I'm not an early morning person, not even close. A few weeks ago, my alarm went off at 4:45 a.m. and I almost threw my pillow at it in exhaustion and anger.
4:45 a.m.!!
Who is up that early besides dedicated mothers of newborns? I'll tell you...our MacKid friends at HOT 96, Joe and Liberty.
I had the opportunity to go "Behind the Scenes" and join Joe and Liberty during the HOT 96 Morning Show right before Thanksgiving. I always appreciate their daily dedication to my morning commute, but wow, you never realize how early their day begins!
When I arrived at the studio around 6:30 a.m., Joe and Liberty were already running at full speed for the morning. They had been up for hours like real pros. Me...well, I was just thankful that coffee was in my immediate future.
They were so gracious as they welcomed me in the studio and gave an overview of the show. It is definitely not an easy task to entertain and bring news to listeners for hours-on-end in the morning. It was fun to sit and watch Joe and Liberty because they act like brother and sister...playfully teasing and chatting between the segments you get to hear on the radio.
What you might not know or expect is that Joe and Liberty are such genuine, down to earth people. They added me into the mix like a sister and showed me all the technical aspects that allow the show to come through your radio every single day. They are constantly prepping material and editing audio...anything to make the show enjoyable for everyone in the tri-state. There is something so special about coming into a studio and knowing the talent is all about the listeners.
I learned very quickly that Joe and Liberty are very passionate about one thing; YOU! They love audience interaction and it was fun to listen in on all calls from people all over the city. The topic of the morning was Christmas gifts! It's always refreshing to her their discussions with listeners. It's honestly something you don't hear as much on other local stations.
In the world of radio broadcasting, you have to think on your feet at a moment's notice and it can be a challenge. Joe and Liberty's conversations are so seamless because they are pros at what they do. Not many people can interject humor and pop culture into their on-air discussions on the spot, but they do it so well!
They also don't pick the music that runs on the station. If Liberty was running the show, it would be Matchbox 20 and Taylor Swift on repeat all day long. I have to admit, I would totally listen to the "Matchbox Swift" station if it were available. HOT 96 is a staple in our house and car, especially because my kids love pop music more than life itself.
On the production end, Joe and Liberty always have a plan of action but are able to change things up at a moment's notice. For instance, if a caller phones in and starts a really great conversation, they will change up their plans and go with it...it's so natural for them that you don't even realize there has been a change in the program.
Joe and Liberty have been on-air together since February (just in case you were thinking about sending cards or flowers for their 1 year anniversary). I could have stayed for hours in the midst of all the fun. Perhaps Joe and Liberty will consider me if they need a 3rd musketeer...ha ha! Our community is so lucky to have two great on-air hosts who care so much about the people they serve through their talent.
They are the real deal both in and out of the studio. It was a blast for me as I know so many of you love listening to their morning show. If you ever see them out-and-about, make sure you give them some #MacKid love.
For more information on the HOT 96 morning show, check out:
http://www.wsto.com/programs/hot-96-morning-show
You can also check out all the awesome social media at
www.facebook.com/hot96morningshow
www.facebook.com/joepeshfanpage
www.twitter.com/joepeshradio
www.instagram.com/joepeshradio
www.facebook.com/Libertyhillonair
www.twitter.com/libertyonair
www.instagram.com/libertyonair
www.instagram.com/instahot96
Have any suggestions for a future "Behind the Scenes" article? Let us know by commenting below and we'll check it out to give you all the details about local businesses and events!
