Talk Radio for Women

So what do you get when you take a huge risk on launching a female-oriented FM talk radio station back in June of 2002?

You get blackjack!!!!!!

When Todd Fisher first told me that Hubbard Broadcasting was going to launch a new talk-radio format…. I was elated! Finally, a well-respected family-owned business was going to put their money into a venture ridiculed by so many people in the world of broadcasting. Guess who’s laughing now… I hope the Hubbard Family!

If this company went public I would invest in a heartbeat!!!!

Well, it’s almost 2008, and I, for one, want to say "Congratulations" to anyone out there that followed a dream despite skepticism from advertisers and derision from program directors.

Let’s start with Lori and Julia, who are not only sisters-in-law but also business partners in a company called Body Perks, whose nipple enhancers have been worn by Samantha on Sex in the City.

To purchase Bodyperks go here. Do not go out and buy knock-offs of these little jewels, because Lori and Julia deserve to reap the financial rewards of THEIR invention!

So, these two sisters-in-law pitch a show to Ginny Morris, and — with the help of Donny Michaels (who looks great working with a mostly female staff) — the LoJo Show has become a hit.

Why? Well, although Lori and Julia are not trained radio personalities, they are two strong woman that are not afraid to share their opinions on everything from sex to politics. I have watched Julia transform from an overalls girl (she was wearing overalls the first day I met her) to a Hot Mama, and Lori, who was a successful corporate executive with Carlson Travels, became another Hot Mama that has been told she looks like Sharon Stone.

Donny? Well, you would think he would have a few more wrinkles from working with these two crazy gals, but instead he has turned into a metro-sexual dad who looks great in Pink!!!!!

So, why is FM 107.1 so successful? Here is my opinion, as someone who has spent years in radio:

When you have a line up like this… how can you go wrong?!

Ian and Margery — 5:00-9:00 A.M.
This real-life married couple — who are actually married in real life — always have something fun to say about each other, as if they were newlyweds.

The Kevyn Burger Show
— 9:00-11:00 A.M.
Kevyn is a self proclaimed cheapskate that has recently braved her Breast Cancer Diagnosis with humor and courage. Kevyn could have pulled the sheets over her head and battled this fight privately, but instead she dealt with it head on and has found a loving husband to support her through everything.

The Colleen Kruse Show — 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
Rake columnist Colleen Kruse started out working with the multi-talented Andrew Zimmern, but has gone on to prove that it’s not just her great taste in shoes bringing her success — it’s her mindful stories on being a super-hip Mom with moxie.

The Stephanie Hansen Show — 1:00-3:00 P.M.
I worked with Stephanie years ago, when I was on the KS95 morning show and Stephanie worked in sales. I always thought this woman was too opinionated and sarcastic to be in sales. She needed her own show, and by gosh she now has it!!!

Lori and Julia — 3:00-6:00 P.M.
I have no doubt the LoJo show will go into syndication, because Lori and Julia are not afraid to put themselves on the line, be self-deprecating, and most important, have the confidence and gift for gab that it takes to pull off a national radio show! Lori and Julia also have regularly name specific stores, items, and movies they like, and — much to the delight of the sales department — their recommendations have so much clout that it’s not unusual for a store to sell out of an item that has earned the LOJO stamp of approval.

Now, I don’t have the time to spotlight all of the FM 107 shows, but I do want to highlight a few more radio personalities with whom I have been lucky to work:

Colleen Lindstrom — who filled in for two weeks as a producer for Lino Rulli and I with a big smile and a bucket full of sunshine, even at 4:30 A.M. Colleen is now a part of the Get Real Girls Show, which airs from 8:00-10:00 AM on Saturday mornings.

Joan Steffend and Liv Lane — who also contribute their opinions on everything from marriage and raising kids to decorating tips. Liv is also married to my producer, Brad Lane. My husband and I have purchased several pieces of furniture from Joan’s sales, therefore I am a bit prejudice. 🙂

Alexis Walsko and Allison Kaplan — from Shop Girls, which airs from 10:00-noon on Saturdays. Both of these woman know the best places in town to shop, and I have to give a shout out to Alexis, who not only looks like a young Marilyn Monroe, but is a blast to party with.

Last but not least, Jason Mathison, from FOX 9, is now going to have a show on FM 107. Not only does Jason do the best impression of Jack from Will and Grace, he is a fantastic entertainment reporter, who… unlike most people who cover entertainment… is the real deal with a heart of diamonds and gold!!

Now you have my take on why FM 107 has no where to go but up up and away, and I want to wish a sincere congratulations to the shows I have been able to hear and enjoy and the shows that I look forward to hearing and enjoying.

For more information go to FM107.1 — Living Life Out Loud.


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