10 Questions with ... Kelly "Izzy" Ferry

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started at WPGU in Champaign, IL, then moved to Springfield, IL to do Nights on 99-7 KISS FM. From there, I went on to Fresno, CA to do Mornings and Middays at 105.1 The Blaze for 4 years, then Mornings in Vegas at KOMP 92.3 for just over 3 years.

1. How did you first become interested in radio?

It was by chance, actually. I was in college studying Psychology because I wanted to work with serial killers for my career. I was working part-time at a sandwich shop on campus, and one day, a student walked in for lunch. We made small-talk as I made his sandwich. He said he worked at the radio station across the street, which I didn't even know existed. He invited me to an interview later that week, but I was hesitant to go. My roommate was the one who convinced me, and I got the unpaid job! It was the most fun I had ever had, and I knew I wanted to continue in the industry after graduating. Plus, it's way less depressing than talking to serial killers all day.

2.  Congrats on your recent move to ALT AZ 93-3! You mentioned when you accepted the job that you grew up in Chicago listening to Hubbard Radio stations and wanted to work for the company. Tell us about what led to your passion for Hubbard Radio?

Thank you so much! I did! I always heard great things about the company (Hubbard) from other people in the industry. I heard that they treated their employees well, and that was the biggest draw for me. Not to mention, they have some monster stations and talent in multiple markets. I'm proud to be working for such a great company and experiencing exactly what I always heard about them.

3.  You previously were part of B.S. In The Morning at KOMP/Las Vegas. How different is it hosting a music-intensive show on ALT AZ?

Hosting my own Morning Show gives me complete creative freedom, which is actually pretty nice. There's definitely more pressure being the only person on the show, but it feels good knowing that it's all content I've chosen specifically for the listeners. Plus, making the listeners part of my show has been such a blast.  

4.  How would describe your on-air style and Izzy Mornings from 6-10a?

I tend to be a pretty observant person, so I like to talk about a lot of things I witness or learn every day. It could be something embarrassing that happened to me, a cool fact I learned about bugs (I know, I'm weird), a local place I tried for the first time, and of course important stuff going on in the news (but in an interesting way). I try to be as relatable but as authentic as I can be. I'd consider my style sarcastic, bubbly, and excitable.

  5.  What is your show prep routine?

I like to do all of my show-prep the day before my show, but I always leave room in case something happens overnight or the next morning that's more important to bring up. I'm basically prepping throughout the entire day, writing down things I want to talk about what happened to me personally, and saving stories I find online that I want to bring up.

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

The psychology of it. I know that sounds like a very science-y answer, but when I was doing radio in college, I was more or less a shock-jock. Strangers in the community would complain about me on Facebook, disgusted with things I'd say on the air. Other strangers would then defend me in the comments. It was then that I realized I had the power to make people feel a certain way, to challenge them, and when I realized the psychology behind radio, I fell in love with it. We really do have a very personal and powerful platform behind the mic, and I think we're lucky to be able to communicate with and relate to our listeners through it every day.

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

I like to post videos of local places I check out with my co-workers, actually answer and respond to listeners when they comment on posts, and make them feel heard. We have the ability to connect with them, so it's important to do that. I've been posting questions each day asking listeners to "Blow My Mind" with their best stories on certain topics each day, and the response has been great. They love to tell me their hilarious or weird stories, and I love to share them.

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

What a fun question! I haven't been able to listen to her as much since I moved away, but I used to love listening to Lux on 105.7 The Point in St. Louis when I lived near there. She has always been so personable and relatable, and unapologetically herself, and I find a lot of beauty in that. She has such a great way of connecting with the local scene and her listeners, and I know they'll miss her when she moves on to her next venture.

  9. How did you get the nickname Izzy?

I get this question a lot, and I wish it was a cooler story! My boss Jon Ballard at 105.1 The Blaze picked it off a list I made. He thought it sounded best with my co-host's name "Gus", so we went with that. Fast forward 8 years later, and this nickname has followed me around to my other jobs. To be fair, my bosses (past and current) find "Izzy" more memorable than my real name, and I'd have to agree with them.

  10.  What would surprise people most about you?

I think most people are surprised to learn that I've been a gamer my entire life. It's not something I outright share with people, but I geek out on Halo (the new one sucks, by the way), horror games, and other First Person Shooters. I'll spend 5 or 6 hours at a time just playing my Xbox.

Your bio says you like rocking climbing and kayaking. What is typical weekend like for you?

I do! Since I'm new to Phoenix, a lot of my weekend have been focused on checking out restaurants, bars, and other cool local spots to get acquainted with the area. Usually, I'm climbing, kayaking on a river or lake, or sunbathing by the water with a tallboy of Modelo.

  Tell us about your cat and 3 dogs.

They're all rescues from when I was living in Fresno, and they are the loves of my life. Jasper is an Australian Shepherd Mix who was next to be euthanized at the SPCA, so I adopted him. I found Daphne (a Papillon/Chihuahua Mix) on the street when she was about 2 months old. Jacko (a Papillon/Dachshund Mix) was being given away for free online, and my cat Tesla (named after the inventor, not the car or band) was born right outside my first apartment there. They've all grown up together and get along really well, and Daphne loves coming to work with me!

  How often do you get back to Chicago and what are your top priorities when you get back home?

Only about once or twice a year. I literally hang out with my parents the entire time. We like to go rooftop bar-hopping in the city and eat amazing food. I personally just love basking in the weather when I'm there, 'cause I'm most definitely a 4 seasons kind of person.

  Favorite band of all-time?

Manchester Orchestra. Hands down. They've been my favorite band for 15 years, and I cry every time I see them live. You know that one band that everyone has that makes them feel a certain way? That's Manchester for me.