Today we’d like to introduce you to Loren Raye.
Loren, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I knew I wanted to be a host by the time I was 16. I picked up a microphone to host my high school’s junior class fashion show and I was set. So, I studied broadcast journalism at Penn State and eventually interned for the morning radio show I grew up listening to, Elvis Duran, right before my senior year.
I applied to be their full-time phone operator (yup, just answering HUNDREDS of calls each hour!) and was hired. But it was just before my final semester, which meant I had to leave school early and finish my degree online while simultaneously work at my dream job. While with Elvis, I expanded my role to assistant producer and practiced my on-air skills from time to time too, as Elvis was very generous in allowing all of us our shot to grow.
After almost six years, I traded the Hudson for the Charles Rivers and moved to Boston to co-host The TJ Show. TJ and I had met working for Elvis; I actually was TJ’s intern! I’m so grateful to be able to co-host a show with a host who I genuinely click with — we’ve been friends for 11 years, and I believe it shows when you listen to us.
There are always challenges in life, but overall would say it’s been a smooth road?
Ha! Is any road ever smooth? I won’t sit here and pretend that my life and my career path have been sob stories, but I’ve certainly had my challenges like anyone else. When I left Penn State early, I vividly remember a professor telling me I was making the wrong choice (spoiler alert: HE was wrong; opportunities like working for a nationally-syndicated morning show don’t come around that often. You must leap).
Later, when I left Elvis’ show to start a brand new show in Boston on a brand new station, I vividly remember two people telling me I was making the wrong choice, that I wasn’t good enough and that the show wouldn’t work (I want to be very clear: Elvis was NOT the one who told me this; he couldn’t have been more supportive. I also want to be very clear: those people, again, were WRONG).
Over the years, I’ve committed myself to countless hours of therapy in an effort to better understand my emotions and adjust my attitude both in the workplace and at home. It’s the most grueling process I’ve ever committed to, and it’s truly a daily challenge, but it’s helped me so much in being able to better get my message across — especially as a woman in a male-dominated field.
We’d love to hear more about The TJ Show.
I’m so proud of the work we do on The TJ Show. We have an outstanding roster of people working to make our show as good as we possibly can, and I’m grateful that I get along with and genuinely have love for every person on our staff. Not to mention the fact that our station as a whole is full of amazing people who have one goal: to entertain and keep it positive. The TJ Show sets itself apart from other morning shows because we truly focus on the good stuff. We want to make you laugh, and we want our show to offer a place of comfort and entertainment.
My role on the show specifically is just to be myself — hard, right? Ha! I’m the only girl on the show and I’ve always been given the opportunity to speak my mind and hopefully set a strong example for young girls listening/who follow me on social. I’m a true feminist through and through (fun fact: until a few years ago I didn’t even know it was a “thing” to be a feminist — it’s just how I was raised!! Ha!).
My favorite contribution to the show is my Badass Chick of the Week segment where I highlight a local woman or girl following her passion, giving back to the community and/or breaking stereotypes. I want to celebrate the women that are often overlooked for their accomplishments or who are blazing a trail for the next generation. Those are the women I want to surround myself with. I have met so many incredible women this way and feel incredibly grateful to somehow become a part of their community.
For the last four years, I’ve hosted The Miss Pink Pageant and have volunteered with their umbrella organization, The Miss Pink Organization. I’m beyond proud of the work we do and if it weren’t for my job, I never would have met these incredible women who help local breast cancer fighters.
What were you like growing up?
I have always loved performing and expressing myself creatively. I grew up acting and dancing (I sucked at singing, but boy did I try). I was constantly journaling or drawing or painting, and I was always creating pretend little worlds at home (I was an only child – I had a lot of time on my hands). Also, I could also talk to a wall… so, it’s no surprise I ended up where I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lorenraye.com
- Email: loren@1033ampradio.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lorenraye
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/iamlorenraye
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/lorenraye
- Other: www.thetjshow.com
Image Credit:
Ashley Lynn Photography, Madeline Rose Photography, Steve Prue, Meghan La Rosa Hughes
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