10 Questions with ... Ramona Holloway

NAME:Ramona Holloway TITLE:Co-Host, "Matt and Ramona" STATION:107.9 The Link - WLNK and syndication MARKET:Charlotte and National COMPANY:Greater Media BORN:Oberlin, OH RAISED:Somerset, NJ

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Penn State University; WNKO-WHTH/Newark, OH; WNCI, WOSU-TV, and WBNS-TV/Columbus, OH; WTLC/Indianapolis; WNVZ/Norfolk-Virginia Beach; WLNK (107.9 The Link)/Charlotte. Also served on Ohio AP Board of Directors, serves on board of directors of A Child's Place.

NOTE: Ramona's answers, creatively, are in two parts, the first her direct response and the second, in keeping with one of the themes of the "Matt and Ramona Show," her responses from her perspective as a single woman on the dating scene (in italics).

1. How did you get your start in radio? Why radio?

I was working at an employment agency when a guy who'd been fired from a radio station in Newark, Ohio asked me to help him find a new job. I never found a job for him, but the guy who replaced him at the radio station hired ME two weeks later.

Why radio? Every single day in radio is fun, interactive, informative, thought provoking, challenging and in-the-moment. All that, and it pays my bills too!

My first love was Kevin Blocker. He was on the football team and he was a year older than me. Back then it was really exciting to have a senior trying to date you. I live less than a mile away from a huge active senior community; it isn't as exciting to have a senior trying to date you. I always get hit on at CVS when I pick up my mom's meds. Hint for older dudes... there is a BIG difference between ointment and massage oil!

2. About what are you most passionate these days?

I'm passionate about retro radio! I want to take us back to the days when having the most entertaining personalities was even more important than the music they played. The station with the best talent wins!

I'm passionate about single men old enough to appreciate the 80's who are less than 30 years shy of being 80.

3. You did news and public affairs, and now you're doing fun, personality talk -- how and why did you make that transition?

The transition was pretty natural. After years of interviewing eye witnesses, politicians and experts I now feel very comfortable talking over the air with eyewitnesses, politicians and experts.

The transition from single chick to married chick to single-again chick was pretty natural. My biological clock ticked so I got married. God decided I shouldn't make babies with an ex-marine who was even crazier than me. I decided to get unmarried. Now I'm meeting more guys even crazier than me.

What led you from the newsroom to center stage?

Perry, it was the lure of fun! Every news person in America would love to tell you what they REALLY think about Jesse Jackson and Star Jones' estranged metrosexual husband, but they aren't allowed. There's also the fact that the money is better for personalities than it is for news anchors and reporters. The guy who is doing updates every half hour during Rush probably can't afford to live next door to Rush.

I decided to take my chances in the single world again because I figured it couldn't be much worse than being married to Major Payne (our marriage counselor gave him that name, but I wish I could take credit for it)

4. You started working with Matt Harris years ago in Columbus, then launched the full-fledged Matt and Ramona show in Norfolk before joining the Link. What about Matt drew you to the partnership? What role does he play on the show, and how would you describe your role?

Matt gives the worst dating advice EVER and he thinks I should walk around wearing a "Me So Horny" t-shirt to attract single men. If he played a role in hooking me up, the Centers for Disease Control would have me quarantined in Atlanta with a mystery STD.

5. You do a different kind of show on weekends. What is "The Satisfied Life" all about? What role does your faith play in your radio career, and how does the show fit in with that?

"The Satisfied Life" is a show that embraces fun and spirituality. TV (and the presidential candidates) understands that the lucrative Christian and female demographics welcome shows with a spiritual edge. This show features a columnist and stand-up comic, Pam Stone; a corporate board member and minister, Sharon Decker; and a veteran radio news and talk personality. We bring a unique perspective and relevant topics to weekend programming. Both on the Matt and Ramona Show and The Satisfied Life, I talk about my faith. Boths shows are respectful of other religions. Both shows have a great mix of entertainment and information. The Satisfied Life is different because it always includes an uplifting message.

I've been on dates with many men who are Christians. One God fearing guy informed me that loving Jesus doesn't destroy a man's desires. We said goodbye in the parking lot of Harper's Restaurant two years ago and I haven't seen him since. He e-mailed a month ago asking if we could get together for lunch. He attached pictures of his 6-week-old son to the e-mail.

6. Who are your influences, your mentors, the people who have had the greatest effect on your career?

I've been influenced by every co-worker and boss I've had since my first radio gig. I include Christine Woodward-Duncan and Mike McVay among my mentors. The people with the greatest effect are the family members, close friends and listeners who give me great material to use on the air.

I've been influenced by every guy I've ever dated. Some left me wanting a diamond ring while others left me concocting a good excuse to end the date early. My grandparents and godparents had the biggest effect on my relationship expectations. In both cases the women was Queen of the castle and permitted her husband to believe he was the king.

7. Of what are you most proud?

I'm most proud of my mom. She's a retired teacher, tireless church volunteer and a confidant to dozens. She taught me that Christianity is a verb. It isn't just about asking for blessings, it is about trying to be a blessing. Whether its laughs, information or helping a charity you gotta try to do something good every day.

I'm most proud of my ability to sniff out a true loser in one phone call or less.

8. What do you do for fun?

Travelling, bargain hunting, decorating, crafts and biking. I'm also an amateur TV critic (that sounds better than saying I like to watch TV)

The man I'd like to date enjoys at least two of those activities.

9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _____________.

Can I pick two? My cell phone and caffeine. Making me choose one is like making a mother choose between her precious children.

10. What's the best advice you ever got? The worst?

The best: Pursue your passion and the purse will follow.

The worst? Don't move to Charlotte. We took the time slot from 11th to 1st in two books while the market has grown from 34 to 25!

Of course, the worst dating advice was from Matt. He thinks I should approach every group of men with a hardy "Hey Boys!" The best dating advice came from a former producer who did and who was robbed by a chick Matt told him to pursue. The same girl also gave him a present only the doctor could help him destroy. Needless to say, when he told me to do the opposite of what Matt tells me to do, I heeded the warning!