre Dame football team, which led to working directly with Head Coach Marcus Freeman. Willey was honored to have the opportunity.

“I talked with Marcus Freeman about what music would pump up the team – not everyone gets to do something like that,” he said.

Willey is also a big fan of movies and boy bands. One of his favorite things is making someone’s day, as he strives to make it a daily habit. He uses his show as an avenue to bring a smile to someone’s face.

“I challenge myself to make someone’s day, everyday,” he said. “I have a five hour show every day, and I always want to make someone’s day.”