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10 Questions with ... Liv Maddix
November 1, 2022
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. Being able to reach so many people. It's a huge responsibility that I don't take lightly, but if I could make just one person laugh or improve their day, that's invaluable to me.
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Began as the occasional fill-in at 92 Moose (WMME/Augusta, ME) before becoming a street team member and doing weekend shifts. After a couple of years, I was hired full-time to do morning drive at B98.5 (WEBB/Augusta, ME) and mid-days on 92 Moose. A year after that, beginning in 2020, I went to Portland, ME, and joined The Q Morning Show on Q97.9 (WJBQ) and afternoons on WCYY. After two and a half years I made the big jump to KPNT in St. Louis, MO.
1. You had a desire to enter the industry in your teenage years. How did you first become interested in radio?
In 2003 for my 13th birthday, I was given my own stereo. 3-Disc changer, dual cassette, and AM/FM radio. It was at this time I began listening to the radio as I got ready for school. As much as I liked the music, I still wanted to hear the morning shows and what they had to say. I thought how lucky and how incredible it was to go to work every day and laugh and have fun. I thought, is dedicating 40 hours a week to something even worth doing if you're not having fun? That thought stuck with me through job after job that I hated. Radio was a dream that I never thought would be a reality for me.
2. When you landed the job, you said, "Going to a major market was nothing I had ever imagined for myself. I knew one thing though, when KPNT calls, you listen. It took some time to see myself making such a big leap. To believe I could and was worthy. Once I grasped that, I was all in." Give us a little insight into your desire to join The Point team and what led to you landing this great opportunity to move from Portland, ME to St. Louis?
To be perfectly honest when The Point reached out, I really only responded because I figured it would be a good negotiating tool for my next review. I thought maybe I could dangle the fact that a big market wanted me and maybe get a raise with the cost of living getting higher and higher. I think because from the get-go I wasn't fully invested I felt zero pressure through the whole process. I think this helped me come across genuinely. When they offered to fly me out, I figured, hey, a free trip. But the more I listened and learned the more I realized this was an opportunity I couldn't refuse. I've never been one to chase status in the workplace or climb any proverbial ladder. I already was living my dream of being in radio. What I learned was that Hubbard operated in a way that I saw as encouraging in this industry. That my work-life balance would be in a healthy place again. That I could laugh and have fun here too.
My whole family is in Maine. They have rarely left over the years, and if they did, they came back. I have young nieces and a nephew. I didn't think I could stand to leave them and the one place I knew and loved. Once I wrapped my mind around that we would have quality time during visits, the loss of quantity didn't seem as heavy. Once I sorted out everything, I was losing with everything I was gaining, and along with a ton of support and encouragement from loved ones and those at The Point, I felt like there was no other option but to jump. Everyone else believes in me, maybe I should start to, too.
3. How does it feel to be working at The Point?
Awesome. The people here are just all-around good people. From other on-air staff to sales, and management, everyone has been supportive and welcoming from day 1.
4. How hard was it coming in replacing Lux, who became a legend at The Point.
It wasn't hard for a few reasons. The last two morning shows I joined were after people were let go with zero explanation to listeners. That's the business and we know that, but listeners don't. To the listener, someone who was part of their everyday routine was just kicked to the curb and who the hell is this new girl that thinks she can take her place? While those reactions were few and far between, and as much as I didn't take it personally, it was an added hurdle to win people over. With Lux's departure, it was her choice and The Point allowed her to be open about that on air. Listeners knew it was coming. They were able to say goodbye and Lux and the listeners were able to close that door with grace. A door was opened for me to come in and truly be myself and I feel like so far, I have been accepted with open arms and ears. And what's great is that with social media being what it is today her loyal fans still get to connect with her just as I still have people from Maine keeping in touch with me.
5. How would you describe your on-air style?
It's hard for me to truly put a label on it. Casual, maybe? When I crack the mic, I want to talk to the person on the other end like they're my friend. My humor can be a bit like a 16-year-old boy at times but that's just how I can be off-air too. I don't shy away from laughing at myself and the absurdities of the world.
6. Tell us about afternoons on The Point with Liv from 2-6pm.
You'll get a mix of my observations and experiences in life. Especially being a newbie to the area. And of course, the latest on the alt-rock artists our listeners love.
7. What is your show prep routine?
I try to keep it simple. I have a loose road map for the day. I use a planner notebook that has just enough lines to dedicate to each break. I fill in the daily benchmarks, then the giveaways, and promotions. Whatever spaces that are left are filled with either something personal and entertaining or music/pop culture news. I visit sites like Blabbermouth and Consequence every day to see what's new.
8. What do you love most about being on-air?
Being able to reach so many people. It's a huge responsibility that I don't take lightly, but if I could make just one person laugh or improve their day, that's invaluable to me.
9. Why did you change your on-air when you joined The Point?
Two reasons. The first being safety. I've had my share of people that made me uncomfortable in the past, thankfully nothing dangerous, but my mind has considered dangerous outcomes several times. I've also become more educated on how easily personal information is accessed. Simply knowing someone's name and where they're from can get you phone numbers, addresses, and links to family members. It's quite terrifying. While using an alias isn't foolproof by any means it adds some peace of mind. The second reason is that Liv Maddix sounds badass. I wanted a badass name for a badass station. And without getting specific, Liv has a personal family connection, so it still feels like "me" which was important to me.
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Music. I always say I'm a fan first. Oh, and lip balm.
Bonus Questions
What are weekends like for you as you get to know St. Louis?
I'm trying to get out there and meet people and build a friend group. I use the app Bumble BFF. Think dating app but for friendships. I've gone on some friend dates, and I try to say "yes" to events and new experiences. But I also love and need the occasional quiet weekend at home.
I hear you are a big fan of breakfast food. What's your favorite breakfast food?
French toast and bacon.
Where are your favorite places to eat in the St. Louis?
The Shack and Nudo. The Shack is a breakfast/brunch/lunch spot, so it was pretty much made for me. Nudo is a noodle place very close to the station. Fantastic ramen. The only downside is I need a nap afterward. Not great for lunch when I have a show to do but I push through!
You were born and raised in Maine. What do you miss most?
The ocean. My family can visit me here, but the ocean is something I simply cannot get here. The sights, the sound, the smell. The ocean is my happy place.
Rank your sports teams in order of passion.
Portland Sea Dogs (minor league for the Red Sox) Red Sox New England Patriots
Though I am very eager to see The Blues play this season and I am looking forward to a full Cardinals season next year.
First record ever purchased?
I'm not sure of what purchased for myself but one year, maybe for a birthday I was gifted 3 CDs and they describe me pretty well. Baby One More Time from Britney Spears, Human Clay from Creed, and WWF The Music Vol. 4.
First concert?
When I was a senior in high school, I saw Skillet play in a gymnasium at a Christian school/church in Biddeford, Maine. This was just a couple of years before they jumped into the mainstream. In fact, two years later I saw them open for Puddle Of Mudd and Shinedown.
Favorite band of all-time?
It's a tie between Halestorm and The Struts. Both bands I was lucky enough to already interview in my short time at The Point.
Favorite new band over the past year?
Lilith Czar. I saw that she was touring with Halestorm and The Pretty Reckless, so I gave her album a listen. Absolutely incredible and fantastic to watch live.
Anything else you would like to add?
I guess to wrap things up I have zero regrets. I have learned so much and gained so much confidence in myself as a radio presenter. In just two months here I've done so much in this business that I have never done before. I'm incredibly grateful.
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