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10 Questions with ... Kenzie K
June 13, 2023
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. I like people to feel something when they hear me…whether they laugh, they're shocked, they can relate, or even if they think something is ridiculous. Don't worry about what people think of you, it's just good they are thinking of you.
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Conclave scholarship winner, KDWB/Minneapolis Dave Ryan Morning Show Intern, Overnight Host, KEYC/Mankato TV News Reporter, KDOG (Hot 96.7)/Mankato Night Host, WLLD (WiLD 94.1)/Tampa Midday Host, WBBM (B96)/Chicago Midday Host and voice tracked Audacy's WTDY (965TDY)/Philadelphia, WPOW (Power96)/Miami & KSFM/Sacramento. Current Morning Show Host on Q101 Chicago & Co-Creator / Co-Host of The MVP Game on Marquee Sports Network.
1. I hear your mom was responsible for getting you passionate about radio. Please explain.
I had NO idea what I wanted to do after high school! I mentioned taking some time off and she (mom) was not into that idea! I thought about a journalism degree (I wanted to avoid math by any means necessary!) So, I was sitting in the car sharing all this with her and she finally interjected by saying, "Well you love music, and you never stop talking so how about you just do radio?" It turned out to be pretty good advice!
2. What led to your recent move in Chicago from B96 to Q101?
I am not a complacent person as you can see from my media track record, and it was time for growth! I had spent many years sitting in a room talking to myself and I was ready for a true show! I've wanted that ever since I first interned for Dave Ryan. I can't thank Cumulus and Q101 enough for believing and investing in me.
3. What is your role as morning co-host working with Brian on Q101 Morning Crew?
Brian is definitely the quarterback of our morning show, he's amazing at setting up every topic, bit and story, as well as handling a lot of the technical aspects like running the board. I was brought in to be a strong presence with my big personality, ideas and socials. I'm also a Chicago die-hard in so many ways and Chicagoans deserve to hear that on their radio! The show is a really nice balance of all that, and our Executive Producer, Case is a rockstar!
4. What is a typical workday like for you?
I wake up at 3:15am, leave my home by 4:00am and arrive to Q101 by 5:00am. Our show airs from 6-10am often followed by a morning show meeting, recording of commercials, etc. My husband, Roman & I have our own TV show The MVP Game on Marquee Sports Network and we handle everything. We cast the show, schedule film dates, coordinate with the entire crew, write the scripts / questions, control all the socials, executive produce the episodes before they air…you name it & we do it! After handling all our TV show responsibilities, I usually workout, cook dinner (family dinner truly is always my favorite part of the day) and many times we're running off to one of my son's extracurricular activities! I show prep for the morning show right before bed and try to be asleep by 10pm just to wake up and do it all over again! I always do my best to make sure Q101, The MVP Game & my family all feel prioritized. I try not to miss anything!
5. How would you describe your on-air style?
Authentic! I am myself through and through! Sometimes people love me for it and sometimes they hate me for it…but I don't let that bother me. I don't have a problem admitting that I'm not an expert on certain topics, I don't need to pretend I'm a genius. I don't mind if people think I'm crazy because of something I did when I was young, or I'm spoiled because I like presents. I like people to feel something when they hear me…whether they laugh, they're shocked, they can relate, or even if they think something is ridiculous. Don't worry about what people think of you, it's just good they are thinking of you.
6. What do you love most about being on-air?
Connecting with people. There is not a better feeling in the world than when someone tells you they spit out their coffee laughing so hard at something you said or did. What a great job this is to be able to bring entertainment and joy to people! Happiness is truly priceless!
7. How do you use social media?
My socials are honestly very transparent. Some people hide pieces of their personal life (which is totally fine) but I choose to share my entire life. I mean, my husband and I actually post about some of our arguments (it helps make the fight more fun at least). Socials are a great way to extend past my time on TV & radio and let people feel like they genuinely know you. That type of transparency creates a great bond with viewers and listeners.
8. You also do some TV work. Tell us about your role with Marquee Sports Network and hosting "Countdown Chicago" on New Year's Eve.
Yes! My husband and I, along with our agent Steve Mandell, created The MVP Game. It's a relationship based game show that helps Chicago Cubs fans win coveted tickets to iconic Wrigley Field. It was actually inspired by my own relationship…our love for not only each other, but also for baseball. We not only host the show, but we also cast each episode, schedule the film dates, coordinate the crew, write the questions, handle wardrobe and executive produce every episode before it airs. We are involved in every single detail, and it is truly our passion project. We also need to thank ABC-7 Chicago for believing in our TV hosting ability before anybody by allowing us to co-host their New Year's Eve Special Countdown Chicago back to back years. We actually just won our first Emmy for it. We also regularly contribute on Windy City Weekend & several other of their projects. We truly do have two amazing TV partners in Marquee Sports Network & ABC-7 Chicago.
9. What else may surprise people about you?
I've worked really hard to become bilingual! I didn't grow up speaking Spanish, but I've dedicated myself to learning it over the years! I'm still a work in progress, but my hope is to raise my kids speaking both languages!.
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Talking with my husband and cold brew coffee.
Bonus Questions
What are weekends like for you?
If it's baseball season, then Cubs games are usually a guarantee! Of course, work events, but if that's not happening I truly love being home with my family and keeping a few days simple, gardening, walks, trying new restaurants, and of course sleeping in some.
Favorite Beverage?
Cold brew coffee, and Diet Coke (I rarely drink but Diet Coke is definitely my bad habit).
Favorite Food?
Any and all Latin food.
Favorite Deep Dish Pizza?
Lou Malnati's does the deep dish best!
What are your favorite places to eat in the Windy City?
This is SO difficult because I love food! Bavette's, Gene & Georgetti's, Volare, and Mi Tocaya Antojera are all phenomenal.
How often do you get back to Minneapolis and what are your top priorities when you get back home?
A few times a year I make it back. My top priority is soaking up family time, life in media has moved me around a lot so those moments are precious. I also get very excited to listen to KDWB, it brings back awesome memories.
First concert?
Styx and REO Speedwagon with my family. It was an outdoor concert, so incredible!
Favorite band of all-time?
My two all-time favorite artists are Prince and Selena Qintanilla
Anything else you would like to add?
I feel blessed to have gotten the opportunities in my life to be successful in media, but please know behind every successful moment has been a million "no's" and closed doors. If one person doesn't believe in you, it doesn't mean that no one believes in you. So, if you are currently facing a tough moment in this industry, trust me we all do, and your moment is coming!
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