Journey from Radio to Podcasting: An Interview with Stefanie of Stefs Rock Show

Amit Ahuja
Aug 11, 2025
9 min read

Updated: Aug 13, 2025

Mark Podulka of yourphotoherellc

I conducted a Q&A interview with Stefannie, a former radio personality and current podcaster from Stef's Rock Show. We discussed her upbringing, her entry into the radio industry, her current podcast, and several other topics. I hope you enjoy reading this.

Amit Ahuja: Tell us about where you grew up and what your hometown was like. What kind of atmosphere or community shaped your early years?

Stefanie: I grew up in Lodi, CA. In the 80s it was a smaller farming town. Lodi was a great town to start a family, we hit the skate park, went to the movies, and I was on a competitive dance team. Also spent time in my grandfather's law firm, and the Lodi library he helped to create.

Amit Ahuja: Looking back, how has your upbringing influenced who you are today? We’d love to hear about how your early experiences shaped your values, beliefs, and perspective on the world.

Stefanie: Growing up in a political family with my grandfather as a well-known judge catapulted my interest in politics and world events and history. My parents were very into music esp 70s and 80s rock; we attended concerts and had a large entertainment center that we played music on often.

Amit Ahuja: "Which forms of arts and crafts where you engaged in during your childhood, and in what ways did those early creative experiences contribute to your decision to pursue a career in radio and conducting interviews?

Stefanie: I started entertainment industry when I was three years old. In tap, jazz, and ballet. Around age 12 my parents got me an agent, and I started to audition in print modeling, dance, and acting. This all helped me prior to joining my first radio show in college at UOP in 2004.

Amit Ahuja: What’s the weirdest thing you believed as a kid?

Stefanie: That everyone's parents hated one another and yelled at each other daily and slept in different bedrooms. HA!

Amit Ahuja: "Has there ever been a particular event or moment that made you recognize the extent of the world's disorder or dysfunction?"

Stefaine: I think 9/11 had a huge impact on me. I was in history class in high school, and it made me realize our fragile our lives are at any moment.

Amit Ahuja: Could you take us back to the beginning of your journey into the world of radio? We’d love to hear what sparked that first moment of inspiration—was it a voice on the airwaves, a story that moved you, or a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the magic of broadcasting?

Stefaine: Around fifth grade I started to really stay up later to listen to my local radio stations. I soon started to call into the stations and even had a banter with Nick Monroe of KWOD. I loved being able to talk to someone on the wilder side and request music. I had no idea I would ever have my own show until University of the Pacific. I was on the dance team and in Tri Delta sorority and needed to change my major to something easier. I switched from education to communication and fell into a radio show.

Amit Ahuja: Have you ever had a favorite radio personality—someone you looked up to or admired—who made you think, "I could do this too"? Maybe there was a moment when you were listening to them and thought, 'Their style, their energy, the way they connect with people—that’s something I could see myself doing someday.' If so, who was it, and what was it about them that inspired you?

Stefaine: As mentioned above, Nick Monroe was first. My overall inspiration and favorite rock journalist is Jose Mangin. Jose is the best, he’s creative, funny, performs, and relatable.

Amit Ahuja: Can you share the story of how you secured your very first job in your professional field? What was the role, what industry or company did you work in, and what steps or experiences led you to that opportunity? Additionally, is there a particular lesson, skill, or piece of knowledge you gained from that initial job that has stayed with you and continues to influence the way you work today?

Stefanie: My first real job was Playboy radio as an intern in 2008 in Los Angeles. Although my first big morning show radio gig was in 2013 with Rock 96.7 in Modesto, CA. The lessons I learned were to be yourself, show up and give 100% and treat everyone with respect.

Amit Ahuja: What goes into planning a show that listeners might not realize?

Stefanie: A LOT. I research all the time, the news, current events, music news, listening to other shows etc.

Amit Ahuja: What were some of the biggest challenges working in radio?

Stefanie: Having to be at work at 4:30 am.

Amit Ahuja: How did you handle censorship or restrictions imposed by management?

Stefanie: We got in trouble sometimes when we crossed the line or talked too inappropriately.

Amit Ahuja: Any memorable stories of listeners who made an impact on you?

Stefanie: Not really, I had a stalker and he’s back around now. More hate, people can be very rude when thinking you're just a radio personality and forget you're still a human.

Amit Ahuja: "What’s one moment from your career that you’ll never forget—whether it was hilarious, moving, or completely chaotic?"

Stefanie: When I sat down with the band Foreigner and asked the lead singer Kelly Hansen what the wildest thing to ever happen to him, and he said pooped his pants.

Amit Ahuja: "What kinds of radio gigs did you take on over the years, and which companies were you with along the way?"

Stefanie: KPAC, Playboy radio, 101x Austin TX, Monterey Hippo, KMRQ Rock 967.

Amit Ahuja: "Did you ever have an interview or caller that caught you completely off guard?"

Stefaine: No, but it is unfortunate when a band or band member is boring or rude or shy and won't answer the questions completely.

Amit Ahuja: "I’m sure you’ve seen some wild things over 20 years in radio—can you tell us about some of the craziest parties or behind-the-scenes moments you’ve experienced? Give us all juice stories, Lol

Stefaine: So many wild times. Backstage with Smashmouth was super crazy when Steve was still alive. I partied with Slipknot, Kansas, NSync, BVB, Blood on the dance floor. So many and also backstage at all the big festivals is always a fun time. Lots of drinking, drugs, and hooking up.

Amit Ahuja: Who were some of the most memorable people you interviewed or worked with?

Stefanie: Todd Phillips was one of the smartest and nicest people I have got the opportunity to interview.

Amit Ahuja: What are you most proud of from your time in radio?

Stefaine: Everyone that has worked with me knows I have a good heart and really want to see everyone win.

Amit Ahuja: You've had a long and impressive journey in the radio industry. Still, I'm curious—over the years, what other career opportunities or ventures have come your way, and which ones did you choose to explore or get involved in beyond broadcasting?"

Stefanie: Thank you! I have also been in a B horror film, commercial, back up danced on stage and in a rap music video, won Miss San Joaquin County in 2004 and several competitive dance titles.

Amit Ahuja: Any memorable stories of listeners who made an impact on you?

Stefaine: I do like this one listener named Chris from morning radio days, named “meat the jerk” he would call in a lot with fun stories.

Amit Ahuja: "During your time working in radio, did you have the opportunity to travel to different states or countries? And if so, do you have any wild stories or memorable experiences from those travels?"

Stefanie: I did I went to visit SXSW in Austin Texas in 2011 and ended up staying there and transferring stations.

Amit Ahuja: You've likely had your fair share of memorable moments behind the mic, but is there one radio gig that really stands out to you as a favorite?

Stefanie: Working Aftershock music festival. I was one of the first people to work media for it in 2014. And I am blessed to be able to still work it today.

Amit Ahuja: "You once shared that there was a particular celebrity you had a crush on since childhood and that you were about to meet him. Can you tell the full story of how that experience unfolded for you? What was it like meeting him, and what is it about his work that made you such a fan all these years?"

Stefanie: I'm a huge Weird Al Yankovic fan. Since I was a young child he made me laugh. I grew up with his parody music, seeing him live and collecting his memorabilia. In 1999 I wrote a daytime television show, The Donny & Marie Show asking to meet Weird Al. I received as e mail back just a week later to be flown out and meet Weird Al on TV.

Amit Ahuja: Can you share with us three individuals who have positively or negatively influenced your lives, and why?

Stefanie: Three people who have positively influenced my life are my grandfather, my best friend Gigi and my best friend Jori.

Amit Ahuja: Who were some of the most influential or unforgettable people you worked with?

Stefanie: Haven't had any yet. Most of my former crews and I have gone into different directions, or they gave up and left the radio. I’m still hanging on though.

Amit Ahuja: Why did you leave the radio industry?

Stefanie: When I got married and had my first child in 2014, to be a full-time home maker.

Amit Ahuja: What was the most challenging part about transitioning out of radio?

Stefanie: Nothing, it was beautiful I got privacy and got to be a full hands-on mom.

Amit Ahuja: Have any skills from your radio days helped you in your current life/career?

Stefanie: I have always stayed up to date on all world events and am a curious cat.

Amit Ahuja: After spending 20 years in radio, you’ve now started your podcast called Stef’s Rock Show. Tell us a bit more about that—what inspired you to launch your show?

Stefanie: I finally missed it. Taking time off and away from the spotlight was fun, but I missed it all. The music, the scene, my friends along the way, interviewing rockstars, joining other podcast shows. I’m happy to be back.

Amit Ahuja: "Since you began working on and hosting this podcast, I’d love to hear more about the interviews that have left a lasting impression on you. Out of all the conversations you’ve had so far, could you share your top five favorite interviews—the ones that resonated most deeply with you either personally, professionally, or emotionally? I’m curious to know what made those particular discussions stand out to you, and why they continue to stick with you even now."

Stefaine: This new podcast “Stefs Rock Show” that I started in 2024 has been incredible. I have got to interview some of my childhood favorites like CKY and Alien Ant Farm, Chumbawamba, and even funny guys like Big ED. I love large or well known artists but my favorite podcasts are groups. I enjoy a morning show type of format with two other men talking about news and life.

Amit Ahuja: "Do you have a two-year goal you'd like to achieve for your show?"

Stefanie: I want to join a paid podcast program and waiting to hear back if I made it in or not very soon. Then I want to marry a well known podcaster and have another kid.

Amit Ahuja: What kinds of TV shows, movies, books, or podcasts do you connect with—and what is it about them that draws you in? Is it the storytelling, character development, the themes they explore, or just the overall craft?

Stefaine: I love reality trash TV, all Netflix, shows about love. Movies I'm super into Labyrinth, Dark Crystal, Rocky Horror, Closer, True Romance, Little Shop of Horror, Cats, Im into all art forms. I love going to my local art museum and walking around Crocker art. I listen a lot to Adam Corolla show, Tim Dillon Show, PBD for news.

Amit Ahuja: If you had to pick a superpower, what would it be?

Stefaine: To never be tired. I’m always sleepy.

Amit Ahuja: What’s something people often get wrong about you?”

Stefanie: I can get nervous although I look confident.

Amit Ahuja: How do you define happiness in your life, and how does that connect to your vision of success?

Stefanie: Becoming a parent and raising children that feel safe and loved by you.

Amit Ahuja: Are there any particular hobbies, passions, or interests outside of your involvement with podcasting that really energize or excite you—things that you love to spend time on or that bring you a sense of purpose or joy when you're not immersed in your musical pursuits?"

Stefanie: My largest hobby is being a mom. My main role is being a mother, going to sporting events and cheering them on, cooking and cleaning for them, and being there for them.

Amit Ahuja: Let's talk about how you've dealt with mental health struggles. What strategies, coping tricks, or support systems have helped you? Additionally, what advice or insights would you like to share with others your age who are facing similar challenges?

Stefaine: I had a very horrible childhood, a lot of trauma. I have struggled with depression and anxiety and used substances to numb the pain. Having kids is my best medicine though, to take the focus on my past trauma and show up for my kids now.

Amit Ahuja: What message would you share with humanity if you had the world’s attention for five minutes?

Stefaine: Stop fighting, and yelling, and trying to change someone opinion. Enjoy this whacky world with the small time you have on this spinning rock.

Amit Ahuja: Thank You So Much for Stefaine for sharing your story with us.