Fresh off her ACM Award win for “National Daily On-Air Personality of the Year,” Katie Neal isn’t just the voice behind a radio broadcast you listen to on your way home from work. The host of Katie & Company connects with fans by inviting them into her world through pop culture, personal stories, and her love of country music.
You can hear her every weekday on the Superstar Power Hour, featuring lighthearted, insightful conversations with top country artists, who she undoubtedly charms with her wit and authenticity. Please welcome the fabulous and funny Katie Neal!
Are you from Nashville originally?
I grew up in Peoria, [Illinois], and went to Illinois State University. That’s where I got the radio bug! In my junior year, I had to take a radio class and fell in love with it. After graduation, I moved to New York City, where I sold radio advertising for four years.
Sales was never much my thing, so when a job position opened up at the country radio station in NYC, I was the first person in line to audition. I accepted the job as midday host at NASH FM 94.7 in February of 2017, and three years later, the show was launched across the country.
What can folks expect when they tune in to your country radio show, Katie & Company?
Growing up, our house was always the “hangout house” — we always had company over. When we were launching the show, I remember saying, “I just want this to feel as casual as sitting around the living room, shooting the breeze.” And that’s what I try to do every day — have a conversation with my listeners about what’s trending and viral in pop culture but also the daily happenings in my life that I think others may relate to.
For the first four hours of the show, it’s just me. For the last hour every day, I’m joined by a country artist who co-hosts the show with me — playing their songs, talking about music, life, and so much more. There are lots of laughs and heartfelt moments. I’m very proud of what the show has become!
What inspired you to begin your career in radio, and how did you have the opportunity to get behind the mic?
A funny story — I was always very self-conscious about my voice (a boy in fifth grade said I sounded like a man on the phone). I had to take one radio class to graduate, and my goal was just to make it through the whole thing without having to record or listen to my own voice. That was obviously impossible in Radio 101.
One of the teachers told me I had a great voice and should audition for my own show on the student radio station, WZND. I was terrified, but once I started, I LOVED it.
You recently won an ACM Award for “National Daily On-Air Personality of the Year.” That’s a mouthful and also very exciting! What was that experience like for you?
It is a mouthful! And it was actually really emotional — I’ve been nominated for several awards, but this was the first time I won. I burst into tears on my couch when I got the call, which I wasn’t expecting. I was overwhelmed with gratitude. I feel really lucky to have a job that I love so much, so getting that type of recognition on top of that was just so wonderful.
Who’s the most intriguing artist you’ve had co-host Superstar Power Hour, and who’s your dream artist to have on?
This is easy: Dolly. I got to sit down with Dolly Parton last year, and it was a dream come true. She is as lovely as everyone says and magical to be in the same room with. I still have high hopes that Taylor Swift will circle back around with a country album again someday — that’s definitely THE dream artist on the list.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
My dad owned an ice cream store next door to our house growing up, which made for a really enchanting childhood — ice cream every single day! It definitely got me an invite to all the birthday parties — rolling up with tubs of ice cream.
What’s on the horizon for you?
I’m really looking forward to the CMA Awards here in Nashville this November. It’s one of the few times everyone you know is in town. There are lots of fun parties, a million interviews, and, of course, the show. Then, in January, I’m heading to Hawaii to host the Maui Songwriters Festival. Talk about a dream gig to get!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“No,” is a complete sentence. I constantly pressure myself to say “yes” to all things, and when I do say “no,” I have a million reasons why. When, in fact, you can just say, “No.”
Name three things can’t you live without.
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My Apple Airpod Maxes. I travel so much; I couldn’t imagine not having them on a plane now.
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SToK Iced Coffee. No one is talking about how good it is!
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Exercise. This is so important for me to stay in a mentally healthy headspace.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Favorite hidden gem in Nashville? Drusie and Darr is one of my favorite restaurants. Tucked away underneath the Hermitage Hotel, it has a great bar, fabulous food, and probably the most Instagrammed bathroom in Nashville.
Favorite self-care product? Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Sukari Baby Facial. It’s my favorite mask; I use it once a week.
Favorite podcast or recently read book? I listened to Rick Rubin’s audiobook of The Creative Act and cannot recommend it enough to anyone who works in music or a creative field.
As a child, what did you dream of being when you grew up? Honestly, an interior decorator. I used to stay up all night as a kid watching Trading Spaces. It’s still something I really enjoy in my spare time.
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