Audio Production

Not everyone can say their first job out of school ended up being the thing they wanted to keep doing throughout a career. But my love story with radio journalism started even earlier, on the second day of an internship where the station was short-staffed and handed me a microphone and an assignment and said “Go.” Over the next three decades I became an award-winning reporter, producer, editor, and the host of national shows with millions of listeners. Now I host and produce podcasts, help create and guide new shows, and train the hosts of the future. I’d love to work with you!

In addition to my 11 years as an anchor/host at Marketplace, I’ve stepped in to host programs for numerous national and local radio outlets. I’m able to jump into any newsroom on a moment’s notice and provide the highest-quality hosting and interviewing skills. If you need a fill-in host for a magazine or talk show, please get in touch.
On the podcast side, in 2021, I hosted and helped create As We Work from The Wall Street Journal. Prior to that, I cohosted Pandemic Economics from the University of Chicago, as well as hosting award-winning branded content podcasts for Google and Bank of America that were produced by Gimlet (now Spotify). I’m well-versed in the podcast space and can come onboard in various hosting capacities, depending on the type of project.
If you need help creating or launching a show, regardless of where you are in that process, I can help. In 2018, in the wake of a massive forest fire, I created and launched a 1/2 hour daily show in less than 72 hours. It went on to win national Murrow and Gracie awards. I also helped create and launch As We Work at The Wall Street Journal, and I’m a seasoned producer and editor.
If your podcast or radio hosts (or reporters) need some group training or one-on-one coaching, I’m available for both one-offs and longer term, regular sessions. I currently serve as a host trainer for Radio Bootcamp and have successfully helped numerous on-air personalities develop their presence and vocal cadence. I’ve also worked specifically with print reporters who needed to gain audio knowledge and skills both to participate in in-house productions, and also to simply be able to be a good guest on other podcasts.
If you’re a radio station or podcast outlet that’s short-staffed because of vacations, departures, or other circumstances, and you need someone to step in for a while, I’d be delighted to join your team on an interim basis. I have experience at every level of the newsroom and each step of the production process and can fill in at a moment's notice, either remotely or, depending on the time frame, potentially in-person. I served for several months as interim news director for North State Public Radio in 2020, remotely, at the height of the pandemic and amid a raging wildfire season and a newsroom merger. I also stepped in for an extended time as editor of the podcast California State of Mind for CapRadio in Sacramento.

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Event Hosting

If you’re looking for a dynamic stage presence for your conference, debate or panel discussion, I’m available as a moderator, and as a host providing introductions and continuity throughout an event. I’m also delighted to conduct interviews on stage with any of your guest speakers who would rather engage in a Q&A than give a speech. I’ve served as emcee and moderator for multi-day conferences as well as one-off panel sessions.
I’m also available for keynote speaking about my experiences in public radio, including how programs are made, and my long tenure as a journalist covering national and international stories. I can also address my years in personal finance, which included the 2008 financial crisis (I will not give financial advice, however). I also wrote a book about career transitions and quitting (I was a quitter long before the Great Resignation), and am available to address related topics.
With a voice that’s recognizable to millions of American radio listeners, I’m available as voiceover talent for your book, commercial, corporate video, and more. In 2014, I supplied hours’ worth of narration for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses 125th Rose Parade digital program guide.
I also provided voiceover talent for the Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA, and served as narrator for the audiobook version of my book LEAP.