10 Questions with ... Kathy Vogel

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Social media:
FB: kathyvogelofficial
Twitter: @kathyvogel
Insta: @hausofv

Morning radio has been my life! I started doing mornings at WONE, moved over to Q92, then WHBC. In between morning gigs, I've worked other dayparts with WRQK and WQAL-WDOK. So many wonderful memories and cool people who I've worked and become friends with.

1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and to stay motivated?

I truly believe in positive self-talk. Your inner dialogue becomes your reality. Be kind to yourself. Realize that there are new opportunities out there. And while the future seems uncertain, there is a plan. I've found that I need a routine, even while working at home. It keeps me on task. My motivation remains as it always has been using my abilities to positively impact someone, whether on the air, through written words, or an act of kindness.

2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?

Besides freelance work, reading for pleasure! I have a ton of books that I've bought over the years to read later. Later is here. Also, binge-watching shows is fun. And the laundry ... this is the first time in years I've been caught-up! HA!

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.

It can become difficult to distinguish the difference between your career and your life. As we know, radio envelops us. It becomes our focal point, our center of gravity. When you're on the outside, you realize your career and your life are two different things. It needs to be, otherwise you're devastated when you're out of the game. You can have a successful, fulfilling career. But what are you going to remember and care about at the end or your life? Radio can be a big part of your life, but it shouldn't be everything.

4) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

Every time I find myself on the beach I say: "I don't need this anymore." There are so many other things I can do. But then you remember all the reasons you got into the business in the first place. And if you feel you can still make a wonderful contribution to listeners and co-workers, then keep going. I believe I still have something to say. Literally. On the air.

5) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?

I've been blessed to at least serve in a part-time/fill-in capacity. But the longest stretch between full-time gigs has been two years.

6) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?

Work your connections; thank goodness for social media! What's been amazing is all the support I've received. You don't realize how many people care until something unfortunate happens.

7) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?

You mean besides the awesomeness of All Access? Other pros reaching out with openings.

8) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?

I'm pretty boring in this regard. I've straight-up applied for positions, reached out to friends in the business.

9) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?

I'm a morning gal. While you never get used to the hours, they become habit. But, I am open to all dayparts.

10) Who were the mentors who've helped guide your career?

The late Jim Chenot, my first morning show partner, was fantastic to work with and a dear friend. He was a legend. I listened to him for years before I even had the chance to work with him. When I first met him, he was kind and gracious. As a morning show partner, he really allowed me to spread my wings and to be "me" and develop into an air personality.

I worked for John Stewart on two separate occasions at two different stations. He lives and breathes programming and has a way of keeping you motivated and encouraged. I always appreciated how easy it was to work and learn from him.

It was a joy to work with talent Coach Jeff McHugh. His knowledge, his ideas, his positivity and insight made our morning show better. We grew significantly with his coaching.

Care to contribute a recipe for our "On The Beach" cookbook?

Alfredo Mac n Cheese Cups

• ½ cup Italian bread crumbs
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 jar (15 oz) light Alfredo sauce
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat two 24-well mini-muffin pans with cooking spray. Sprinkle bread crumbs in bottoms and on sides of muffin wells; invert pan to tap out excess crumbs. In a pot, cook pasta according to package directions; drain and return warm pasta to pot. Stir in Alfredo sauce, cheese and egg. Divide mixture evenly among muffin wells. Bake 15 minutes or until set and lightly browned. Let cool 10 minutes in pan before serving.