10 Questions with ... Fish & Heather

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

Fish: The Morning Rock on 94.1 KRNA – Cedar Rapids/Iowa City…influences include Howard Stern, Mancow, Ricker (KISW), and Clutch (Lazer 103.3)

Heather: The first show I LOVED was Elliot In The Morning. Although I wasn’t a Stern “listener” his magnetism drew me in. After dabbling in college radio and hosting open mic nights, an Internship with “Toucher, Jimmy & Leslie” set my heart ablaze for the business. My short time in Atlanta at 99x was inspiration-rich. The fond memories and aspirations set continue to fuel my fire. Between the support I received from Calandro (show producer) and the thrill of running into Jay Herron (the MD) at local shows it was clear to me that music and content-creation were among my greatest passions. I’ve led a charmed career and have been privileged to learn from exceptional leaders. Nevin Dane (KQKQ) opened my mind to the concept of multi-chart searches over format-specific programming. Maynard (KLCK) taught me the strategy of PPM and how accuracy, precision and delivery on expectations can translate into results. Greg Solk obliterated any creative blocks by telling me “There is no box,” when I asked him if he wanted me to think “Outside the box.” Marc Kaye trusted me to freely think, execute and create. Lisa Adams inspired a desire to live the company culture where each individual is mentored to reach their own definitions of success. Ron Harrell exemplifies grace under pressure, (considering how he might behave calms me regularly). Scott Mahalick can stare into your soul and harvest a filet when you only believed you had chuck to offer…and that’s a skill that I admire but doubt I can ever duplicate. Andy Hall loves Lazer like it’s his first born. I’m honored to be on his staff and learning from his experience. Leigh McNabb does more in a day than Beyonce…I strive for half of that. Can all of them be “Early” influences? Let’s imagine I still have 30 more years of radio in front of me!

2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize this is what you wanted to do for a living?

Fish: An internship through The University of Iowa at KRNA. When the internship ended, they offered me a full-time gig with an actual paycheck. I was like, “Blimey Harry! I can make money doing this!” Which beat getting a real job upon graduating college.

Heather: I always answer this question differently. When I was 19, my father passed away suddenly. If you’ve experienced profound loss, you know how time is one deceptive, blurry, blackout after another. I remember stepping out of the funeral home, the last in a line of family members getting into the 2nd car of a procession. I waivered. The idea of my father riding to the cemetery by himself was an unacceptable proposition. I turned, and hopped into the passenger seat of the hearse before anyone had a moment to argue. I remember the silence was violent. I was suddenly aware of every sound; the leather crinkling beneath my dress, the auto door locks, the key sliding into the ignition. I asked the driver to turn on the radio. Now, from my vantage point on the other side of that car speaker, I FEEL the audience. I remember that moment of silence when I NEEDED companionship and distraction. I want to be that levity for others. I know they won’t remember my name or what song is playing. Being an anonymous part of someone else’s life is more than enough for me.

3) I know you recently started doing mornings on Lazer 103.3 (Nov 9th), but when and how did you guys meet and how was the initial chemistry together?

Fish: We met shortly before The Fish & Heather Show began and we jelled well!

Heather: More important than chemistry, I feel that we’re compatible. I find Fish to be the funniest person in most rooms and my mornings are spent laughing. I’m grateful to everyone at Saga for matching us. I’ve already enlisted the team to NOW work on finding me a boyfriend, since they’re so skilled at pairing strangers.

4) Now that you guys have been doing mornings since early November, how are things going?

Fish: Things get better and better every week.

Heather: I look forward to waking up, laughing and creating content with our audience. We don’t do a show FOR them. We create an experience WITH them. Social Media makes it possible to simultaneously secure multiple personal interaction points, so we can meet the “Cast member” wherever/whenever/however they want to connect. Reading message/comments/emails/tweets in the context of a live break REALLY feeds the “Live & Local” magic that we don’t have to fake.

5) Describe a typical morning show meeting for you guys. a) What is the process? b) How much show prep do you do and what are some of the key benchmarks of your show?

Fish: I try to avoid meetings at all costs – especially virtual meetings. I find it beneficial to employ a cardboard cutout of myself similar to the ones the NFL utilizes to this day. Key benchmarks: Fake Celebrity Birthdays, One-Hitters, My Mom – The Original Church Lady, My wife, Esmeralda – and Stoney from The Waveland Café.

Heather: Prep has a plateau for us. We both enter the studio with enough content to do the show solo. We discuss about 20% of what we have and let it unfold. Spontaneity coupled with the ability to pivot and improvise are strengths we both utilize.

6) I know it’s been a short period of time on air together, but tell us some of the best morning show moments you’ve shared so far?

Fish: Solving some unsolved crimes, like who stole my red Yamahopper in tenth grade here in Des Moines, and who threw the bat onstage for Ozzy to bite its head off on January 20th, 1982 at Vet’s Auditorium. Des Moines can rest easy with us on the case.

Heather: We created audio theatrics involving Santa Claus. The multi-break bit involved an SOS call from Santa desperate for help powering his sleigh in a year plagued by Covid and a decrease in “Christmas Spirit.” Local business owners, regular callers and people we pulled in from the street sang Christmas Carols. The bit wrapped with a triumphant Santa Claus, ascending into the heavens to begin his deliveries. It was local, timely, interactive, playful and dramatic. Plus, doing “Christmas” with a rock edge means you can get extra naughty.

7) How active are you guys with Social Media like Facebook and Twitter and how do you think that benefits your morning show?

Fish: Thanks to Heather, we are very active on social media, which benefits our show in many ways. Not only do we interact with live commenters live on the air, but social media allows us to continue interacting with our Lazer Hellraisers throughout the day.

Heather: I look forward to expanding our presence. The internet offers infinite growth opportunities and we’ve only just scratched the surface.

8) You guys talk for a living but give us the lowdown on your favorite music…both artists and songs?

Fish: Kiss, Limp Bizkit, Korn, Royal Blood, Kid Rock, Bob Segar, Slipknot, and Garth Brooks.

Heather: Death Cab For Cutie (All Ben Gibbard projects), Jack White, Bleachers, Lana Del Rey, The Pretty Reckless, Fleetwood Mac, Eric Hutchinson, The Black Keys, Muse, Billie Eilish, Iggy Azalea.

9) Personally, what do you guys like to do for fun and relaxation when you’re NOT in “radio” mode?

Fish: I enjoy spending time with my family, biking, disc golf, reading horror books, and hitting Rangemasters to polish up my zombie defense tactics.

Heather: I’m not sure I ever want to be out of “Radio” mode again. In the months I spend on the beach (last year) no amount of doggy kisses or DIY projects could light me up the way radio does.

10) Finally, within the first month of your time on the air, you launched an anti-bullying campaign after Heather was personally attacked on-air by a Morning Show host in St. Cloud, MN. Congrats on handling this situation with class and integrity. What else can you share with us about that situation?

Fish: Bullies suck and we will put a stop to them for my seven-year-old daughter’s sake. Oh, and Bubba the Love Sponge talked about us for 33 minutes straight on his podcast because of it. Which was nice.

Heather: While I work on a long-game project in conjunction with anti-bullying messages in Des Moines, I find myself sharing more meaningful moments with people. When new friends or acquaintances bring up the St. Cloud event, conversation topics turn to themes like: “Be better than yesterday, everyday.” “Own the idea that you’re the architect of an epic journey and author a narrative that inspires others.” “Happiness, Love and Joy are not finite resources like time or money.” So much love to those who supported me and continue to hold broadcasters to the highest level of integrity. I’m proud to work in the industry among YOU and privileged to sit behind the mic.