Schnitt was born in New York City and raised in Nanuet, New York and Virginia Beach, Virginia. He has worked in radio since he was a teenager and used the stage name MJ Kelli in hosting shows at the Hampton Roads, New York City, and Tampa markets from 1986 to 2012. From 1994 to 2012, Schnitt was morning drive time host of The MJ Morning Show (known before 2001 as The MJ and BJ Morning Show) at Tampa top 40 station WFLZ and select other Clear Channel Communications stations. In 2001, Schnitt launched an afternoon talk program The Schnitt Show on Miami radio station WIOD. The Schnitt Show later expanded to other markets, including Tampa station WFLA in 2002.
... after they were found to have orchestrated the DUI arrest of their opposing counsel in a high-profile civil case involving radio shock jock Bubba the Love Sponge Clem and his rival Todd “MJ” Schnitt.