10 Questions with ... Theresa (a.k.a TheresaRockFace)

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I left college for a radio Internship and never left. I was 20 years old and failing out of college when I got my foot in the door. I’ve only worked in 2 markets, K.C and Houston. So, I’ve have been in radio my entire adult life.

1. How did you first become interested in radio?

I was a graphic design major in college and had a friend on our college radio station (Northwest Missouri State University). We would listen to her and I just knew I wanted to try that because I felt I could be good at it. I changed my major to communications and don’t remember even going to class. I was “that” college kid. I was home one summer and heard a commercial for a job fair on Z95 (KCHZ). I decided to go and check it out. That’s all she wrote. I was asked to visit and became an intern.

2. You’ve been at The Buzz for over 15 years. What’s it like working at The Buzz?

It’s amazing. Houston has embraced me since my first day on-air. I have grown up with our Buzz listeners and they are like my family. We’ve also had the same air staff since I started, so we are the foundation for the station. It’s a well-oiled machine.

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

My on-air style has come a long way. When I was in KC, I was just a weekend jock and was doing what I thought people wanted to hear. At the time I was working at KYYS with legendary jocks. I learned so much from them. They taught me to just be me. So, I did. I talk to you when I’m on the air. I don’t “announce” information or music. I’m having a conversation with you over beers. That’s my on-air style.

4. What is your show prep routine?

I can show prep all night and will end up using only 10% of it the next day. I am a real-time show prepper. I use twitter a lot since it’s constantly moving and there are built in conversations to talk about. So, I guess you can say not show prepping, is my show prep.

5. What do you love most about being on-air?

I love that every day is different. I love the challenge of it. If it were easy, I would be bored. I do every show as if I’m trying out for a new gig. By that I mean, I never mail it in. Every single break matters.

6. Your PD Elliott Wood calls you a “Superstar.” Tell us about TheresaRockFace.

Ha Ha Ha Elliott is the best.

So when Twitter first started in 2006, I signed up because I knew Britney Spears was on it and I wanted to follow her. I’m a nerd. When I signed up, it asked me for a “Handle” and I swear that’s how they referred to it. Anyway, I had called someone a dumb face, so it was top of mind and put “TheresaRockFace.” I am a rock chic and that was that. It’s became a thing. Listeners started calling me “TheresaRockFace” and then “Rockface.” It has become my “brand” I suppose and It’s just me. No “on-air persona” or anything. I am the same person on-air as I am at home raising two kids. I’m always rough around the edges and there is never a dull moment.

7. How are you using social media to augment what you’re doing on-air?

Social media brings what we do to a whole new level. Radio people were never seen, just heard. It helps my listeners relate to me more than ever. They get to see me in the studio, at home with my kids or out having lots of drinks out with my friends. I hide nothing. I also use it as an amazing contesting tool.

8. What is a typical day like for you with your duties at The Buzz and iHeartMedia?

Typical day starts at about 8:30am. I have a lot of out of market duties, so I start diving into it early. I will toss out my daily Theresa Gif on social and getting the usual ticket times out on social. Sit in the chair at 10am and just go! It’s a solid 5-hour tornado.

We all do lots specialty videos for our digital department, so that is always a huge part of the job I have started the “RockfaceRewind” that airs weekly. It’s basically a recap of all things wicked musically that people need to know about.

9. Who is your favorite on-air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?

Ok this is a real answer and if you ask anyone in my cluster, they will tell you it’s true. I’m a HUGE fan of Delilah. I grew up listening to her in Kansas City as a kid. Who doesn’t love a good cry with Delilah?

Secondly, I love that she helps people. When I have listeners tell me that I inspired them in some way, I love it. I’m an open book. I’m always open about my first failed marriage, the struggles of being a single mom for so long or maybe it’s me talking about my debilitating anxiety issues. I’m not perfect and I share that with people. I always joke and say that when Delilah retires, I want her job. (I’m not sure TheresaRockFace would go over with her lifelong fan base though)

10. What would surprise people most about you?

I LOVE reading up on psychology. I’m fascinated by the human psyche. I love analyzing people for good, not evil. I love helping the underdog and helping people in general. I want to help young kids find value in themselves, I want all humans to know their self-worth. I would love to do inspirational public speaking one day. I’m a very intense outspoken alpha at work. I think people assume I like it to be all about me, when in reality, I want to put others on a pedestal.

What are weekends like for you?

A lot different than they were 10 years ago. I have partied and lived enough for 10 people. I’m seriously lucky to be alive. I love being a homebody. I have two kids, two dogs, and an amazing husband. My ideal weekends are sweatpants, wine and being home with my family.

What are your favorite places to eat in the area?

Well in Houston it’s all about TexMex and BBQ. El Tiempo is my jam and my favorite BBQ place is LULING CITY MARKET! I could eat there every day. If you’re ever in Houston, eat there. Rudy’s BBQ is my second favorite.

The message on your bio says, “Music is like Vodka Soup for the Soul.” Explain.

Music is medicinal and therapeutic. It brings out emotion, helps heal you and can set any mood. One great song can spark inspiration that makes you take a completely different road in life. I’ve never read, Chicken Soup For The Soul, but my version sounds like it’s the ultimate self-help book!

First record ever purchased?

It isn’t cool. The first record I ever bought was A bunch of crappy 12 CDs for 1-cent. The BMG thing ended up costing my parents like $200 because I was in 4th grade and didn’t get the concept.

The FIRST record that I bought that meant something to me was Nirvana Nevermind! It was that first album that I played start to finish. The lyrics made me think and just like “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, it made me take a turn in life. That song changed the path of music and it did the same for me. I think that album and Metallica’s ... And Justice For All were the foundation of the music fan that I am today.

First concert?

Rick Springfield at the age of 4. My REAL FIRST concert that I remember is NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK and I’m gonna leave it at that.

Favorite band of all-time?

This is so hard! It’s either Tool, Slipknot or Fleetwood Mac. I can’t choose. It’s impossible.

Favorite new band over the past year?

I am drinking that Billie Eilish Kool-Aid HARD!!!! This girl is 18 and sings like she has been married 5 times, killed for pleasure and has exotic animals for pets. My daughter got me turned onto her a couple of years ago because musically all the little kids knew about her before we did.

Anything else you would like to add?

I want to thank you for this opportunity. It’s cool to be recognized and I hope this wasn’t boring.