Q & A

Why should you be on Public Radio?

Because we're all craving more "real."

Listeners deserve news with the worldly smarts of NPR, the quick wits of Steven Colbert, the savor of an Ang Lee film, and Iggy Pop's lust for life.

That, it so happens, is how I roll.

Who is your favorite host and why?

Might as well ask Jack Black about his favorite hard rock guitar solo. Where to begin?

Remember NPR's overnight call in in the small hours after Sept 11th?

I'd spent eight hours on and off air that day anchoring break-ins at the NPR affiliate in Cleveland. Psychically spent, I was still starved for information and reassurance, and switched on NPR. And there was Scott Simon.

He was the essence of humanity and flexibility under fire. Each caller was met with the appropriate mix of empathy and respect. He kept the tone sane, and informative. He's a giant.

Like all other members of the family, I owe a great debt to Ira Glass, who reminds us that radio is a conversation, not a recitation. David Kestenbaum's rare stints hosting Talk of the Nation Science Friday really ring my bell. Top drawer listening skills, and brings a rare conversational fluency to science stories. Steve Inskeep does not get enough credit for his endless good humor and tireless efforts to turn the battleship that is Morning Edition. Here & Now's Robin Young consistently impresses me with her clarity and intimacy. My new crush is a BBC guy named Peter Dobbie, who never lets his erudite manner get in the way of interaction with callers.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

Robert McNamara handed me a unified theory that explains almost every news story ever written: as human beings, our natural tendency is to escalate when we should explore.

Bio

Truly a glutton for pubcasting punishment, I've been hosting morning shifts at NPR stations for close to 10 years. I packed up & relocated from Ohio to the pine-fresh Pacific Northwest three years ago.

What's your favorite public radio show?

For news, it's Weekend Edition Saturday, with honorable mention for All Things Considered.
For fun, it's got to be my pals at Live Wire. http://www.livewireradio.org/ Best original comedy in public radio, and very cool music from the Northwest.

What's your secret talent?

Secretly in training for the Rose City Rollers, Portland's all-girl roller derby. Back off, I'll cut you.

What song is stuck in your head right now, you know, a music wedgie?

That Amy Winehouse.... her song I'm No Good just will not quit! She's a guilty pleasure, which adds to her persistence of memory. I've spent years of my life trying to shake the Meters Look-A-Py-Py, before I finally gave in to its glory.

What sound is most characteristic of where you live?

The squeal of bike brakes, the movement of wind through the trees, and sweet, sweet rain nine months of the year.

What's your favorite sound memory?

My mother singing.

Which station do you listen to most?

KOPB!!!! Check us out. www.opb.org