10 Questions with ... Vydra

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• KTOZ/Springfield, MO (Alt) interned, hired for overnights, weekends, swing '97-'98; KXUS/Springfield, MO (Classic Rock) nights, '98-'99;
• KCHZ/Kansas City (Top 40) weekends, '99-2000;
• KQRC/KC (Rock) weekends, swing, 2000-'03;
• Metro Traffic/KC, traffic reporter, 2000-03;
• KKND/New Orleans (Alt, later Country) middays, mornings, afternoons, APD/MD, '03-'08;
• KRDJ/Baton Rouge (Rock) middays, afternoons, MD, '05-'08;
• KDGE/Dallas (Alt) Mornings, 2008-Present.

Some people also think it's interesting that I worked at BDS for a short while. So, yes, if you were on-air at an Alternative station in 1999 or 2000, there's a good chance I heard you, or had to figure out what the hell you were playing for your "'80s lunch." Thanks for that!

1. How did you become interested in radio?

By accident. I was a total overachiever in high school and was just trying to add more crap to my college applications to make me look astounding. My high school had opened up an internship class and I jumped on it. I was one of those "A/V geeks." In fact I was president of the damn club. Ugh! Since I had already been producing a monthly children's news show for the local TV station, and interning at the local newspaper, I felt like radio was the final frontier. I just didn't know it would be so cool. So much for that scholarship.

2. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

KTOZ was really all we listened to. It was "Channel Z" at the time. Since I practically started there as a kid, I was freaked out when I met Kevin Howard, the morning guy, in the break room. It was my first 'hearing the voice off of the radio' moment. His voice is still one of the most unique I've heard to this day. My home town is lucky to have him. That personality is as unique as they come as well.

3. What is your role on the morning show?

Punching bag, token party girl, music know how chick, and I do the news traffic and weather. Mom is proud and so is the fiancé.

4. Tell us about Studio V?

It's my attempt to make more work for myself. No, it's simple really, and I have big hopes for it in 2010. Basically, we all know that not as many bands can get exposed as before in the "good old days" and this is simply an outlet for that. So, under the radar, up and coming, old but still loved, or just fringe artists that are playing in Dallas have a fun little phone interview with me, we put a podcast up of it on the kdge.com website, giveaway some tickets to the show, and everybody wins. I added a personal touch by having my sister make cartoons out of each of the people I've had on, ala "Daytrotter" style. Anything to add attention to the site. And the artists seem to like it.

5. What do you like best living in Dallas?

As a lover of live music, this is a great place to live. Bands just have to stop here, and all the venues, from big to small, are great. Believe me; I've been to almost all of them. I've caught just about every band I've wanted to see in the short time I've been here.

6. What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

This isn't my only job. I'm also the host of Club Hour for Tripsmarter.com. If you're ever in a hotel room in the southeast, be prepared to see my mug telling you what bar or restaurant to go hang at.

7. What part of your job do you like best? Least?

The hours.

8. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?

A nap.

9. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

The only thing that remains constant is change.

10. If you wanted to completely change careers today what would you do?

I've had this weird feeling that I'd like to be a history teacher. Boring for them, but like storytelling for me.

What are your hobbies?

Cooking, running (when I get motivated), downloading copious amounts of music, listening to copious amounts of music, buying records for my new record player, and dirty cross-stitch. A cross-stitched dirty word is a fabulous thing. Try it!

Last non-industry job?

Office Manager for a children's sports Photo Company.

First record ever purchased?

I can't remember what I purchased, but I remember what I first got as a gift that was a BIG deal for me: The Go-Go's "Vacation." I'm the youngest of six girls. They're all 13 years older than me and up. Each of them wanted to make their mark on me. I distinctly remember opening that gift and screaming at the top of my lungs. It was a good day.

First concert?

The Beach Boys. My parents dragged me and I whined. I was nine. I've since apologized. At least it wasn't New Kids.

Favorite band of all-time?

That's impossible. The best band of all time is The Rolling Stones. But, if I were stuck on an island with only my ipod I'd probably pick Liz Phair. I've been listening to her since I was 13. It's kinda my deal.