I was born in Janesville, the youngest of 9, (6 older brothers and 2 older sisters) I was raised on a dairy farm outside of Janesville.

My father and old school farmer republican and my mother a Christian, free thinking love everybody kind a woman. As far as my brothers and sisters go, we are a mix of independents, republicans and Liberals. Needless to say my family put the "fun" in dysfunctional.

I was bussed to Jackson Elementary which is located on the South side of Janesville Why point that out, well, the south side of Janesville is basically the GM Plant or what once was the GM Plant. I grew up with the lower middle class, blue collar,barely getting by hard working people of the south side of Janesville..Holla! The thing is when you're a kid you don't even know what any of that meant, all I knew is I loved my friends, I loved their hard working parents and some encountered some of greatest teachers I've ever had in my life.

For middle school I was again bused to the Southside to Edison Middle where life was much of the same, great teachers, hardworking blue collar middle class parents and friends.

My high school, well high school was a different story. The big time baby, this is where my politics and debating began. Thanks to great teachers that is. I learned of Russ Feingold (who also went to Janesville Craig) and his inspiring story of organizing the first student sit out or walk out and all the great things he had accomplished. I learned of Paul Ryan ( graduate of Craig, class of 88 with my brother, Randy and sister, Jenny) Known Paul for years...do I agree with him, uhmmm no not really, not really at all. But it was cool knowing they were both from my town and high school.

Right before I graduated I blew my knee out and decided not to go to college...one day a light bulb goes off and that light was radio, Radio became my sport, my life, my dream.

I moved to Madison when I was 18, went to MMI, started as a DJ at the Dry Bean and within a matter of months I was on the air at a local country station and since then have experienced a wonderful career as a morning show co-host, a morning show host, and now for the first time a talk show host.

My partner and I have been together for two years, she is the most beautiful talented scientist on the planet. We have two beautiful children, a son who is 8 and a daughter that is 7.

I've been a part of the Madison community for 17yrs and never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd ever see the day my state and community would be torn apart. My journey through the last couple years, raising children, unemployed and watching communities around me crumble in these extremely hard economic times is exactly why I wanted to do this show.

This is why I'm here, to share my story and more importantly share yours.

Out loud is a show for all voices from every aspect. To Learn, to think and to not just talk about the issues but to figure out a way to do something about it.

I believe in my city, this state and my country.