-
10 Questions with ... Erica Cobb
April 3, 2012
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I am a Chicago girl, born and raised. In 2004 I graduated from DePaul University in Chicago where I majored in Communication and minored in American Studies. During my time at DePaul I interned at KISS (WKSC/Chicago) in 2001 for the "Pyke at Night" show, and later became a sidekick on Java Joel's "Rubber Room." In October of 2005 I received a call from B96 (WBBM-FM/Chicago). The "Eddie, Jobo & Erica Show" ran from October 2005-November 2008. Then Denver called in January of 2009 and I joined the morning team at ALICE (KALC/Denver), and we formed the "BJ, Howie & Erica Show." I remained with ALICE until December 2011. I also joined the Denver Nuggets family, doing the in-house entertainment during home games at the Pepsi Center. While "on the beach," I am an avid blogger on my website: ericacobb.com, I remain with the Nuggets as well as being a correspondent with CLVR TV.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
Hey, I know this industry is a journey ... an adventure, if you will. I am a firm believer that where you're supposed to be, YOU'LL BE! I haven't second-guessed a moment of this journey, so I CHOOSE to keep busy to keep a positive mental attitude and stay motivated.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I have been so lucky to stay employed with the Denver Nuggets as their in-game host. I've been asked to do a lot of on-camera work with local media groups. I've gone back to my "college days hustle" as a commercial print model, shooting a national print ad as recently as today! I blog daily on all things entertainment, fashion and fitness on my personal website http://ericacobb.com/blog, which according to Google analytics has received up to 5,000 hits daily (AWESOME)! And I'm staying mentally strong by remaining physically strong in the gym.
3) Some people get discouraged or enlightened with the business when they actually step out of it for a while. Tell us your observations from the outside.
From the outside looking back, I'm taking each day as a breather. I never realized how much was on my plate until I was able to drop said plate and scream "OPA!" I'm taking this hiatus as a time to reflect and recharge for my next adventure. Sometimes we need that.
4) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
I can't imagine my bread and butter being anything else! I have been a radio geek since I was 10 years old, sneaking and listening to B96/Chicago (who I later worked for) in my bedroom when I was grounded. It's in my blood. The ability to emote with my voice alone is a powerful thing, especially when you're making real connections with your audience. It's special!
5) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
I really don't know the answer to that question. I suppose the best way is to remain positive, consistent and motivated. I'd like to think that being a person other people want to work with, which is something I strive everyday to be, has to help.
I stay in contact with a lot of people that I truly admire in this industry. Radio is far too small of a community to not keep allies!
6) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
Hmm, a radio job? I think I went toe-to-toe with Eddie Volkman (who at the time was the Eddie and Jobo of B96 Chicago, and who I later worked with) for who knew the most people in the Chicago club scene. I do recall him saying, "How is it possible that you know more people than I do?" The truth that I didn't divulge at the time? I bartended my way through college! EVERYONE always knows the girl who makes the drinks, LOL!
7) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
I've been VERY impressed by the level of communication when it comes to the jobs that I was most interested in. If I'm not the "sound" you're looking for, I get it ... it's just nice to hear that as opposed to radio silence.
I've had the rare experience to work with people who are undisputedly well respected in this industry, so I get what true professionalism is. And I really appreciate it when it comes my way!
8) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?
"Would you be willing to hang up your snowboard for a surf board?" ANSWER: Um, YEAH, BTW, call me! LOL!
9) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
I've learned a lot about myself in general over the past year, but I'm not sure if it has much to do with me being "on the beach." If I had to narrow in on one thing I'd say, "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans!"
10) Where do you see yourself in five years? 10 years?
I would really like to have my own morning show. Women are so under-represented as the quarterbacks of the morning shows. Hopefully in 5-10 years, that will no longer be the case.
Bonus Questions
My favorite new diversion is ...
Pole dancing lessons ... What? Don't judge me, Judy! ;)
-
-