10 Questions with ... Wendy Rollins

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

1997-2000 – WXNR (99X)/New Bern, NC Morning Co-Host
2000-2001 - WYAV (Wave 104)/Myrtle Beach, SC APD/Afternoons
2001-2003 - KRZQ/Reno, NV Middays/PD
2004-2006 – WBZY (The Buzz)/Atlanta Swing
2006-2007 – WAVF (96 Wave)/Charleston, SC APD/Afternoons
2007-2016 – WRFF (Radio 104.5)/Philadelphia APD/Middays
2016-Present – WRDA (Radio 105.7)/Atlanta APD/Mornings

1. How tough was it for you to leave WRFF (Radio 104.5)/Philadelphia to move back home to Atlanta without a full-time position?

Easily the dumbest/smartest thing I have ever done. I knew I needed to get home to Atlanta to help my mom and I knew Aly needed the help so I jumped. I don't recommend this kind of free fall to anyone.

2. What was the transition like joining Atlanta’s Alternative Radio 105.7 and adding mornings and most recently being upped to APD?

There were months where I was sick to my stomach, praying for a contract. I lost my benefits, vacation, everything when I moved but I knew I had Aly and our market manager Justin Schaflander backing me-and that kept me afloat most days.

3. What was your biggest takeaway from nine years in Philadelphia?

There isn't one thing-it's everything. The attention to every meticulous detail, the strategies, the 10 hour days-all added up to that entire front row of P1s that were packed into every show, that we knew by name. Those kids changed my life.

4. How is your mom doing with her Parkinson’s? Your workday starts early hosting mornings on Radio 105.7. What is a typical day like for you?

Mom does some things better than I expect and some much worse so it's a balancing act. Considering I never had children I feel like I just inherited a belligerent teenager. (Apple doesn't fall far I guess) I am still doing those 10 hour days at the station because I haven't been able to work out my morning show, Custom show, and office hours just yet. I'll get there.

5. How different is Radio 105.7 Atlanta from Radio 104.5 Philadelphia?

That's something I'm still learning. The audience is a completely different animal in that Atlanta leans a bit more rock musically. I'm still taking a pulse on the lifestyle --lots to learn.

6. What’s it like working with Aly Young?

Aly and I met years ago when I worked at The Buzz in Atlanta and I wanted to work for her then! Some things happen only when they are supposed to.

7. How would you describe your morning show?

It's a one woman show so I try to keep it tight and light. These days it's become a little scary out there so I try to tell the people something they didn't know, make them laugh, and play their favorite song. If I can knock out all three -- I win.

8. What sort of show prep do you do each day?

I read everything. News, twitter, Facebook, google trends, local press, blogs.

9. What is your favorite part of your job?

As always I love interviewing artists. I get the awesome opportunity to talk with bands that I listen to on a regular basis.

Second Favorite: we developed a weekly feature called Wags With Wendy where a pup from a local shelter that I used to volunteer at comes in and we get to play for the camera.

10. What may surprise people most about you?

I'm a trained belly dancer. You never know when it will come in handy.

What are weekends like for you?

Obsessing over our new house (coming in May) and laying low with my favorite guy and our dogs.

What is on your personal musical playlist these days?

That Marian Hill is unshakable and AFI put out a solid album too. Just saw Dreamers and they have got something -- and lots of it! Anyone who loves QOTSA should take a listen to Mastodon's latest.

When we chatted a few years back you mentioned that archery was a family pastime. How often do you shoot arrows?

Unfortunately the majority of our stuff has been in storage since July -- including my bow.

What do you miss most about The City Of Brotherly Love?

The people. I still hear from listeners every weekend when I'm on 104.5 and it's great but it stings. I spent 10 years with those kids and I got to know them well. I miss those faces.