10 Questions with ... Jordin Silver

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• Promotions then Nights on KNDD (107.7 The End)/Seattle
• Nights on WBZY (Project 96-1)/Atlanta
• Prep+ writer & contributor at ReelWorld in Seattle/Remote
• Middays on WRDA (ALT 105.7)/Atlanta
• Middays and Nights on KYSR (ALT 98.7)/Los Angeles
• Content & Analytics at Apple Music in Los Angeles

1. How did you first become interested in radio?

When I was a kid, I accidentally plugged headphones into the mic jack of my tape-deck. It turned one of the headphones into a mic - and I could talk over the music. That was my first "front sell," and I never looked back.

2. Congrats on your new morning show! What excited you most about joining The Buzz a couple months ago to host mornings?

Thank you. In Los Angeles, I spent my off-time taking comedy, stand-up, and web series classes. I was most excited about taking everything I learned in those classes and applying them to a radio show. Also, joining such a unique station with such talent and history is such an honor.

3. You and Lazlo previously worked together at KNDD (107.7 The End)/Seattle. You mentioned when you started at The Buzz that Lazlo gave you advice during your first aircheck that has defined your entire career: "Make 'em feel, or don't turn on the mic at all." Explain.

Never just frontsell - even if you only have a 2 second ramp. Say something meaningful...even if it's a song they've heard 50,000 times, there is still an angle, fact, or emotion that is new to the listeners and will forever link you with that song, even just subconsciously.

4. Give us the 411 on Mornings With Jordin Silver & Friends (Danny & Mark Van Sickle).

Picture a Venn Diagram. We have unique personalities that shouldn't work well together - but for some reason they do. In the end we have a genuine, mutual respect for the station, the listeners, and each other. That's what connects and focuses us all so we can work as a team.

5. How difficult has it been to replace a longtime morning host?

Afentra is a legend. You don't replace a legend - and you don't try to stand in her shoes. You bring your own shoes, and have hers dipped in bronze to remember that she helped build this station brick by brick for almost 20 years. I'm excited for her next adventure.

6. How would you describe your on-air style?

Focused and real. I learned a lot about removing the unnecessary details of a break from my previous PD Mike Kaplan. When you paint the biggest picture using the least amount of words it gives you more time to comment. "Real" because I never try to create this "omniscient personality." I'm exactly like a listener; I just got lucky enough to be on the radio.

7. What is your show prep routine with Danny and Mark?

We share a Trello board that's updated all day from our phones. We make sure to write down everything that could be potential content. The next day we bring in the ideas and try to work them out.

8. What makes your morning show unique?

The acronym for Jordin Silver and Friends is "JSAF." Most people think that stands for, "Jordin Silver As F**k." Growing up, my parents encouraged me to find different ways to get from A to B, other than the path everyone took; and my mind just works like that now. That is implemented in everything we do. We try to find a unique spin to put on everything so the listener is constantly surprised.

9. What is your favorite part of the show?

Getting to talk about real stuff, like bullying, mental health, and transgender rights. I got a DM from a listener that said she was being bullied by a coworker, heard us talking about why bullies seem to bully, had a conversation about it with that coworker, and now they're friends.

10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?

Taylor Swift!!!!!! I've been a huge fan since 2012 and still haven't met her yet :(

Tell us about your cat.

His name is Blanche Devereaux. I named him after The Golden Girl. I take him everywhere, including flying. He's a good lil flier and I'm just getting him ready for when we're friends with Taylor Swift and she needs us to hop on her jet.

What are you loving most about Kansas City?

The people - they're "real" here. They're welcoming, loving, and interesting. Oh, and the traffic. Seven miles takes ten minutes!

What are weekends like for you?

The weeks are pretty action packed, so, if there isn't an event to attend, I'm either hanging out with friends or shopping for my new place. I have been here 2 months and haven't decorated yet!

First record ever purchased?

Cindy Lauper's "She's So Unusual." (My mind was blown when I found out what "She Bops" was about...I always thought it was a dance move!)

First concert?

Hootie And The Blowfish in 1994

Favorite band of all-time?

Since my darling Taylor Swift isn't exactly a band, I'd have to say, Tegan And Sara. Their albums have somehow told the story of their lives and mine, simultaneously.

Anything else you would like to add? (One piece of advice for N00bs:)

I always thought things were going to be bigger and better in the larger markets...But after 10 years in the industry I realized that the only thing that truly matters is being in a town you love, with a PD that believes in you. If you already have that, don't go searching for gold - you've already found it :)