5 Questions with … Melissa McGurren

CSN Chicago Senior Director of Communications
CSNChicago.com Contributor

Want to know more about your favorite Chicago media celebrities? CSNChicago.com has your fix as we put the city's most popular personalities on the spot with everyone's favorite local celeb feature entitled 5 Questions with... On Wednesdays, exclusively on CSNChicago.com, its our turn to grill the local media and other local VIPs with five random sports and non-sports related questions that will definitely be of interest to old and new fans alike.

This weeks guest ... a standout cast member of the enormously popular Eric and Kathy Show on 101.9 FM THE MIX ... shes a Northwest Indiana native whose love of media and personal drive to make it in the crazy world of radio broadcasting landed her at just about the best place one can hope to be at in the biz ... plus, she's pretty damn funny too ... here are 5 Questions with ... MELISSA McGURREN!

 

BIO: Moving to Chicago wasn't a far trip for Melissa McGurren, who grew up in Portage, Ind. At the age of 8, Melissa was already writing and creating radio shows on cassette tapes to play for her mom. Although the shows needed some work (come on, she was only 8 years old), she decided to pursue a career in radio. Melissa started her radio career in the Hoosier State in Hammond and Merrillville before becoming the sidekick/traffic reporter at THE MIX. She consistently strives to be the best Melissa she can be and says there is always more to learn through new experiences in life. The new love of her life is her son Porter, who was born in December 2010. "With a twinkle in his eye, he stole my heart. Ok, so that's super cheesy," she says, but it's completely true.

 

1) CSNChicago.com: Melissa, first off, congrats to you and your fellow cast of characters on the massive success of the Eric and Kathy Show. The shows popularity seems limitless right now. There's no doubt you've attained a solid fan base over the years thanks in part to your great sense of humor and ability to put your male counterparts in their place if needed! As the aforementioned primary sidekick to E & K, do you have any aspirations to one day soon have your own radio show? Do tell.

McGurren: Well, I'll say this ... I don't know what the future holds for me. I love my job, I love radio and I can't imagine not being on the air. I think my future is radio. Likely in the capacity of on-air, but as long as there is growth with the Eric and Kathy Show, both on the air and in the studio, I'll be there. If the show ever ends (let's say, 30 years from now), I'll probably just retire. All kidding aside, who knows what path the future holds, but when something "feels right", I just go with it. Right now, the Eric and Kathy Show "feels right."

 

2) CSNChicago.com: Being a public figure as a radio personality naturally opens up your personal life to your listeners (i.e. the trials and tribulations of motherhood, relationships, etc.). Was/is that particular aspect of your job difficult for you or do you feel that it is just an absolute requirement in order to further connect to your audience?

McGurren: When I first started, I didn't mind talking about some aspects of my life. This was when I was on another morning show. Yeah that's right. I did a different show (for a short time). Anyone remember Tim and Willy, on Kick's Country? Actually, I loved those guys but you probably don't remember. They weren't around very long. When the popularity of the Eric and Kathy Show increased, so did the information about our personal lives. I must admit, it was a HUGE adjustment, but there's something about sharing some parts of your life with the audience that not only makes them relate more to you, but you relate more to them. This comes in the form of e-mails (mostly). People share their stories with me. They introduce themselves when we're out and they attend our functions. I love it. I actually feel like I'm friends with them as much as they are with me.

 

3) CSNChicago.com: You've stated that you don't know that much about sports ... not sure if I can believe that. Blackhawks star Patrick Sharp, for example, regularly appears on the show as do other athletes from time to time. Simple question: do you ever get nervous when an athlete is on the show in fear of your self-proclaimed lack of sports knowledge?

McGurren: Well you can believe it. I don't know much about sports. I definitely know more now that we talk about it on the show, but I don't really follow it. I get why people love sports. I've gone to some games myself and have thoroughly enjoyed all that goes on, be it the tailgating, the camaraderie, etc. As far as being nervous when pro athletes come in, nah...not really. Typically they listen to the show anyway and already know the dynamics. We talk about a lot of things non-sports related so I'm fine in that aspect.

 

4) CSNChicago.com: If you could be one celebrity for one week, who would it be and why?

McGurren: Just one? There are at least 11 that I would pick, but if I can only pick one ... Chelsea Handler. She says what she wants, does what she wants, is very funny and I still think deep down she is a pretty nice lady. I know I worry too much about saying the wrong thing to people or hurting their feelings.

 

5) CSNChicago.com: Name your Top 3 favorite songs/artists that would NEVER be played on The Mix?

McGurren: Ok, first up, give me some old Dixie Chicks and I'm pretty much in heaven. There's something appealing about a song that speaks to a lot of women who aren't ready to settle down and want to have fun instead of the stereotype ... a woman that just wants to find a man and have babies. I went through a time of just wanting to have fun myself and so have my girlfriends. So boys, don't just jump to conclusions on the ladies. Also, I'd have to go with Foo Fighters -- I may not always be in the mood for them, but when I am ... look out! Besides, David Grohl is dreamy. Michael Jackson -- Like most people, I started listening to his music again after his sad death. His music will forever be timeless to me. Can I add a fourth? ANY Frank Sinatra song is fantastic!

 

BONUS QUESTION! CSNChicago.com: Anything you'd like to promote Melissa? Tell us ... CSNChicago.com readers want to hear about it!

McGurren: I have StyleFile events that start every spring and last all summer. We get hundreds of people coming. I love hosting them, I love the people that come and it's just "a good ol' time." Listen on the show for upcoming events starting soon! Plus -- I'm looking for a charity that I can really be involved in that deals with animals. I don't want to donate money (I already do that). I want to be involved in the creative solutions to stop animal cruelty. If YOU know how to get me in there to help, email me (Melissa@wtmx.com)! I'm not looking to host events. I want to do more than that. I want to bust the bad guys!

 

McGurren LINKS:

Official WTMX Eric and Kathy Show home page

Melissa McGurren on Faceboo