 I was born in Vancouver, WA, but raised by wolves between Vancouver, Clatskanie, French Gulch (south of Jacksonville) and Medford, and I’m proud to say my heritage is Swedish, Dutch, English and Native American (Cherokee from the Appalachians). I’ve always had the musical and sports bug since being a Toddler, even though my dad tried to sway me on the sports side by giving me a complete Vikings uniform for Christmas, when I was really becoming a Green Bay fan as I grew into a Todders.
Since both my parents were athletes and very busy, it was my grandparents true adventureous spirit that allowed me to get a real taste of all the Klamath Basin has to offer. In fact, upon arriving in Klamath Falls for my first day at KLAD, I experienced many flashbacks to a time when I was a Toddster.
That was also a time when I decided to spread my wings and jumped from one adventure to another. Stints included, but were not limited to working on a famous cruise line in the Caribbean, being the number one club jock in Portland for some years, managing some retail businesses, but this true Pacific Northwesterner stayed in the Portland area to study broadcast journalism and landed new jobs at both a very small market station in Dallas and the infamous Z100. I continued my radio career with a few other stations in Portland and Seattle.
After leaving radio in the early 90’s, I took an adventure in the solid waste/recycling industry working routes (you know sanitary engineer) and handling public relations. After additional studies under the WSU Cougar banner, I started a non-profit organization and traveled to the area of Nizhni Novgorod, Russia many times representing the State of Washington as a liaison working in the public sector helping establish relations between the two respective regions.
I returned to radio in the mid 90’s to enjoy time with a few smaller stations, but the country bug REALLY hit again when I landed at KUPL Country in Portland as part of the Waking Crew in 1996, enjoying the music I grew up with and loved. Now let’s jump to 1999, where I welcomed an opportunity to work with a friend at KRKT Country in Albany, but as radio would play out, lost my position due to budget cuts in 2000.
Luckily, due to my emcee experience as a national tour emcee with Warren Miller Films and also a “Man in the Stands” with the past Portland Forest Dragons of the Arena Football League, I jumped into media operations as “Toddman” with the former Portland Prowlers.
Moving up to 2003 I found myself close to the Klamath Basin again as I handled mornings at KSJJ in Bend. Budget cuts haunted me again, so I found myself across the street at the Mountain until I relocated to Wenatchee, WA handling Program Director and Morning duties for three years at KYSN. If my voice is not recognizable from one of those energetic stations, it could be from either the Wolf in Seattle or most recently in the Tri-Cities area of Washington at our sister station 94.9 the Wolf.
No, it really doesn’t matter which station or where, it’s still the music I love and live by, just like my lifestyle. That’s why I’m proud to call Klamath Falls my new home and KLAD “THE STATION!”
Sports Favorites
In college football, of course I’ll scare some folks as I’m proud to wear silver and red for the Cougars. Hey, that’s what alumni do! For the big dogs, I’ve always enjoyed Green Bay, but followed Coach Holmgren to Seattle and am a true Northwesterner, so LET’S GO HAWKS! Baseball, a YES on the Mariners, but if they can’t do it, bring on the Red Sox. When it comes to hockey, I’ve never given up on my Vancouver Canucks! In fact, last year I was fortunate enough to enjoy some time in Vancouver, BC so it was great to watch Luongo in action in the goalies box.
Let’s not forgot NASCAR! I miss Dale and still proudly sport my #3, but have went with the guy who I used to see race at the smaller tracks years ago, Greg Biffle, yes #16. When they finish the new track in the Boardman area, you can figure when my vacation will be!
Food
I have a variety of tastes as I’ve experienced a lot of cuisines from my international travels. Learning Russian in Russia showed me a whole new way to enjoy bread, pasta and fruits. If I go back to my southern roots, bring on a great brisket with a side of salmon plus corn on the cob and I’m almost there. OK, add some sweet potato pie with rum sauce, plus a shot of ice cream, and you got me!
Activities
From before my first day of work at KLAD, I’ve been up at Mike’s Fieldhouse in the Steen’s Sports Park playing more indoor soccer than kids 30 years younger. Soccer, snow skiing, baseball, football and track and field are sports I’ve participated heavily in all my life. I wasn’t privy to basketball until a few years ago, but enjoy that too.
Favorite Individuals
I’ve been blessed enough in my radio career to have had the opportunity to meet so many special artists in both country and top 40, plus additional celebrities. Probably the key people that have stood out the most would be the famous ski film maker, Warren Miller, whom I worked for during six seasonal years. Wynonna has the most amazing memory when it comes to remembering an individual. Bill Engvall as the most natural comedian he could be. The late great Chris LeDoux was special as he was always a real cowboy who just loved life as we all do. I was fortunate to meet Canadian artist Aaron Pritchett when he was just starting and is now the hottest thing in Canada. I never did meet, but had plenty of interviews and emails with Cowboy Crush who I hope someday will be presented as the true country superstars that those gals are.
Email Todd |
Lia at Night
