10 Questions with ... Kenzie K

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I was a blessed to start out as an intern on the Dave Ryan in the Morning Show. Dave listened to all of my airchecks and molded me into an overnight personality on KDWB as well as a board op for the cluster. While continuing at KDWB I took a T.V. News Reporter job in a non competing market 2 hours away, I also started working at another radio station while in the non-compete market, KDOG (Hot 96.7)/Mankato, MN. I had a night show, as well as helped with the morning show and promotions. I typically made the drive twice a day and was working 120 hours a week, seven days a week. Those opportunities in Minnesota lead me to beaches and warm weather doing middays on WiLD 94.1 . The best part may be the five minute drive to work!

1. What got you into radio?

Actually, my mom came up with the idea. Most likely because I never stop talking. One day, we were discussing my future, I was rambling on about entertainment, Hip Hop culture, and random other things I love, when she said, "Why don't you just go into radio?!" I felt as if someone bopped me in the head because I forgot t,o have a V8. Of course! That's what I should do! Thank God for mamas!

2. What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?

One stage of childhood involved me asking Subway for pairs of their plastic gloves so I could play veterinarian when I got home (I was very young.) I love animals, however science, math, and blood...not so much. The other half of my awkward pre-teen years involved me watching nothing but America's Next Top Model and practicing my "smize." Sadly, my legs never came in, I stopped growing at a sturdy 5'2!

3. What was the biggest change in the move from Minneapolis to Tampa?

Do you mean besides 30 degree winters? Despite the obvious, radio is actually very different! A different market means different people who like, dislike, and expect much different things. Learning the market, the people, and figuring out what works on air was my main priority when I moved here, and I think I'm doing decent as Floridian!

4. How does a Southern girl end up in Minnesota?

My parents had me and my brothers pack up and move because of work. Trust me, it was not a group vote! I missed mountains, sweet tea, and good fried chicken.

5. You did some on-camera TV work in Minneapolis. Have you been in front of the camera in Tampa?

Along with being a T.V. News reporter I did a lot of acting and modeling in Minneapolis, I'm not America's Next Top Model but I kill it as a local model! Radio has definitely given me the opportunity to continue my acting and modeling in Tampa.

6. If you weren't in radio, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?

I have a love for people and a passion for cultures that make up the world. I believe I would work for an organization such as the American Refugee Committee. I'd love to be on site helping refugees.

7. What do you like to do in your spare time?

I'm an absolute nerd. I'm either reading (I'm a sucker for anything Shakespeare), writing poems and short stories, or adventuring around Florida. There's still a lot for me to see here.

8. Who has inspired you in your pursuit of work and life passions?

I'm going to make the "who" a "what". I want to see women win. This industry is male dominated and often women are given a character maybe hot and dumb, or smart nerdy cat lady. Women are not one dimensional. I just feel like any time a woman is successful and accomplishes her dreams then it's a win for all women.

9. If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?

One of my goals is to be a guest judge on RuPaul's Drag Race. I just would hope and pray some of the fabulousness would rub off on me and I'd learn how to put eyeliner on. Also, I wouldn't mind getting a nickname from Flava Flav.

10. Hypothetical situation...You are a PD in Minnesota and a morning host named Orlando Davis has applied for your morning show opening. What's the first question you would ask him in the interview?

What state fair food are you most interested in trying? Minnesotans take the state fair serious. You have to have done your research! However, the most important question would be how he plans on helping his co-hosts thrive. One of the most important things I learned from Dave Ryan while I was an intern is that your whole team needs to have their own avenue. He helps everyone build their own fan base.

If you had to eat one type of meal every day for a month, what would it be?

Easy! I truly could live off Thai food, and I practically do.