10 Questions with ... Lisa Hamilton

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

KJFX-FM (1990-91), KQPW-FM (1991-92), KSKS-FM (1992-93), KJUG-FM (1993-97), KSEQ-FM (1999-2000), KCRZ-FM (2006-11), KJUG-FM (2008-current)

1) Your bio calls radio your first love. What attracted you to radio and how did you get your first gig?

A college professor told me about an opening at a classic rock station. At the time, I was interning at a local CBS TV station. Though I loved the people, I knew television wasn't the avenue for me, when working overnights every weekend at the radio station was something I looked forward to.

2) Congrats on your recent promotion to MD at KJUG, which is actually your second round as MD there. Tell us about the reason you took a break from radio for awhile.

Thank you. I took a break from my career after I had my first child. I was certain that nobody could take care of her like I could (I have no controlling issues whatsoever).

3) How do you balance family life with radio now? Any tips for the other moms and dads in radio?

I spend as much free time with my little darlings as possible, which includes family game night. Of course, we're never afraid to dance in the living room-the louder the music, the better. As far as advice/tips go, my kids think I should be on CMT's, "World's Strictest Parents." I choose to take this as a compliment! Seriously, I think it's great when their able to participate in KJUG events, such as our concerts. They also look forward to helping out with the St. Jude radiothon every year.

4) You have a new morning show partner, Mike Pesto. How did you introduce the new team to listeners?

Mike and I actually started our morning show July 5th, so our weekend promo teased, the real sparks kick off the day after 4th of July (something like that). We've only been together a few weeks, and I feel already work quite well together.

5) What can we expect to hear from the new show- any upcoming promotions you are excited about?

We're excited to round out our KJUG Free Summer Concert Series with Joe Nichols and then we get ready for our Signature Series concerts-LOTS of fun ahead. As far as promotions specifically for the morning show, Mike and I are focusing on meeting listeners with many live broadcasts.

6) KJUG has recently been purchased by Momentum Broadcasting. Can we expect any changes to the music there?

There will be some change, but I think it's important to never stop evolving no matter what company owns a station. We are truly blessed that anything we've needed to sound better as a station has been given to us. Momentum has been ALL about giving us the tools we need to succeed. Also, KJUG 's listeners have come to expect us to introduce the best of new Country artists, and that won't change. Adam (Adam Jeffries, PD) and I are committed to playing the best music Country has to offer!

7) I know your kids are a big part of your life. Do they think it's cool that there mom is on the radio?

The girls are more impressed than my son, Matthew. He and I were in the car recently, when he stated, "I can't believe my mom's famous. I mean, you're the head room parent of the ENTIRE school!" (This is a private school, so "entire" means 250 students total). Really?

8) Congrats on celebrating your 21st year in radio! What would you say in the key to success in the current radio climate?

It's definitely staying true to your personality, and staying connected to listeners. If we're just spinning music, we have no edge over satellite. I often imagine sitting around a coffee table, talking with friends. How would I talk, and what would we talk about. Listeners are friends. They should want to be a part of your life, and vice-versa.

9) What is the best advice you have been given in your career?

My dad always told me that life is too short to not love what you do for a living. He was right!

10) Tell us about a couple of your favorite moments on the air please, like a memorable interview, touching listener story, etc.

During my first run at KJUG, a mom with three kids came in just before Christmas. Her husband had left her, with no money or food. I happened to be near the front desk when she came in to ask for assistance. It was rough, because I knew she clearly had to swallow her pride to ask for help. I wasn't a mother yet, but I knew she was only asking for her children's sake. KJUG was able to set her up with food; and I decided to help out with Christmas gifts. I enjoyed doing this, right down to my lousy gift wrapping. She came to pick up the gifts December 24th. She told me that she was going back to school, so that her kids would know that under any circumstance, they could take care of themselves. Fast forward to July: I was broadcasting live at A&W, and this teenager comes up to me, and gives me a hug. I had no idea who he was, until he said, "We wouldn't have had Christmas without you." That's when I see "Mom" who tells me that school is going well. She is a nurse today. I can't think of that family without my eyes swelling a little. It's a reminder to me that we never know how we may impact someone else, very often with little effort. I can say with complete certainty that a beautiful family most definitely changed me in a very positive way!

1) What is the most listened to songs on your iPod lately?

Anything Blake Shelton and once in awhile, a little "Rocky Mountain High" from J.D. (Don't judge me until you try it! It's amazing free therapy)!

2) As an avid reader, tell us what books we must check out this summer.

The Red Tent (Anita Diament), We Were the Mulvaneys (Joyce Carol Oates), From This Moment On (Shania Twain) and, If You Ask Me (Betty White). Of course, if life has been extremely challenging, there's nothing quite like a belly laugh from Chelsea Handler's, Are You There Vodka, It's Me, Chelsea !

3) What's the best meal in Visalia?

Visalia has AWESOME restaurants! This answer could change at any moment. But for now, I'm going with the breaded calamari with lemon sauce appetizer, followed by the smoked salmon salad at Crawdaddy's-Deee-lish!