10 Questions with ... Karen Wild

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started off as an intern at KUBE about 13 years ago while attending the University of Washington and earning my degree in History. I grew up in a pretty small town and always loved and craved everything music, but wasn't aware a career for a shy, small town girl was possible. I was working in a record store, finishing my degree to become a teacher, and my internship turned into a dream for me. Julie Pilat saw my passion for music and took me under her wing, educated me, and opened a lot of doors that I ran right through. Eric Powers saw personality and potential in me I wasn't even aware I possessed, and showed me the programming ropes...history was history for me from that point on, and my music/radio career took me over!

1. You moved to mornings last Fall. What's been the biggest adjustment to doing mornings?

I'd have to say a couple things. First off, attempting to go to bed at 8p. I haven't quite figured that out yet I'm a lifelong insomniac. Second, would be reorganizing my day to make sure I'm not just doing my different jobs, but doing them all the best I can.

2. You replaced a fixture at KUBE in T-Man. How has the audience accepted the new morning show?

The transition wasn't too tough for me. Mostly because toward the end of his show, he (T-Man) had me in with him co-hosting. The audience got a chance to get to know me before we took over the role full time. Our show is SO different from what he did before, we couldn't possible pretend to fill the type of shoes he wore. We are doing our own music based show, keeping things really honest to who we are, and the audience has been very receptive to what we do.

3. What do you think is your strength as a morning person?

Eddie and I are both pop culture junkies. Between us, we have our hands in everything from music, to sports, video games, TV shows, movies, celebrities and even fashion. I know I'm really passionate about the things I do and see, never afraid to speak my mind and have a thick skin and a quick wit to take on the opposition. I try to bring facts, energy and just have fun...we want people to enjoy and remember the moments they spend with us.

4. How has doing the morning show affected your social life?

Surprisingly, I'd say it's made my social life more active. I want to make sure I don't just talk about the movies, clubs and events, I want to really know them. Because my schedule has shifted so much, and because I have a lot of responsibilities at work, time management is more important than ever. I make time for family/friends. And finally I have found that our listeners come to KUBE first for music, which we have covered but we as jocks have to be relatable, normal people...as a single woman it's important I date and have those stories to tell and connect with people about. I figure a good date = good for me, a bad date = good for the show! :)

5. Tell us a bit about the rest of your morning team at KUBE?

My co-host is Eddie Francis. We found him a little over 10 years ago in a "Wanna Be A DJ" contest we did at a mall. Eddie is a raw, natural talent that has obviously stayed on with KUBE well past the weekend shift he originally won. For a majority of the last 10 years he was on our night show acting as either a co-host or more recently as the main host. Eddie and I have a lot of likes in common, but our backgrounds are much different and our overall personalities are an opposite but fairly balanced match. We're both strong minded and opinionated and we're both open to new points of view and meeting new people and experiencing new things. But while I'm more straight arrow, facts and thought out, Eddie is loose, spontaneous and the life of the party.

6. Did you ever picture yourself doing mornings?

I knew I was ready to take on a fulltime live on air shift at this point in my career. It was certainly the next goal I was working toward obtaining...BUT...if you would have told me years ago that I would be part of the show that would takeover after the legendary T-Man I wouldn't have believed it in a million years. It's the most amazing feeling, beyond words. I have always done my best in sink or swim situations, so this is the ideal way for me to prove myself as on air talent...I'm so thankful that Eric believes SO much in Eddie and me to take on this challenge and opportunity!

7. What's your favorite song on the station now?

B.O.B f/Bruno Mars "Nuthin' On You". It's melodic, a hit and thank goodness it's different than everything else on radio!

8. Taking a look at your career to date...has radio been everything you thought it would be?

Honestly growing up in such a small and sheltered little military town, I never imagined I could end up in industry job. All of my days here I have been surrounded by talented people that believed in me enough to give me the opportunity to show them in return what I could bring to the table. It's been fast paced, challenging and FUN beyond belief. It keeps me young and rejuvenated. I talk to family and friends daily that just go to their jobs to pay the bills. I can honestly say I LOVE what I do and the people I work with...how many people can honestly say that?!

9. Hypothetical...you are chosen as the next Bachelorette on the ABC show. What's the first thing your family would say?

They'd say...Wait? So there's a chance you might actually settle down and get married?!? THANK THE LORD!!

10. Any specific goals for yourself in 2010?

I want to win in mornings. I want to see KUBE listed at #1 from 6a-10a and know that I am part of it. At the end of the day I want to know we connected with our listeners and that the people who believed in us to give us this show can know they picked and uplifted the best people for the job!

I don't see a lot of people trying to get out of Seattle. I understand Seattle residents are very passionate about their city. If you had to choose another market to live and work in, which would you choose?

I have had a few offers at jobs in other cities and I could never make the move. To me it was never important the size of the market, but rather who you're sharing your experiences and life with. My family is here, I'd rather not miss the holidays and birthdays with nieces and nephews. I want to work with people I trust and believe in. For me all of this happens in Seattle...at KUBE. I have never envied the radio people that have jumped from station to station. It's family at KUBE, we have years together and that means trust. I'm still having fun and achieving goals and an ever growing resume that I'm so incredibly proud of so I don't seek it anywhere else.

You're at a wedding reception and that damn Chicken Dance thing comes on. Do you get up and dance or make a beeline to the powder room?

I run...as fast as I can...I'm not the center of attention, look silly in a crowd kind of girl...I'd rather watch the free spirits do that, and smile from a distance :)