I was born in the Motor City, raised in the Emerald City, and I’ve flown my way around the world in search of interesting people, good times, and great stories to bring back to share. My career in broadcasting began at Washington State University with the coveted Midday Show at KUGR “Cougar Radio” flingin’ records out the window at lunchtime and playing the new hits across the Palouse. My first paid gig in radio was as the morning News Reader on a Big Band Radio show in Bakersfield, California at KBID AM. The DJ was a 60-something retired collegiate football star from my University’s arch nemesis but the two of us got along famously and he taught me the radio ropes. Radio occupied my mornings, the TV news room monopolized my afternoon and nights at KERO TV CBS where I was an intern and eventually a writer, associate producer and field reporter. You have to work 80+ hour weeks at least once in your life, right?
Living in the “arm pit” of California was fun and I made great friends but I had a burning desire to be back in Seattle with family so I accepted a part-time job at KZOK FM, Seattle’s Classic Rock Station, hosting weekend overnight’s. This was an enormous opportunity for this newbie to work in Major Market Radio. Shortly after taking on overnight’s I convinced one of Seattle’s longest running morning shows, “The Robin & Maynard Show,” to hire me as their Producer. Pulling double duty at the station worked for a year but even at a young age getting up at 4am, working ‘til 11am, running home to go to sleep then getting up to host the overnight show was turning me into Elvis. The overnights had to go. I was with Robin & Maynard for nearly 5 years when the opportunity to host Middays at sister station, KISS FM, came along. Not even the promise of a new pony could keep this girl from hosting her own show so I spread my wings.
A few years later life gave me a little “shove” and it was time to look for something new. The only problem: that time was one month before 9/11. It was an emotional time for America, a tough time in the radio industry, and a time for personal growth. In May of 2002 I flew across the country and started rockin’ the 80’s on what would become the most successful, longest running 80’s radio station in America hosting mornings at WPOI FM Tampa Bay‘s 101.5 The Point – Best Music of the 80’s (and eventually the 90’s too).
When WPOI flipped formats July 1st, 2011, I hit the pavement right away and contacted media friends across the country and on Facebook. Immediately, I connected with several people at iHeart Media Tampa and was offered an opportunity to come aboard. For four years I Co-Hosted “AM Tampa Bay” on 970 WFLA AM to hash out social and political issues in Tampa Bay and to interview the most interesting politicians, newsmakers and comics in the world! With my lead on AM Tampa Bay’s blog and Social Media posts during Morning Drive we became the #2 Most Visited News/Talk Blog in the country for iHeartMedia! For several years I also hosted iHeartMedia’s Public Service Show, ‘Tampa Bay Tomorrow,’ where we tackled issues and events that impact the people of the Bay Area.
In November of 2015, I was promoted to Host Morning Drive at WMTX Mix 100.7 and YOY the ratings soared. In the Winter 2016 Book the ratings increased 25% W 25-54 and they increased 50% in the Spring 2016 Book!
After nearly 3 years as a full-time Voice Actor plus monthly appearances on national TV on shows like TMZ Live! and the Home Shopping Channel, I accepted a gig co-hosting Morning-Drive at the legendary Kicks 101.5 Atlanta. Six months after we launched our new show the station re-branded as New Country 101-FIVE and I moved to middays. In all my endeavors one thing endures, I am resilient and I win in the ratings with Men AND Women.
In my free time, I’m usually on a plane to see family on the West Coast or explore uncharted territory abroad. My passport is a source of pride and I have stamps in it from Germany, France, Ireland, Amsterdam, Italy, Jamaica, Spain, Brazil, Mexico and more. I also believe that giving back is a privilege and a duty – over the years I’ve volunteered at Children’s Hospital in Seattle, been a Big Sister for a great young woman with the Big Brothers & Big Sisters Organization of Tampa Bay, and I rarely turn down an opportunity to emcee a charity event. In fact, I’ve twice Co-Emceed the BBBS of Tampa Bay Gala that draws more than 700 people including current president and former Tampa Mayor, Pam Iorio.
“Never turn down an adventure” is a personal motto and I’m always working hard on the next big thing!