10 Questions with ... Dana Marshall

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WEBK/Killington, VT, Morning Show. WXRV/Boston, Music Director/Program Director, on-air host & Brunch by the River. WBOS/Boston, Music/Program Director. Some artist promo. Returned to Mornings and Brunch by the River in 2013.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

Dan Ewald was getting WEBK in Killington off the ground, and he asked me to do some commercials, sit in on some music meetings, and next thing I knew I was doing news, and then co-hosting the Morning Show, doing promotions and sales. We were free-forming in the early days of Triple A. It was a blast, and I learned a ton. I was hooked and will be forever grateful for Dan and our crew.

2. It has been a while since we've last caught up with you - what's been happening in your life?

These days, I'm living by the ocean, with my guy (Marshall!) and our lab Jazz. We do a lot of boating and I'm in my garden a lot too -- super therapeutic. I just got engaged, and my daughter did too. And she's just moved back east. So, lots of good things.

3. How do you like doing mornings at your Alma Mater?

Coming back to The River has been a surprise and a joy. It's great to be back on-air and doing interviews for the River Music Hall. The River is a gem, and people really love that we're Independent. Feels like home.

4. What has been your biggest career highlight?

Breaking new artists. Our Riverfront Festival, which has become one of our annual events. Creating "Brunch by the River." The people.

5. What is the vibe of your "Brunch By The River" show on Sunday mornings?

Brunch is a three-hour show on Sunday morning, and it's pretty eclectic. It's like that favorite record you'd put on to hear the whole thing, except it's a bunch of 'em all mixed up. Doc Watson, Rodrigo Y Gabriella, Mavis, Leftover Salmon, JJ Grey and MOFRO, The Temptations and Gipsy Kings, Ray Charles. Lots of cool stuff from our River Music Hall archives too. It's a blast, and we've got super loyal audience.

6. What new artists have been you impressed by over the past year or so?

I mean the Lumineers can't do anything wrong; Dispatch put out a great record; Anderson East, Van William, First Aid Kit, and Alice Merton.

7. What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?

The challenge is to be able to stay relevant with all the choices people have. Understanding that we're going to have to be the "real" person coming out of the speakers, and be a curator of all those things they like elsewhere. Easy, right?!!!

8. What advice would you give to young peole who want to get into radio?

Make sure they know what they're getting into! It's not going to make you rich, most of the time. The hours are crazy. Be able to do a lot of things, and you'll be invaluable and have incredible experiences. Be a sponge. In my time in radio, I've seen street teamers turn into MDs and PD's because they worked really hard.

9. What charity or philanthropic organizations do you support on-air and off?

I always support the Pan Mass Challenge, which I rode in. It's a unbelievable cancer research non-profit. There's also a local charity that has created an incredible food market and roving delivery of food service for families in need called Our Neighbors Table. They serve one million meals a year, and it's not enough.

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

... COFFEE -- 4am comes early! I wish I could say it was yoga, or meditating. It's coffee, really good, strong coffee!

Last non-industry job:

Florist

First record ever purchased:

Woodstock

First concert:

Elton John

Favorite band of all-time:

Too many. Really. Top 3? Petty/Bowie/Cream

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?

Anything at the beach or on the water, Pilates, Gardening. I started writing a little, too.