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Welcome to the All Access Music Group News/Talk/Sports Section.
10 Questions With...

NAME: Erica Hilary
TITLE: Co-Host, Girl Talk
STATION: WASH-FM
MARKET: Washington, DC
COMPANY: Clear Channel
BORN: Stamford, CT
RAISED: Darien, CT
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS: Theater, Film, Comedy, Broadcasting

WEBSITE: www.debraleigh.com/gt

1. How did you get your start in radio?

My background in NY was in theatre/film acting and improv comedy. When we transplanted to DC, I realized how limited opportunities were in these fields. Some wiseass sidekick on a radio show had me laughing out loud (on the way home from the dentist, no less) and I made an impulsive decision to go for it.

2. What are you passionate about?

My brood, this gig, golf & pumpkin cheesecake Haagen Dazs.

3. You're doing a talk show "for women," a category that a lot of hosts and programmers seem to have differing opinions about- what does a "talk show for women" mean to you? What kind of things do you talk about to attract that demographic?

Male-oriented talk tends to be more combative - throw the topic on the table and let everyone have a bash at it. Chick talk is about considering a topic from different angles, sharing, venting, commiserating and cheerleading for each other and ourselves. It makes us feel part of a community. We don't need to solve anything. We need to know someone else "gets" us and our point of view. Not surprisingly, we rely pretty heavily on relationship/sex/gender differences conversations (just can't overdose on those...) but, honestly, anything that I'd be drawn to eavesdrop on at Starbucks could wind up on GT.

4. If you hadn’t gone into radio, what would you be doing today?

I'd be a chef. Not only is cooking a huge passion of mine -- the bonus is that I would have my temperamental side not just tolerated, but embraced. It's actually in the job description. Unfortunately, there IS the hairnet issue...

5. As the only talk show on a music station (although you do have some music on the show), do you find that listeners accept that you're talking a lot- has doing something out-of-format, different from what the listeners may expect, pose a problem, or has there been acceptance from listeners?

The feedback we get is that women have been hungry for something they can relate to. They don't seem to be sitting back and accepting us, they are rallying around in support... 'Course we have lots of male "girlfriends" too --they'd prefer a different term but they're on our turf now.

6. Who are your influences?

When I was a teen, my mom gave me 2 old Erma Bombeck compilations. Suddenly, I had a frame of reference...it's laughable that I related to anything she said then but I so aspired to be as witty and engaging. So I'd say Erma, and my mom ('cause she's a great broad, too).

7. What's the most annoying thing about your co-host? The best thing?

Annoying: In my snarky moments, it's my belief that Debra's the human form of "Ipecac" - her Pollyanna sweetness can make my jaded, sarcastic side retch... Best: I'm not sure I've ever met a person as thoughtful and empathetic -- those qualities keep our studio and show a very warm, supportive place.

8. What do you do for fun?

For fun, I love to kick back with my family, sneak out to see a film by myself (in the middle of the day), or indulge in a girls' night out.

9. Fill in the blank: I can’t make it through the day without _______________.

Without belting out a hard-driving rock tune in my car, a hot bath and Chapstick. Oh, alright, and Chardonnay.

10. What’s the best advice you ever got? The worst?

Best: Our PD gives me the "trust your instincts" speech again and again (and AGAIN). And if this poor, misguided guy believes I have instincts worth following -- I am game, baby! Maybe a little TOO game sometimes...

Worst: Many, many times in my life I've been the recipient of the "think before you speak" talk. That is just not my forte. Never has been.

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