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Live and Local: My Hour on the Radio with 96.7 3WZ

When the opportunity came to co-host an hour on 96.7 3WZ, I jumped at the chance. I’d never been on the radio before, and this was no small-town podcast—it was live, local, and a totally new adventure. The second that intro music started, I felt that wild mix of butterflies and joy—like the start of something good. 


That hour turned out to be one of the most fun and unexpected highlights of my year so far.



Talking Brand Photography on Air


One of the first things we dove into during the show was my work in brand photography. As a Virginia brand photographer, I work with small businesses and nonprofits to create intentional, story-driven images. These aren’t just pretty photos—they’re tools for connection, consistency, and clarity. I explained how strategic imagery helps brands show up confidently and authentically online, without posting just to post.



I even gave a shout out to some of my recent projects (you can check them out over on October Grace Media, and explained why I believe photography is about partnership, not just posing. Helping business owners and non-profits feel comfortable and seen is what lights me up. I’m wired to be your biggest cheerleader, celebrating goals together and reminding you just how powerful your story really is.


A Radio Conversation with Heart


What surprised me most about being on the radio was how personal it got. This wasn’t just a list of talking points—it was a genuine conversation. We bounced from branding and marketing to parenting and weddings, with plenty of laughs in between.


We talked about my next chapter as an almost-empty nester—and the deep mix of pride and emotion that comes with watching your adult child chase their passion and step into their purpose. My daughter is the therapist at Valley Children’s Advocacy Center—a nonprofit doing powerful, heart-led work for survivors of child sexual abuse. I’m beyond honored to support their mission as their brand photographer and content creator. 


We also chatted about my consulting work—how I support small business owners beyond photography through strategy sessions, content planning, and even teaching events and workshops. I love helping creatives, entrepreneurs, and non-profits figure out how to use their visual presence to grow confidently. 


Social Media, Weddings, and Real-Life Messy Magic


Of course, no conversation about brand photography is complete without talking social media. We discussed the importance of consistency, storytelling, and not falling into the comparison trap. Small businesses and non-profits REALLY can show up online with less stress—keeping content simple, true to your voice, and rooted in connection really matters.


And yes, weddings came up too. I’ve been lucky enough to photograph some beautiful, emotional, joy-filled days, and it was fun to talk about how weddings bring together everything I love: storytelling, beauty, emotion, and people showing up fully as themselves.


If you're planning a wedding and want a photographer who celebrates you and your story, you can learn more about my wedding work on my website.



What I Learned from the Radio Mic


Before this, I thought radio was just about playing music and tossing out quick commentary. But it’s so much more than that. Being live, unedited, and conversational reminded me a lot of what I love about photography—it’s about showing up, connecting, and creating something real in the moment.


I also learned that I really like talking into a mic. Who knew? Whether it’s a workshop, a strategy call, or a spontaneous radio segment, getting to connect with people and share ideas in real time is something I want more of in my life.


Big Thanks to 96.7 3WZ, home of your Classic Hits


Big Thanks to 96.7 3WZ, home of your Classic Hits. Huge gratitude to the team at 96.7 3WZ and Big Dawg 100.3 for having me on. Mark Potter made me feel so welcome and gave me space to be myself. The vibe in the studio was upbeat, professional, and full of personality—exactly the kind of energy that makes great radio happen.


When I asked Mark about why he’s passionate about his talk show, he shared, “People can listen to music in so many different ways so I think you have to give them a reason to listen to a local radio station. You have to offer something that no one else does ... that would be Live and Local content.  Listeners find that at 96.7 3WZ and Big Dawg 100. If you want to know what is happening in Rockbridge County then why not tune into a radio station that truly is Rockbridge.”



Mark has been a morning radio talk show host for 12 years. “I get to play music that people have grown up with and create content that is relatable to my listeners. I get to meet people and learn their stories and get to talk about the impact that they and/or their business have on this great community.”


I’ve been thinking a lot since then about what it means to use your voice—not just literally on a mic, but in your brand, your art, and your everyday interactions. That one hour reminded me how powerful it is to be heard, and how important it is to create platforms for others to speak, too.


Want to Keep the Conversation Going?


Often overlooked, radio is a powerful way to spread your message. Listeners are loyal and support advertisers. If you want to know more about affordable advertising using the radio, feel free to reach out to Mark@firstmedianc.com or call 540-463-2161.



If you’re a small business owner, nonprofit leader, or creative in need of fresh visuals and strategy, I’d love to connect. You can learn more about my approach to branding photography and storytelling over on my site. Whether we meet behind the camera or in a consulting call, it’s all about helping you show up with confidence and clarity.


And if another radio invite comes my way…you can bet I’ll say yes.




 
 
 

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