Carrie Danger hosts afternoons for Rubber City Radio Group’s 107.3 Alternative Cleveland. She’s been with the station since 2022, working her way from nights to afternoons last year.
Her show is known for its introduction to new music with the “Danger Zone,” and she is a big Mental Health Advocate, so she devotes a lot of her time to the cause and to her weekly segment, “Mental Health Mondays.”
The Clarksville, TN native began her radio career in 2010 in Lima, OH at Maverick Media. Over the years, she learned everything she possibly could about the business.
Then, in 2017, she took a break from radio to try different avenues, but ultimately returned to her passion in 2019, which led her to where she is today.
To Carrie, the most important thing is to make someone’s day a little better. “I want my listeners to get out of their car with a smile on their face and music in their hearts,” she says. “I truly enjoy all aspects of life, it’s so short. That’s what I want people to get out of my show: the love for the little things. In the past, I’ve been approached and told that I brought a smile to people’s afternoons and that right there is the good stuff!”
“107.3 Alternative Cleveland is all about community,” says Carrie. “We are big Mental Health advocates, not only with ‘Mental Health Monday’ but partnering with NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Health) of Greater Cleveland. We believe in live and local jocks who are able to make a real connection or difference in people’s lives or actually meet in person at concerts and events.”
One of Carrie’s biggest professional accomplishments has been winning Best Radio Host 2024 at the Cleveland Music Awards. “That was HUGE for me,” she says. “
“On a personal level, my biggest accomplishment was that I was able to kiss alcohol goodbye over a year ago and become the woman I was meant to be sober. It’s been the most important accomplishment. Being fully present every single day, not only for my career, but for my personal life as well, has truly changed my destiny.”
“For a long time, I thought it would be amazing to be a jock on Fuse or host TRL, but landing behind the mic has been my true calling. It’s pretty fun to think about our inspirations, and we don’t just have ONE thing. Our experiences shape us and lead us down the path we are meant to go.”
“The movie Good Morning, Vietnam had a big impact on me, believe it or not. Robin Williams’ character was tasked with bringing information and a good attitude to a terrible time.
“It was like magic, that scene where he kicks it off with ‘GOOOOOOOOD MORNING VIETNAM,’ that is exactly what you can expect to hear when you tune into Carrie Danger. I knew that I was meant to do that for others. I love bringing the good vibes and a smile to the people of Cleveland every weekday afternoon.”
Carrie says she’s been able to work with some amazing mentors over the years. “I am so grateful for the seasoned talent I have worked with,” she says. “What’s really special is that I have worked with a ton of incredible experienced WOMEN specifically.”
“Not only have I learned so much about the business, but I’ve also learned to relax and keep grinding because things work out in the time they are meant to. That doesn’t mean you should not advocate for yourself; if you want something, you have to speak up!”
Carrie has experienced her share of challenges over the years, too. “What I’m about to say is more of a growing pain, something you have to go through to learn about what makes you, you,” she insists. “My ‘challenge’ has been focusing on what I ‘can’ control, in and out of the studio.”
“I was raised by an incredible single mom who also just so happened to be an Army SGT, Robin. As you can imagine, growing up was pretty strict (but very Gilmore Girls fun), and when I lost my mom in 2020, it really cemented that I needed to be in control of things. That’s just not the way things happen sometimes. So, quitting drinking and learning from the women around me has helped me stay focused on what I can control. Do your job and do it well, and things will work out in the time it’s meant to work out. Don’t worry so much.”
“The most important thing I’ve learned over the years, that I wish more people understood, is that on-air talent isn’t just someone talking at you. We are your companions.”
“This is something I’ve known since I was little, listening to my ‘friends on the radio’ in Clarksville, TN. I could turn on Rickey Smiley in the morning and feel like I’m hanging out with a friend. He made a big impact on me in my youth. This is something that becomes more and more clear as I continue on in my career, people don’t just want a voice, they want a connection.”
So what’s missing from the industry right now?
“I see a lot of people coming in and just assuming it’s like a podcast or just like being a comedian. That’s just not the case,” says Carrie. “Don’t get me wrong, podcasts are amazing, and I love that format, but it’s not the same as music/talk radio. I see applicants come in and think ‘oh it’s so easy I can do that,’ but they are missing the passion to care enough to improve, to listen to the guidance they are given from their leaders.”
“There is a certain way to carry yourself when you’re on the radio. If those wanting to break into the industry knew the passion and commitment you have to have to make it, I think that would be a big help for the future of radio entertainment.”
Follow Carrie Danger @Carriedanger on Socials.
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Charese Fruge’ is an award-winning Content, Broadcast, and Marketing executive with over 20 years of experience in markets like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, San Diego, and Las Vegas. As the owner of MC Media, she works with radio brands and individual talent, especially young women, helping them grow their brands and negotiate on their own behalf. She is also a Voice Actor and Voice Over Talent as well as a Freelance Writer for International Broadcast Outlets. Find her at @MCMediaOnline or www.mcmediaonline.com.
