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10 Questions with ... Mady Rhodes
May 23, 2023
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. I try to connect with listeners as much as possible through social media and by bringing social media conversations to the air either by reading comments on our posts or on the air or by reading the results I get from polls and surveys. We have been brainstorming ideas to make listener connections stronger.
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Promo Intern from 2013-2014, Board Operator starting in 2015 at Audacy (previously Entercom), over the next couple of years graduated from overnight weekends to weeknight overnights. Went back to school during layoffs in 2020. Began running the board during Padres game broadcasts at KWFN in 2022. Still a board op. at The Fan while hosting middays at Alt 94.9 since March 2023.
1. How did you first become interested in radio?
I grew up in the rural outskirts of San Diego. As a teenager my closest friend lived a couple miles away and before I was old enough to drive, I kept myself entertained by listening to the radio a lot of the time when I wasn't at school. During high school I really had no idea what I wanted to do as a career. I knew I was passionate about music and hearing local DJs talk passionately about music inspired me to pursue a career in radio.
2. After working behind the scenes at ALT 949 since 2015, how does it feel to be hosting middays from 10a-3p on the station you grew up listening to?
It is a very surreal feeling. I reflect often on the time I spent growing up listening to this station. There have been times where I didn't expect my radio career to go any further than it had before the pandemic but I'm happy that I found ways to stay with Audacy so that I was in the right position to apply for the midday spot when the opportunity became available.
3. How did you become attracted to ALT 949?
I remember listening to 3 different rock/alternative stations as a teenager and KBZT was always my go-to for variety.
4. What do you love most about being on-air?
I love getting to share music news with listeners. I love learning about the stories and details behind songs and their meanings. I love getting to share those details with listeners.
5. How would you describe your on-air style?
Over the years I've become way more relaxed. Close friends and family used to tell me I sounded way different on-air. My goal when I'm on air is just to be the best version of myself. I think I'm way more chill and authentic now than I used to be.
6. What is your show prep routine
Before starting my shift I'll usually check station socials (I'm very active on Instagram, not so much anything else.) to identify relevant talking points for the day. As I go through my shift I'll check in on bands/artists socials for updates.
7.What is a typical workday like for you?
I'll usually scroll through our Instagram for a while, open up our website to make sure I'm caught up with events and contests. I enjoy reading comments on our Instagram posts and posting polls or asking questions on our story at the beginning of my shift so that I can respond to listener feedback on-air. I try to stay active on our socials all day to repost anything that's relevant and keep steady interaction and engagement going. I board op. for our sister station KWFN
The Fan during some Padres game broadcasts but if I'm not working a game I will most likely be doing schoolwork once my airshift ends.
8. How do you stay connected with the ALT 949 audience?
I try to connect with listeners as much as possible through social media and by bringing social media conversations to the air either by reading comments on our posts or on the air or by reading the results I get from polls and surveys. We have been brainstorming ideas to make listener connections stronger, I believe we are going to be integrating a request line into my show pretty soon which I am super excited about. Making connections isn't as easy as it was before the pandemic but now that things seem back to normal, I hope to be able to go out to more events and have more face-to-face interactions with listeners.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Ordering something on Amazon Prime. I hate to say it because I know it takes a toll on the environment but these days, delivery services are almost a necessity for a lot of us. I just moved into a new apartment and had virtually no furniture. Amazon Prime saved me so much time and money. Not to mention, hauling furniture up to the 3rd floor is never a good time.
10. What would surprise people most about you?
I'm learning Swedish and Latin but I'm definitely not fluent in either language yet.
Bonus Questions
Your bio states: I'm as much of a nerd about sustainability as I am about music and I'm currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Management. Please share more.
I've always been someone who recycles because I'm passionate about the environment. About a year ago I was drinking coconut water when I noticed the label on the bottle said to discard the label before recycling the bottle. That's when I learned how much of what we put into the recycling bin doesn't actually get recycled because of other non-recyclable materials. I thought "why can't these companies just make completely recyclable packaging?" That experience gave me the idea to pursue a career involving environmentally sustainable marketing.
Tell us about your obsessions for coffee, skin care, plants, and animals.
I've worked at Starbucks in the past and after seeing how much sugar goes into what most people consider "coffee" I've grown to love black cold brew or cold brew with a very small amount of sweetener. I am slowly getting better at keeping plants alive. My apartment balcony doesn't get a lot of sunlight so I'm enjoying learning which plants prefer shade and how to care for them. Other than music, animals have been the most constant passion in my life. I've grown up with every type of pet from chickens to donkeys. I don't have any pets right now because I live in an apartment, but I know a new pet will come into my life at the right time.
What are weekends like for you?
An ideal weekend would consist of walking around my neighbourhood and trying out a new restaurant with my husband. We just moved to Coronado, CA which has been a dream of mine for a very long time, so I want to spend as much time appreciating the island as possible while we live here. I also love hitting the gym on the weekends because that's when it's the least crowded!
What are your favorite restaurants in San Diego?
The Henry in Coronado is awesome. I actually got to eat there for the first time a couple of weeks ago because there is always such a long wait to get a table, but it was worth the hype. I also love that San Diego has so many vegetarian friendly restaurants, there are a ton that I want to try out!
First record ever purchased?
I bought Elton John's greatest hits when I was 11. Weird choice for an 11-year-old but Elton John will always be one of my favourite artists of all time.
First concert?
I saw Maroon 5 when I was 13 (an embarrassing past obsession). I am grateful though because The Hives opened for them and that led to me exploring more of the punk and rock genre. The Hives are still the best live band I've ever seen.
Favorite band of all-time?
It's a draw between Tool and Metallica... I'm not that stoked on Metallica's new stuff though and Tool can do no wrong in my book. So I'm gonna say Tool.
Favorite new band over the past year?
Some bands and artists I've started listening to a lot over the past year include Bad Omens, Foals, Local Natives, Mac Demarco, Grimes, and Benee.
Anything else you would like to add?
I'm just really grateful to have this position on Alt. The past few years have had crazy ups and downs (it's been a weird few years for all of us). I've seen a lot of people exit the industry and I've felt discouraged at times but I'm really thankful for the opportunities I have now and I'm excited for this next step.
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