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10 Questions with ... Tara Madison
August 6, 2019
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
SOCIAL MEDIA: FB @therealtaramadison / @taramadisonradio Twitter @taramadison Insta @taramadison Snap @taramadison
I began an internship in 1991, board op'ed and did promotions with WKCI/New Haven, mostly for free for many years. But after starting a family, mama had to make money, so I became a licensed P&C insurance producer. I decided I'd rather give up the great salary to do what I love and began overnights at WEZN/Bridgeport in 2004. I hung up my ice scraper and got a midday gig at WAOA/Melbourne, FL. Then it was off to Gainesville to start one of only three all-female morning shows in the nation. Packed up my car to Lafayette, IN to host mornings. Headed back to New England and found family in Burlington in 2010. 2015 took me to gain some stripes in Columbia, SC, but every sort of negative circumstance came with that move. In 2016, just a year later, I came back home once again. This time in New Hampshire to co-host a morning show on the legendary WLNH. I do not know why the Universe doesn't want me in a warm climate. I did mornings there until our company did some reconfiguring and tweaking and moved over to our Top 40 at the end of May.
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
I began an internship with Glenn (Beck) and Pat (Grey) answering phones at WKCI/ New Haven, It certainly wasn't the most glamorous gig, but it taught me a lot. I spent days and nights at the station learning from Mark McCarthy and Kelly Nash. Kelly turned me into the best cart cleaner the industry had ever seen!
2. What led you to a career in radio?
I went to college for television production after starting a couple of local news shows that aired on public access. I was never that good on camera, but I had a keen sense of amazing audio and visual perfection. After being introduced to the college radio station and realizing I could "work" in my pajamas, I was hooked.
3. You have eight children and one husband. You and your daughter are outnumbered eight to two. Is there such a thing as a typical for you and your family?
LOL I have an ex-husband, too. Poor guy had to deal with me losing 120 pounds so that I could follow my dream. So, the eight children aren't all mine. I had three, my current husband had two. We've had three together. There is nothing typical about this family at all. Our kids now range in age from 25 to three. We "only" have the three little ones in the house. At 46 with a seven, five and three-year-old my life is far from normal. The cat is a dude and pretty sure the fish are, too.
4. What's the secret to you and your co-host Nazzy's morning magic?
We are best friends. Nazzy has really only done radio in New England; 99% in New Hampshire. He's been a big fish in a little pond and gained huge stardom and celebrity status because of that. He never learned how truly hard this industry could be. But he trusted me from day one. He immediately was open to accepting my guidance and advice and while he might have reminded me of what an icon he was in this market, he was, and still is, completely open to any suggestions I have. He trusts me to lead breaks and he will tell you today that what we've developed together is nothing like what he's done in the past. We have a genuine friendship and a love and care for each other. We want the best for ourselves and our on-air product.
5. Do you use show prep sources, or pull everything together at the station?
We do both. He's a husband, dad, Boy Scout den leader. I am a wife, mom, and everyday realist. Most of our show is personal and local. We do use outside show prep services for trending stories we might have missed.
6. "Local, local, local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?
Moving to 105.5 JYY after this channel had about four years of a syndicated morning show and where Nazzy was for about 13 years prior, has really propelled us. When you're in a small market, or a small community and you can talk about boating on the big lake, spending time at iconic or historic place -- that does make a difference. Plus, now, we're doing live broadcasts and personally getting out there into the community.
7. What is your favorite part of the job?
Hosting local events, especially for our non-profit organizations. Certainty when I can relate, which is almost every organization out there because I've experienced all of the things. However, every so often, a listener will reach out to tell me how I was a comfort to them. I'll never forget the woman who told me that her trips back and forth to chemo treatments gave her hope because I'm always so positive or real.
8. Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?
Ryan Tedder. He's an amazing writer and producer. My husband and I love him so much that we named one of our kids' after him. Snoop Dogg and Taylor Swift are high up there. Also, Howard Stern, whom I feel is the best interviewer.
9. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid? Jock?
Easily Scott Shannon on Z100. He had such a gift doing the Morning Zoo. Have you ever watched how he'd switch out carts and manipulate the board? It was a skill that almost no one in radio would have today. Broadway Bill is another legendary talent who mesmerizes me still to this day.
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
Samantha Stevens. She got me that internship at WKCI. She trained me to speak to my best friend. She'd help me create demos by standing across the room and say "Talk to me! If there is nothing else you could possibly learn here, open the mic and talk to me." That will forever be the best advice anyone can give. Your audience is that one person. God bless her.
Bonus Questions
What was the first music that you ever purchased? First concert?
I grew up loving R&B. My first interview was with Jodeci (look 'em up, kids). My first concert might have been MC Hammer. That was amazing! My most memorable concert, however, was Milli Vanilli at Lake Compounce when their tape got stuck.
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