10 Questions with ... Kat Simons

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I have been fortunate enough to have been in radio forever…While in my first year of college in my Hometown of Elkins, WV I volunteered at our college station. During that time, I was approached by the commercial station in town and offered an full time on-air position. Yes, I took that. I was only the 2nd female announcer they had had and I learned so much there, from different formats to reading the funeral announcements. Then I was on to Clarksburg, WV and WKKW ‘Hit Kickin Country,’ then Morgantown, WV to Rocker WCLG. I later went back to my hometown to start up their new FM (complete with the latest early form of Voice Tracking Call Voice Tapes at which time I did Mornings). Then, I finally got to work in one of my favorite places…the Outer Banks of North Carolina at Surf 106 ‘The Boss’ of the beach as midday/morning co-host. I was working for Beach TV at this time as well. After six years I was hired in Richmond at B1037 but have spent the largest part of my career at Mix98.1

1. How would you describe your first radio gig?

I was so scared but it was the most exciting thing in the world. The hosts did everything from writing and producing commercials to being in our local parades and learning some basic engineering skills. I know what an Oscillator is!

2. What led you to a career in radio?

I wanted to have some way to make a difference for good. Radio gave me that platform.

3. In addition to your music department responsibilities, you host middays. What is it about being on the air that you still love the most?

That is easy – the listeners. I have always felt like you gain a listener and a friend one by one. We are family. Sharing the good times as well as the not so good. And I love doing charity work in the community.

4. Tell us about Kat’s Mix Café.

The Cafe has been the 2nd oldest feature on the station second only to ‘My Pet of the Day.’ It’s a lunch time break for everyone. Even if you work through lunch…we have fun with dedications requests. I also feature ‘In the Kitchen With Kat’ where a recipe is highlighted and supported by social.

5. How does the Wicker & Wilde morning show jump start Mix’s broadcast day?

They are fantastic…so much fun energy! Stories and news that matter along with reliable traffic reports. The interaction between Jeff and Rebecca is perfect. The jokes are hilarious and the interaction with the listeners is a blast! They make mornings fun.

6. Pet Rescue is a huge part of what makes you you. How did you become so involved in that effort?

Thanks for asking. From a young age pets, have been my passion. As my grandmother used to say, ‘Here comes Kat I bet she has a Jeep full of cats and dogs that need homes.’ She was right. I began here in Richmond visiting groups that have adoption sites, and my list of groups doing great work grew. I do every possible charity event for these groups as well as feature ‘The Pet of the Day’ on the station each weekday; a different group every day. Pets are unconditional love and they deserve to be treated with love and a home.

7. You’re also heavily involved in numerous other charity concerns. What are some of the other things that keep you busy?

The Cancer Society, The Read Center, ASK Foundation, The USO, The Down Syndrome Society of Greater Richmond, LLS, Soar 365 and many other fabulous organizations

8. No two AC stations are close to being the same sonically in 2022. When a current song does go on the station, what are you looking for?

A song that will not offend at-work listeners or one that parents would turn off with kids in the car. Current examples…’Save Your Tears,’ ‘Cold Cold Heat,’ ‘Bad Habits’

9. What were your favorite station(s) to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?

My hometown station WDNE. They placed different formats each shift and at night you they would play Top 40 hits…loved Roger Taylor. DC101 and the Greaseman…wow that dates me…and any station with Casey Kasem. I love great County music as well and growing up I had plenty to choose from (my dad would take us to Country shows all the time)

10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?

There are so many. Early on it was by far my first boss Bill Carr and my co-workers. We were such a family. We went out to eat every Friday night and would have Greaseman listening parties. Of course, my dad. He was so proud and eventually started to like other formats not just Country.

Later, Elaine Locatelli from Columbia Records. I loved talking with her; she’s so wise. Bill Cahill was such a well of information and a wonderful boss. And Don London, my current VP of Programming. It all comes full circle as I had listened to him for years on 2WD going to the beach and he is a legend to me. And now to have him as a boss blows my mind. He is so down to earth...so smart and the life lessons I have gained from him are priceless.

Who would be a “dream guest” that you’d love to have come in and plug in across from you on your show?

Oh gosh, Steven Tyler--I have always had a crush on him.