Behind the Mic: An Exclusive Interview with Stefanie Former Radio Personality and Podcaster

I recently had the pleasure of connecting with Stefanie, a former radio personality and podcaster known for her show "Stef's Rocks Show." During our conversation, Stefanie shared insights into her life journey and discussed how she first became involved in radio. It was a fascinating discussion, and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did!

AA: Welcome, Stefanie!! Where are you from (tell your origin story)?

S: I was born and raised in Lodi, CA. When I was growing up in Lodi, it was a small farming community just 45 minutes south of Sacramento. I always thought of Sacramento as a big city prior to moving to Los Angeles. Growing up, I was more of a shy, awkward kid, very into school and competitive dance. As a teenager, I started to become more outgoing and confident, but I would still label myself as a late bloomer. In college, that was when I came alive, developed Stef's Rock Show on the college station, and my passion for music took off.

AA: What was your favorite childhood memory with your family?

S: I would definitely say Disneyland. Um, it's fascinating to me, people making fun of adults that like Disneyland. I get both. I get where everybody's coming from, right. So. And what I don't think they've understood or the people that I'm watching is. So my family fought a lot.

S: My parents did not like each other. They stayed together for me until I was 18. Right. Like, they did not want to be together, so. But the only time they didn't fight, so the best memories were Disneyland. And we went two to three times a year. We went a lot, and they would get along and we'd have a magical week.

S: And it was just so fun and almost unrealistic. So, Disneyland has the best childhood memories for me. And that's why I kind of like to go back when I can. It's so overpriced nowadays. But it's fascinating when people are like, it's weird when adults go, but I think some people don't realize, like, as kids, that was the only good memory you had. And you kind of relive it when you enter the park.

AA: What was your favorite part when you were a child, what was your favorite part in Disneyland to go to?

S: Just walking down Main Street, you know, when the gates open, I was a runner. Like, when they opened the gates, I ran in walking down Main Street, I'd smell the vanilla cones. I knew, like, I was in this magical fairy tale world where real issues didn't exist.

S: You can kind of leave those at the door and then also entering on Pirates of the Caribbean. Because you could smell Pirates of the Caribbean. And like, that smell of, uh, that was usually too. I'd go to Adventureland first, and that was one of the first rides I would hit, so that's just like a good use of a good question. I haven't thought about that.

AA: Did you have any like favorite Disney princesses that you grew up with that you like slowly when you were a child that you dressed up as well?

S: Ariel is my favorite Disney princess, but I think because I didn't have red hair until much later in life, I always liked to dress up as Sleeping Beauty. And funny story, the UOP dance team and I got in trouble one time at Disneyland because we didn't know it was a rule that basically when you're not a little girl, you can't dress up as a Disney princess because kids could get confused.

S: So, the whole dance team picked a Disney princess, and mine was Sleeping Beauty. We dressed up really cute in the actual outfits, and we got escorted off to the side. They gave us more outfits, and we had to change in the bathroom from our Disney princess outfits to regular shirts.

S: Yeah, I get it, though, right? Because we're 18 or 19. We could have said a bad word. We could have been bad college kids, and we're dressed as princesses. So, I understand where the park was coming from, that little kids could have gotten confused and thought, "Oh, Cinderella is talking about drinking beer, mom."

AA: How did you discover your talent for radio, interviewing, and journalism? Were you always good at talking to people and writing, or did these skills develop with a lot of practice?

S: While in college, I became confident. Getting away from my toxic parents allowed me to shine and gain confidence. I do not have a filter; I say whatever comes to mind. I really care about interviews, and I think that shows.

AA: Please share your journey to becoming a journalist in the rock and roll music genre. Explain why you decided to pursue a career in journalism, and also talk about the opportunities that came your way

S: I started because I heard on the college dance team communication was an easy major. Honestly, I just wanted to party and travel with the college dance team. I worked so hard to get great grades prior to college and didn't party; therefore, in college, it was my time to play. Little did I know how much I would love radio and public relations. I grew up with my parents playing Motley Crue, Aerosmith, Ozzy, etc. I love all genres of music but wanted to focus on rock music and interviewing people in the rock/metal scene.

AA: So how did you get this opportunity at Playboy radio? And what were your responsibilities at that job as an intern?

S: Honestly, this is funny. Uh, Craigslist. Uh, Craigslist. So, um, um, my buddy Scott had already moved to LA six months prior, and he told me about Santa Monica. And he's like, I want you to move down. And I had wanted to go to LA. That was the thing. So I was looking for jobs on Craigslist. Well, there was a Craigslist ad to come on to Playboy radio, and it was like, can a bunny tell a funny? And it was like cute girls to try to make people laugh, like, okay, why don't I try out for that? And, uh, I've done small comedy hosting gigs and stuff like that.

S: Comedy is really hard. I could never do it. But I love doing like a two-minute comedy set to introduce somebody. And so, I went down, they said I did great, and they're like, we're looking for an intern. And I'm like, I literally just graduated. Let's do this. And that's where I found out, in the waiting room, when I'm making coffee and I'm helping out and doing things, I'm coming across all of these comedians and rockers and producers that I'm like, why don't I make little Vistaprint cheap, you know, cards and say, do you want to come on my rock show?

S: That doesn't exist. It didn't even exist. There was no show. I just made these business cards and like these huge people were like, yeah, I want to come on. And I'm like, oh my God, I'm going to have to get a camera and a mic and I'm going to have to have this show exist.

AA: Now tell us about your podcast and show you do on YouTube called Steph Rock show. What is that about?

S: I started Steph's Rock Show in 2008. Um, I don't have a website anymore, but I still have the YouTube channel. I just started Steph's Rock Show again as a podcast on Spotify and Instagram, and I absolutely love it. This has always been my favorite hobby. I interview musicians. I'm starting to interview reality stars. Also, some of my friends who have local businesses want to come on and talk about it. If I have an idea that pops into my head, it's so healthy for me to get it off my chest and talk about it.I like listening to other podcasts. Um, sometimes I'll get inspired by another podcast when I talk. Steph's Rock Show is all about fun, music, rock life, and everything, and everyone is welcome.

AA: Who's been your favorite guest so far on your show since you started the show back on YouTube?

S: Honestly, Big Ed, I was shocked when I contacted him. Like, do you want to come on the new show? And he's like, yes, right away. I'm like, no way. I'm dreaming. Why? Like, he's on so many realities show on TLC. He's such a huge personality that he doesn't need to come on my little, tiny new podcast that just started up, but he was so cool, grateful, and easy to interview.

S: So that was really fun and exciting. And then, um, Michael Starr of Steel Panther, I think because he came on Steph's rock show in 2009. So the fact that he came back on the Rock show, but as a podcast in 2024 and we're still friends and we still catch up was neat, like, wow, we've grown up. We've aged quite a bit, but we're still doing what we like, so I thought that was kind of neat.

S: So, I was like booking celebrities before I even had the equipment to, like, do this show. And it just ended up being really fun and working out. But it was funny that I was like, oh, yeah, you know, and then I met Tracy Weidman. I got to give a shout out to her.

S: She is Marilyn Manson, Megadeth, uh, Foreigner, Styx, Kansas, Joan Jett. She is the manager for a lot of incredible acts. And she's like, do you want to come on the road sometimes and get some footage and interview some people? So she definitely got me in the door to get some awesome bands and get kind of just my feet wet on, like, what am I asking?

AA: Regarding your radio job, can you provide insights into what went on behind the scenes? More specifically, what were your daily duties? How did you spend your time from nine to five, or during your working hours?

S: Well, I would say the best way to describe it is when I was at 96.7 for an actual morning job. And people don't understand how difficult that is because I left the house at three in the morning, and I had to be there at 4:30 to research. We went live at 5:00 a.m.

S: So, we did an hour and 30 minutes of research, you know, and printing out a timeline of our bullet points. This is a current event. This is a big thing in the news. This is a sports update. This is what we want to discuss or talk about, so we had different topics to bounce around from. And then you give your all from 5:00 to 10:00 a.m. even though it's 5 hours, I am making sure I'm the funniest, most creative person. So, by the time I'm off work at 10:00 a.m. I was exhausted and drained, and I had another hour to drive home. I'd get home at 11:00 a.m. and crash. Like, I do this weird sleep from like 11:00 a.m. to maybe 4:00 p.m. and then get up and make dinner, you know, watch some shows, relax, have a little bit of a night, and then go back to bed and wake up at 3:00 a.m. All over again. I don't think people realize, like, a morning DJ schedule, you don't really have a life and a lot of friends because your sleep's off and you're really giving 110% when you're on the air.

AA: You mentioned that you conducted various interviews back in the day at the Vans Warped Tour and Mayhem festival. Who were your favorite artists to sit down with and interview? What were some heartbreaking or funny stories they shared with you? Also, can you share a story that really touched your heart?

S: Pierce the Veil was a standout at Vans Warped Tour, sharing that fans once decorated their tour bus with numerous bras.

John5 was a crowd favorite at Mayhem, and Rob Zombie briefly hired him before they decided to continue working together as friends.

S: The most poignant interview was with Steve from Smash Mouth, where he made light of his drug addiction, leaving us unaware of the severity of his situation which eventually led to organ failure.

AA: Since we first connected, you have shared that you've had a lot of experiences dating individuals from the music industry. I'd love to hear about your best and worst dates, as well as your overall experiences with these guys.

S: My most meaningful connection in the industry was with Scott Griffin from LA Guns. In hindsight, the relationship was more significant than I realized back then. Despite its complexities, it was evident that we both genuinely cared for each other. Additionally, Chris Fraizer, the drummer of Whitesnake and now Foreigner, has been a great friend for 20 years.

S: As for my worst dating experiences, none involved well-known individuals. Perhaps the lack of communication and bad timing with Jake from Black Veil Brides was the most challenging. Our youth and immaturity were contributing factors.

I find dating musicians exhilarating. Their passion, talent, and drive are alluring qualities, especially when you know that other women are interested in your partner.

Stefanie & Joey Jordison

AA: Did you experience hardships or struggles during your time working at your radio hosting gigs?

S: Well, I would not say struggles, I would say I didn't realize when I got married and pregnant and left how hard it would be to get back into radio. Then it was crushing when I was offered a new radio morning position right after having my second child and had no one to care for both of my kids during the time frame. Having to turn down your dream job to parent, but then I ended up starting this podcast six years later. Everything happens for a reason.

Stefanie and "Weird Al" Yankovic

AA: Regarding "Weird Al" Yankovic, did you have a story about that?

S: Yes, I enjoy sharing this story. Since this podcast is new, there are probably many people who haven't heard the Weird Al" Yankovic. I've talked about it a lot over the years on radio shows. It was a crazy experience that I am proud of when I was just 13. I appeared on daytime talk shows to meet Weird Al. Isn't it ridiculous? Who would have thought that sending an email could lead to being flown out to meet someone you admire? Thanks to Donnie and Marie Osmond, and their producer Barry, I got the opportunity to meet Al, chat with him, present gifts, and even have a dance-off.

S: I also got the chance to be a backup dancer for him. I even had a silly crush on him back then. As a nerdy 13-year-old with braces, I jokingly suggested we should get married. He kindly declined, pointing out my age. Looking back, I find it both embarrassing and amusing.

S: Years later, I interviewed him at South by Southwest. I felt embarrassed at first, thinking he wouldn't remember me among his millions of fans worldwide. To my surprise, he did recall me, despite my overzealous fan behavior. Weird Al is truly cool.

S: I was embarrassed by how much of a superfan I was, hoping we would end up together. That was my mindset at that age, as he was my first crush.

AA: Can you talk more about your background in burlesque? What got you interested in this dance form? At what age did you start dancing and when did you become involved in this style of dance? Also, could you explain what burlesque dancing is? Does this art form involve striptease? What kind of opportunities did you get from doing this style of dancing? t

S: My dance journey began at the age of three with ballet and jazz. I transitioned to tap dance at nine and began competing. It wasn't until I turned 20 that I ventured into burlesque, thanks to a suggestion from my boyfriend at the time. I am grateful for his idea, as it has allowed me to showcase my skills in various locations such as Hollywood, Monterey, Austin, TX, and Sacramento. I have a deep appreciation for the sensuality, allure, and expertise that comes with being a formally trained dancer.

AA: Tell us about that a little more. What were you, what were you doing during that time?

S: It was a lot of fun. I had the opportunity to perform in Austin, Texas, at Crazy Girls. I even did a small show there, which surprised people because Dorothy, who is now part of a band called Dorothy with Kara Marie from MTV's The Challenge, was also there at that time.

S: The experience was interesting. We had to wear pasties and bottoms, so no one was completely naked. They served alcohol at the bar where we performed, making it a great show. It was Rock and Roll Wednesdays, which I particularly enjoyed.

S: Every Wednesday, a new band would take the stage at Crazy Girls, allowing us to dance and perform around them. It was a popular spot for celebrities, producers, and rappers to network and connect.

S: I earned a good amount of money performing burlesque at three different clubs across the US. I always had some involvement in burlesque, radio, serving, bartending, and even took up various job opportunities on Craigslist, including Doritos commercial gigs.

AA: How many of those commercial jobs did you end up securing?

S: I pretty much did a bit of everything. I even dated my mom at one point, but that's a whole other story. Remember those quirky reality shows on MTV back in the day? Yeah, those were the only gigs where I had some lines to say.

S: I never landed any major roles, just blended in with the crowd. I'd be at a pool, or you know, just part of the background. It's the norm in LA, right? People in Sacramento would be like, "What? You're just in the background of a random commercial."

S: But hey, in LA, you gotta pay the bills. So, they'd need like 200 people at a certain place and time, and I'd show up and do whatever was needed to earn some cash.

AA: As a single mother, I would like to know more about your journey into motherhood. Could you share your experiences and thoughts on what motherhood means to you? What do you find most fulfilling about being a mother? What principles and teachings do you wish to instill in your children as they mature? Furthermore, how do you address topics that your children learn from their peers? Lastly, how do you manage the balance between work and motherhood responsibilities?

S: Being a mom is hands down the coolest thing I have ever done. My life is no longer about me; my kids come first, and my life has a bigger purpose. I share custody of my kids, which can be difficult, but I’m happy they have amazing fathers. It's a balance like everything in life; I want to be there for them and also remember to take care of myself mentally. This podcast has brought me a lot of joy; while they're at school, I get the episodes finished and edited. I would define motherhood as the hardest and best thing you could ever do. I almost died giving birth to my second child, and I would do it all over again. Insane, right?! Ha.

AA: Can you share an experience from your past that significantly impacted you personally?

S: I think having a traumatic childhood and growing up fast gives you comedy and life perspective. My parents fought and hated one another and stayed together "for me," but divorced right after I left for college. Then my father started to slowly pull away and eventually disappeared from my life. Today, I am not close with either of my parents and have been a lone wolf for years. Being independent, I love connecting with friends and rockstars and talking since I don't have my own tribe. I have also noticed that children who grew up in high-stress situations usually become great journalists, or most radio DJs come from wild pasts.

AA: What are your three favorite movies, books, shows, and podcasts, and why?

S: The top three movies I enjoy the most are Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. While I used to be an avid reader of self-help books, nowadays whenever I try to read, I end up falling asleep. My preferred show is "Love After Lockup" as I consider myself a hopeful romantic and find a connection with the characters.

S: When it comes to podcasts, I favor Tim Dillon, Joe Rogan, and Baby Mamas No Drama. I appreciate their take on news, current events, co-parenting, and enjoy delving deep into history.

AA: Tell me about the three most influential people in your life and how they affected you positively or negatively.

S: Although my grandfather was a highly esteemed judge and my role model, he unfortunately fell victim to alcohol addiction in his 70s. My sons serve as my source of inspiration. I hold them in high regard; their encouragement has driven me to enhance myself and upgrade my culinary and housekeeping abilities. My closest friend, G, is an exceptionally conscientious doctor who has consistently stood by me. She is fluent in the native tongue of each location we explore, which helps me stay connected to reality.

AA: What would you say if you had the world's attention for 5 minutes?

S: Don't trip, we are all in this matrix together, try not to get divided, and if you are thinking about saying it and it would affect someone positively - say it!

AA: We appreciate your openness, Stepfanie and thank you for sharing insights into your personal and professional life.