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10 Questions with ... Shari Elliker
November 25, 2008
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NAME:Shari EllikerTITLE:Host, The Shari Elliker ShowSTATION:WBAL AM 1090MARKET:BaltimoreCOMPANY:HearstBORN:MarylandRAISED:Maryland
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
1991-1995- Don and Mike Show- Nationally syndicated, traffic reporter and personality
1995-1997 - WHFS, 99.1 Co- host, The Morning Product
1998-2005 - Metro Traffic- Reporter, WWDC-FM, 101.1 FM, Z104 FM, On camera for WUSA -TV 9
2000-2006 - WBAL Radio, AM 1090, Contributor
2005-2007- Broadminded - XM Channel 155, Co-host
2007-Present - The Shari Elliker Show- WBAL Radio, AM 1090, Host
1. What made you decide to go into radio? Why radio?
I really never intened to go into radio even though I majored in Communications and was the GM of my college radio station and my first internship was at WIYY- 98 Rock. Go figure. But, after graduation, I wanted to pursue acting and voice over work. So, after some riveting roles like being the Easter Bunny at the mall and some minor movie and TV parts, I decided I needed a real job. So, I tried my hand at traffic reporting. My first job was doing beach traffic at the Bay Bridge every weekend. It was horrible and I vowed never to do traffic again. But, then I was asked to fill in for a few days on the Don and Mike show. That turned into a 4 year gig and I have continued to work in radio ever since. I found that it was so much more satisfying than the acting work. I could actually be myself, drive a conversation and be a voyeur - if only for a few minutes. And, not having to worry about your hair and make up is also a bonus.
2. About what are you most passionate?
In addition to beer? I always stand up for the "little guy," the people who are struggling every day to get through it all. I try to look for some humor in any situation. If I can get someone to think, consider an opposing opinion or just laugh, I feel I have done something worthwhile. I also love new media, in fact, I spend as much time finding content for my show page on wbal.com as I do for the show itself.
3. You've done almost every variation of talk radio, from guy talk with Don and Mike to "women's" talk on XM to your present show. To what do you attribute your career flexibility, and how would you characterize what you do now -- how would you describe your WBAL show, especially as contrasted to what you did before, and as contrasted with the more political shows that surround yours?
All of it is very similar, in that all talk shows really revolve around the personality and chemistry of the host or hosts. People tune in to hear your own unique take on whatever the subject is-whether politics, bad boyfriends, or strip trivia. But, my WBAL show is not niche programming geared to a specific audience. The content is driven by what is most current- not by gender. On a show like this, everyone's voice can be heard.
I have good relationships and great respect for the other hosts at WBAL and our shows complement each other well. We even get together on Fridays, in studio and take a stab at predicting NFL games. (My Dad serves as my ringer) Politics and humor are natural compatriots and we try to take each story or situation in the context that seems best for our particular show.
4. You were in the D.C. area for a long time before heading up I-95. What differences are there working in Baltimore versus D.C. (or, for that matter, XM)? What's the best thing you've found so far about living and working in Baltimore full-time?
For being only 35 miles or so apart, the two places couldn't be more different. DC has it's own excitement and intensity. But, since most people are not really from there, it has a very transient vibe. The first question people ask you there is, "What do you do?" In Baltimore, people are much more interested in who you are and where you live. Here, they ask you where you went to high school- not where you went to college. I love how fiercely proud and grounded people are here- they aren't looking for their next stop or next move- they're here to stay. I bought a house here in July because I wanted to put down those kinds of roots.
We used to say XM stands for Xtra Meetings- it was big and very bureaucratic. At WBAL, the environment is totally different. The expectations are high, but I never feel micromanaged. I have been supported to the hilt by the organization here and am grateful for the freedom I have been given to develop the show in my own style and direction.
5. What is it about true crime stories that you love so much? What's your favorite true crime story, and why?
I guess I am what John Waters would call a "crime hag". But, I am also a crime snob. I am really only fascinated by the stories of people who appear completely normal- they are out mowing the lawn or bringing in grocercies and then you find out they have murdered their wife or husband and stuffed them in a La-Z-Boy in their family room. It just shows that we never truly know what is going on behind closed doors. I think I am drawn to the psychological drama of it all. Lately, I have been following the cases of these very young children that murder. I remember when we were horrified at the Menendez brothers killing their parents. It is shocking that it isn't all that shocking anymore for a kid to kill.
6. Who are your influences, inspirations, and/or mentors?
In my personal life, my parents are my greatest influence- I still ask for their advice all the time. They never put limitations on my thinking as a child. They made me believe I could accomplish anything and have been my greatest source of support throughout my life. We have a easy relationship bounded by love and mutual respect. I can always bounce crazy ideas off them and count on honest reactions and solid critiques in return. But they are always there for me and that means so much.
Professionally, I can still hear Don Geronimo say things like, "Always think two breaks ahead." and "If you get to everything you planned in a show, you've done something wrong". I was really fortunate to have the opportunity to watch what he did and learn so much so early in my career. I am still learning- luckily, I have real pros like Jeff Beauchamp and Mike Wellbrock to keep me on track.
7. Of what are you most proud?
I would have to say my work ethic. I have always had two or more jobs at a time. Even now, I still maintain my voice over career with my radio job. No matter what happens, I know that I will work hard to reach my next goal. And, if all else fails, I still have that bunny suit.
8. What do you do for fun?
My boyfriend Treavor and I bought a beautiful, big stone house in Baltimore. It was built in 1924 and needs a total renovation so most of our free time is spent working on that. I knew nothing about home renovation before this and now I think I could actually teach an HVAC class while relocating the waste lines in the bathroom and priming an outside window.. This past weekend, I spent 3 hours painstakingly cleaning an old glass chandelier that I thought should stay in the house. After I finished, I realized it was even uglier clean than it was dirty. But, I did like the sound it made when I threw it in the metal trash can. When we take a break from that "fun", we sometimes go to New York to see Army football (Treavor is a West Point grad) or go see the Ravens play and we go out to dinner A LOT.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without __________.
...BEER. Did I mention that before? I guess one honest answer would be -- my cell phone. And of course, my great friends and colleagues.
10. What's the best advice you've ever gotten? The worst?
Best: The harder you work, the luckier you get.
Worst: Put as much money as you can in your 401K.
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