10 Questions with ... Annalisa

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started in radio at college station, WBIM at Bridgewater State University. My first Rock radio job as at WAAF/Worcester-Boston where I was midday host, then I became the morning host at Classic Rock WZLX/Boston. Short stints at WBOS/Boston and WHJY/Providence. A short run at Rock KRQR /San Francisco and then on to middays (and the popular 10@10 show) at Triple A KFOG/San Francisco from 1996-2016

1. How did you become interested in radio?

It was always on in the house growing up and I was always enthralled with the music and DJs coming out of that box! Listening to Boston free-form jocks like Charles Laquidara growing up really influenced me.

2. It must be great being back in Boston where it all started for you. Tell us about that.

It is great to be back around family and old friends. You know what they say, "You can take the girl out of Boston, but you can't take the Boston out of the girl."

3. You have been in the Triple A format for a long time; how have you seen it evolve?

Well, in the best-case scenario and in the right hands, evolving with music changes to keep and grow your loyal audience, while staying true to the spirit and sound that makes Triple A unique. Worst case: In the wrong hands, homogenizing that spirit and sound into something that is no longer unique or appealing. I guess that would be devolving...

4. How are you approaching your show differently now than when you were in San Francisco?

I've lived in and loved both The Bay Area there and The Bay State here and feel at home in each, but my Boston roots get to show more now. There's a different attitude here, I suppose. Where San Francisco has been a welcoming beacon for "outsiders" from everywhere, New England is more about tradition and those roots that bond over generations. That and I have to mention Tom Brady at least once a day (more in season) ;-)

5. It may be a bit early but have you established any benchmarks for your show yet?

You're right, it is still early days, but I'm looking forward to cooking some up here at The River. It's an open place for ideas. It would be great to do something like the 10@10 show I did back there. I love getting creative with sound and songs ... and connecting with listeners in that way.

6. What is your show prep routine?

Life. Everything is show prep from grocery shopping to traffic. That and seeing what Tom Brady is up to, of course ;-)

7. What has been your biggest career highlight?

All of it. The whole career -- from missteps to scores. I've loved meeting and talking to some heroes, like Bowie and Iggy, as much as meeting and talking to listeners. It's a real honor to be able to connect with "strangers" every day and build a feeling of friendship and community for all of us.

8. Do you have any causes or philanthropic organizations you are passionate about?

If I could, I would help them all and I try to as much as I can. My mom passed relatively recently from pancreatic cancer, so this group comes to mind first, though. [www.pancan.org]

9. Best advice for young women that are considering getting into radio?

Go for whatever you want in it! This is an especially great time for women in radio. The old boundaries are gone. When I started hosting the WZLX morning show in the early '90s, I was apparently the first woman to host at a Rock station in Boston. That seems so strange to think of now since we are hosts of all shifts now, as it should be.

10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ...

... coffee!

LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:

Book store clerk in SF

FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:

When I was a little kid my dad lifted me up to a record bin where I grabbed a Monkees album. He paid, though since I wouldn't have been able to reach the counter.

FIRST CONCERT:

The J Geils Band with my big sister and her "cool" friends at the old Cape Cod Coliseum.

FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:

Don't make me pick just one, please :-) Too many. Iggy is a big hero, though.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING WHEN YOU ARE NOT AT WORK?

Record shopping, going to shows, reading and binge watching some top-notch TV these days.