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10 Questions with ... Ashtyn Brown
November 9, 2021
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. I love that I can be a voice on the radio station I've listened to since I was a kid. And it's a pretty cool flex when people ask me what I do for work, and I can tell them to listen to my show and find out.
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started interning at Marc Radio in Fall 2019, became a board-op fall 2020, started middays Fall 2021. Worked social media for ESPN Summer 2021.
1. How did you first become interested in radio?
I met someone from 100.5 The Buzz at a career fair on campus at UF in fall 2019, and he brought me on as an intern within a month. I've been hanging around Marc Radio Group ever since. I've always been told I talk too much, so I figured I might as well get paid to do it.
2. What led to your recent move to middays on WHHZ?
The PD came to me with an opportunity to be on-air and I wasn't gonna turn it down.
3. How would you describe your on-air style?
I'm pretty casual and conversational. I've been told I'm a little sarcastic sounding (me, sarcastic? Never...). Being from the area, I talk a lot about what's going on in the communities outside of Gainesville too. A lot of listeners actually come from my hometown, Chiefland.
4. What is your show prep routine?
Chug a Red Bull, scroll Twitter to see what's going on in music news worth talking about, turn on my radio voice and go.
5. What are the benchmarks of your midday show from 10a-3p?
I have the 60 Minute Buzz, commercial free during the noon hour.
6. What do you love most about being on-air?
I love that I can be a voice on the radio station I've listened to since I was a kid. And it's a pretty cool flex when people ask me what I do for work, and I can tell them to listen to my show and find out.
7. How are you using social media to augment what you’re doing on-air?
I post about my day-to-day routine all the time. My followers and family members are pretty invested in what I'm up to, so I use my profiles to boost my show and encourage people to listen. I'm sure like half the people who tune into my show are my friends and extended family who keep up with me on Facebook. I also get a lot of my on-air talking points from what's popular on TikTok, Twitter and Instagram.
8. How does radio fit into your busy schedule as a senior at the University Of Florida and serving as Miss Florida Gator?
I have always been someone with a lot going on, because staying busy keeps me out of trouble. I hate to be bored. And it's amazing how quickly you learn time management skills when the roof over your head depends on it.
9. What else would surprise people most about you?
No one ever believes me when I say I'm only 20. I also am a huge Marvel fan, and an avid Disney World/Universal goer.
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Red Bull and Twitter. Some people have their morning coffee while they read the newspaper, I slam a Peach Red Bull and scroll Twitter.
Bonus Questions
What are weekends like for you?
In the fall I revolve my weekends around college football. Other than that, I spend a lot of my weekends at Disney and Universal, or back home with my family in Chiefland.
What are your favorite places to eat in the area?
You can't beat Satchel's Pizza in Gainesville. If you're up for a drive, there's not a bad place to eat in Cedar Key. 1998 Grill in Chiefland has the best zucchini fries you'll ever eat.
I’m guessing the Florida Gators are #1. Rank your sports teams in order of passion.
The Gators are absolutely #1. Other than that, the only other teams I care about are the Atlanta Braves and the Chiefland Indians. I don't do the NFL or the NBA, and I really don't care about any college teams outside of the SEC.
First record ever purchased?
The first record I ever bought with my own money was One Direction's "Up All Night." I was 11, and bought it on my iPad.
First concert?
I didn't actually go to an arena concert until earlier this month, when I saw Harry Styles in Tampa. Before that, the only other live concerts I'd ever seen were performers at Okeechobeefest in 2020. If we're counting those, then the first concert I went to was Vampire Weekend. I was sheltered as a teen.
Favorite band of all-time?
God that's so hard. I guess I'm going to have to go with Fleetwood Mac. Queen is a close second.
Favorite new band over the past year?
Greta Van Fleet for sure. I'm so glad I found their music.
Anything else you would like to add?
Follow my Instagram! I am always looking to network. @ashtynbrown
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