Pump Up the Volume
Checking in with local radio personalities
Your typical day?
“We get into the studio at 5 a.m. We spend an hour prepping for our show. Our show starts at 6 a.m. We are on air til 10 a.m. At 10 a.m., I’ll produce any commercials I need to do then I do any music research and schedule any music for the following days and leave around one in the afternoon.”
On your iPod right now?
“Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, Jay Z, and Beyoncé are all Top 40 artists. Then Tom Petty is my all time favorite even though he doesn’t fall in our demographic.”
Summer concerts you’re looking forward to?
“John Legend who’s coming at the end of the summer (July 30, Red Hat Amphitheater). There is also a Tom Petty concert in September (September 18, PNC Arena) that I cannot wait for!”
Best part about your job?
“Getting to work with my best friend every single day … it’s so much fun. I spend four hours laughing every morning and telling jokes. It’s awesome. We just love being able to make people smile.”
What is your motivation for radio?
“Well, initially it was, ‘Oh God, I have a job! With normal hours!’ But, obviously, that changed. Over the years, you realize that radio gives you a voice. For me, it’s the perfect tool to promote good things locally and nationally and make a difference in the community.”
On your iPod right now?
“Depends on the mood I am in. Chillaxin playlist would be: Jack Johnson, The Killers, Bob Marley, Rusted Root, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Paul Simon. Cleaning house/working out playlist: J. Lo, Usher, Erasure, Black Eyed Peas, Fergie, The Killers … Did I mention The Killers?”
When you’re not at the station, what are you doing?
“Well, I am kind of a workaholic. I write for Entertainment Weekly’s Community section of their website at EW.com where I write weekly about the North Carolina scene. I also write everyday for The Wilmywood Daily. I also do a TV segment on Thursdays – What’s Up In Wilmywood – that airs on Cape Fear CW and WWAY.”
How did you get into radio?
“I studied broadcasting in college. I moved here to work in Cumulus eleven years ago. I started out in the promotions department and worked my way up. Worked for The Hawk and WGNI and moved to desk programming and on-air work. I did morning shows for two years and midday for three. I’m now program director of WGNI 102.7.”
What’s your motivation for radio?
“Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be on the radio … I’m living the childhood dream everyday.”
On your iPod right now?
“My iPod is so random. There’s a lot of Maroon 5 and Jason Mraz. A lot of Katy Perry. I also have a pretty good amount of Iron Maiden – my husband really likes Iron Maiden.”
Most embarrassing on-air moment?
“I recently interviewed wrestler Mick Foley, and I somehow ended up talking about boogers. It’s one of those things that come out of your mouth, and you’re cringing. But it worked; he invited me to one of his shows, so it worked.”
How did you get into radio?
“Somewhat by accident. I was actually working as a substance abuse counselor at the Wilmington Substance Center. I was there for a few years. It was a heavy environment, and I was in love with The Penguin since the first time I’ve ever heard it. Lo and behold, it ended up with me being on the air.”
On your iPod right now?
“There is Paolo Nutini. Sturgill Simpson – he’s like an alternative country singer and songwriter. The new Black Keys, Holly Williams. I can go on for days.”
Summer concerts you’re looking forward to?
“Between either Rodrigo y Gabriela (August 5, Greenfield Lake Amphitheater) … or Gary Clark Jr. (July 16, Greenfield Lake).”
Best part about your job?
“Being exposed to so much awesome music and to be exposed to real music, artists actually writing their own songs and playing actual music – it’s authentic, not as flashy. Exposure to so much great music, and now that we’re putting on concerts, it’s seeing all these great music. And all the listeners and The Penguin family.”
