10 Questions with ... Jenn Marino

1) What was your first job in radio and who were your early influences and mentors?

My first job as a jock was at KKWD/Oklahoma City. I had that weekend overnight situation on lock. Ha! When I listen to those old tapes now, it sounds like I sucked a massive amount of helium before I went on air. My influences were prior to the Internet, so they included a lot of local guys such as Jack Elliott on KYIS, Rick & Brad on KATT, Mike McCoy on KJYO, Cisco Kidd on KKWD, and of course the late, great Casey Kasem. My mentors were Jake Fisher on KRXO, who let me into his studio to answer phones on Saturday nights, and eventually let me speak on his show. He also taught me how to cease a panic attack prior to going on the air. Cisco Kidd gave me my first solo shift, and let me do traffic during his show; he called it "Traffic with The Spaz!" (Thanks, buddy. I have the imaging to prove it if he tries to deny it.) He was the one who taught me how to get comfortable behind a board and on the air. I'm forever indebted.

2) Give us a brief history of your radio career before you joined Nikki Sixx and Sixx Sense?

Swing and weekends at KKWD in OKC, nights at KXBL in Tulsa, nights at WIYY in Baltimore, middays at WHFS in Washington, D.C., Afternoons at WWMX in Baltimore, millions of voicetracks, some v/o gigs in between, and then onto Sixx Sense

3) You joined Sixx Sense as the co-host in April 2014. Give us the scoop on how you got this gig?

I had talked to a friend of mine, who shall remain unnamed, and asked if he knew of anything going on out there. About a month later, he said, "Send me something." I scrambled and came up with something from the past week I had done with Priestly in the afternoons on WWMX. I sent it off, and they requested an ISDN session. Then another. Then I got on a plane. Then I got a phone call.

This story seems so short on paper, but those three months were hell on earth. I learned quite a bit of patience that winter. Plus, having to tell Dave LaBrozzi I was leaving, after he took incredible care of me for 10 years, was not the easiest thing in the world.

4) Congratulations on Sixx Sense hitting over 130 affiliates with over three million weekly listeners. That's quite an accomplishment. What are some of the intangibles that make this show work?

THE SIXX SENSE TEAM! Justin Michael, Elijah Sebunnya, Dave Hines, Lorre Crimi, Bill May, Jennifer Leimgruber, Brad Hardin, all the people on our digital team, our sales team, Nikki and myself -- we all live and breathe this show. I adore those human beings, and would be stranded without them on this ride. From the very beginning, I felt like Nikki and I had great chemistry; it was easy for us to sit down and talk music, going to shows, our personal lives, etc. Working with a rock star also has its benefits - backstage access and a direct connection to a wide array of artists and celebrities. It's been absolutely incredible.

5) For those who haven't heard both shows, give us some highlights of special features and music you feature on the shows on a nightly basis?

Listeners never know what they're going to hear - it's a complete toss-up - but they know they're going to be entertained and they're going to have a damn good time. We have incredible guests - musicians, actors, celebrities and others - and we give listeners a backstage look at all the biggest events, concerts and awards shows. Nikki recently debuted something called "My Favorite Riff," which is where we invite the biggest guitars players from the rock world into the studio to play, and explain their favorite riffs, as well as gear, and how they got started. We also have something called "Sixx Picks," which gives listeners a fresh band to fall in love with.

6) How is the music chosen on Sixx Sense and The Side Show Countdown? Do you have the final say on everything that's played?

We work closely with programmers and stations to bring the best music to our listeners, while also exposing them to new artists. The music is really important to us; it's our DNA.

7) Speaking of music, what's your take on some of the current Rock music you guys play on Sixx Sense and some of the new Rock bands out there?

My take is that rock is definitely not dead. Rock will always have a pulse, and a kick-ass personality that will always surprise you. I'm SO into this new Nothing More record. The XCERTS and Goodbye June will blow your socks off. There's so much good music right now - AJR, The Glorious Suns, Hell or Highwater, Beartooth and so many more.

8) What are some of the more memorable interviews you and Nikki have done on the show since you took over as co-host?

Hardest question ... hands down: Ozzy. Lemmy. Slash. Scott Weiland. Linkin Park. Cameron Crowe. Rob Halford. All of Metallica. However, I think the one that will forever stay with me is holocaust survivor Eva Mozes Kor. She was a game-changer.

9) With the show coming to a close at the end of this year, are you guys looking to do anything special to send it off?

We're going to keep doing what we've been doing - producing great shows, playing awesome songs, talking to interesting people and exposing fans to new music. We're not slacking off as we near the finish line. The goal is to go out on top!

10) Finally, do you have any final words for Nikki Sixx and the Sixx Sense listeners you care to share?

My words to Nikki are simply "Thank you." I have had experiences in the past four years that I'm forever grateful for -- the friendship, the interviews, traveling, touring, award shows, the list goes on and on. As for Sixx Sense listeners; thank you as well. You welcomed me with open arms, and there is so much love between us. I'm not leaving forever, I just gotta find something as bad ass as Sixx Sense. I am forever an open book on social media, so keep in touch (@jennonair) and stay tuned!