1. How did you become interested in radio work and what was your first radio gig? >I played
DJ with my favorite 45’s growing up as a kid in my room. (45’s are the round little black things that just have one song on each side). My first gig in radio was here in Denver.
2. Where have you worked in the past and where do you work now? >Started out spinning records in clubs when I was 19 here in Denver. Some of my favorite spots to spin were Tracks/Foxhole, Bogarts, Divine Madness and the top of the Ilikai Hotel in Hawaii. Currently working for a satellite radio company.
3. Even though there are plenty of women in the field now, it seems that the airwaves are still dominated by men. Is it difficult for a woman in this field? What are some of the problems you have encountered, if any, because of your gender?
>I had some pretty incredible mentors who are successful women in the business. Mary Chavez “Cha Cha” really helped me work on my craft as an on air personality. I was lucky enough to work for cool people who valued potential, talent and desire over gender.
4. How did Outloud come about and why do you think the show is important?
>Clear Channel Radio had been thinking about doing some kind of programming for the GLBT community and I had been playing a show out in my head. I told a good friend who works at Clear Channel and she arranged a meeting to discuss ideas. Almost a year later the OUT LOUD Radio Show was born on AM 760. It’s important to me to be able to make a difference and give a voice to our community and that is what we try to do each week in our show.
5. What are some of the most difficult things about talk radio?
> I had no idea it would be as tough as it is to fill time with compelling content. We learn and grow every week and hopefully are getting closer to fulfilling our motto of being entertaining, educational, informative and representing our community well. Gregory Lewis (Matthew Shepard Organization Director) has been a great addition to the show!
6. What advice would you give others, particularly women, who want to get into the field?
> I have always believed you have to live out your passion. This is a tough, competitive business and technology has opened up jobs in one area and taken them away in another. You have to want it. Really want it and if you find it is your passion…don’t give up. Network like a crazy fool and learn how to multi-task in the business.
7. What else would you like to say?
>Just call me lucky. Radio has opened up opportunities and experiences I may have never been able to do. I have met some of the most amazing, incredible people that have enriched and added to my life. Please support the OUT LOUD Radio show on AM 760 Progressive Talk every Sunday from 11am-1pm by listening, advertising and spreading the word that there is a show for the GLBT community.
© 2008