Carlton was born in Australia, into a Catholic household. He grew up in Beacon Hill, a suburb of Sydney's Northern Beaches, finishing high school in 1980. Working several jobs, including a bank manager, he entered the world of radio at age twenty one. After six years, Carlton was chosen to head up a major metropolitan radio station, becoming the youngest ever talk back host. Carlton has worked on a number of Sydney radio stations, including 2UE and 2GB, In the on air presenting and producing roles. Until end of 2008, he was a talk back presenter on the radio station Triple M, using the moniker The Spoonman.