For 15 years, Hannah B’s life was all about softball. But while her teammates dreamed of championships, she found herself unexpectedly pulled toward the broadcast booth. That’s where she hosts middays on Chicagoland’s Free Country 98.3 and 102.3, as well as nights on Hot AC Star 105.5 and Star 96.7.
“I went to college at Elmhurst University, and in my junior year, I interned for a professional softball team out here in the Chicagoland area, the Chicago Bandits. For their championship series, I got to work with ESPN in their broadcast truck.”
“When I had the opportunity to do that, and I was sitting in the truck, I was like, wow, this is so cool. I can totally see myself doing this. Maybe not sports, but something in Country music. It just really sparked my interest.”
The spark turned into something more when she was watching the Country Music Awards with her mom.
“I was like, Mom, it would be so cool to work in Country radio. At that point, I applied for an internship at US99 WUSN in Chicago. I did promotions, and I was like, This is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I wanted to do on-air.”
Finding Her Voice During COVID
Hannah started at US99 in June 2019, but like many others, her career hit an unexpected roadblock in March 2020 when COVID-19 shuttered live events and led to job losses.
“I started my own radio show in college called “Monday Motivation with Hannah B.” Then, in my senior year, it was switched to all online, so that meant no more radio show. So, I transitioned it into a podcast.”
“Being in college, you’re not making a lot of money, so I recorded it off my phone. For graduation, my parents and I went half and half on a Roadcaster. I really just branded myself “Monday Motivation with Hannah B.” I did giveaways on Instagram and just built it.”
That grind paid off. Hannah worked at the Illinois Media School as an education admin assistant before earning her first on-air break at Free Country.
“I did a few auditions there and landed my first on-air gig on September 13, 2019. I’m coming up on four years here at Alpha Media, soon to be Connoisseur.”
Balancing Multiple Stations and Roles
Hannah’s path through radio has been anything but straightforward. She picked up mornings for WSSR Star 96.7, afternoons at Free Country, and eventually landed afternoons alongside Chicago radio legend Eddie Volkman. Today, her role is bigger than ever.
“I am now a midday Country host on Chicagoland’s Free Country 98.3 and 102.3. I do nights on Star 105.5 and Star 96.7, and I am also assistant content director for both of the Star stations,” she explains. “Sorry, I feel like that was a mouthful, but I didn’t want to miss anything.”
The workload is intense, but Hannah thrives on organization and discipline.
“My on-air shift, my midday shift, is from 9 AM to 2 PM. I arrive at the studio extremely early in the morning and start preparing for the day. For Free Country, I focus on what’s trending, what’s happening in Nashville, my Daily Dilemma segment, and my Bell-Bottom Buzz.”
“Then I spend another hour and a half planning for my Star shows, because they are different formats. Star is Hot AC, so it’s more about pop and lifestyle topics. They’re completely different audiences, so I prioritize carefully.”
Social Media: A Second Passion
Beyond the studio, Hannah puts significant energy into connecting with listeners online.
“Social media is another passion of mine. I love creating videos and connecting with our listeners. Obviously, they just hear me behind the mic, but then when they see me, they’re like, ‘Oh my goodness, that’s exactly how I thought she would be—goofy, just being herself.’ I think that’s important and another great way to connect.”
A Heart for Motivation
Hannah’s Monday Motivation brand didn’t just live on as a podcast. For a time, she also turned it into speaking opportunities.
“When I graduated from college, for about a year, I did motivational speaking. I connected with high schools, colleges, and female groups within my college. And did motivational speaking about self-love, self-care, and following your dreams. I really customized it to whatever the teacher or professor wanted for their students.”
That work remains close to her heart.
“If there’s someone young who wants to get into radio, who wants to get into media, you want to inspire them. You want to motivate them and encourage them. We definitely are doing what we do because we love it.”
Musical Tastes and Inspirations
Ask Hannah about her favorite artist right now, and there’s no hesitation.
“Lainey Wilson,” she says quickly. “I love Lainey Wilson.”
It’s fitting given her Bell-Bottom Buzz segment, a nod to Wilson’s signature style. Her favorite song at the moment? “4x4xU by Lainey Wilson.”
And she won’t just be spinning Wilson’s music on air, she’ll be in the audience this fall.
“My sister and I are going to see her in October,” Hannah says.
Mentors Who Shaped the Journey
Like most rising talents, Hannah can rattle off a list of people who’ve helped along the way.
“I would say definitely Kipper McGee. He really has been amazing since day one. He reached out to me on LinkedIn in 2021, when I was first starting out. I’m just so appreciative of everything he’s done for me. Also, Eddie Volkman, I did a morning show with him. Sam Alex, Dan Levy, Kenny Jay, Drew Walker and Meg Dowdy she’s my mentor for MIW. I could go on and on. Everybody’s been so wonderful.”
Words of Advice for the Next Generation
For Hannah, the lessons she’s learned are worth passing on.
“Keep your head up and chase your dreams. Follow what you want to do and follow what your heart tells you.”
“My mom and dad always told me to choose a job that you are going to genuinely love and get up and go to every day, because you’re only given one life. And if you get up and go to work every day and you’re miserable, why would you waste the time to do that?”
Her advice is equal parts practical and passionate.
“If it’s something you want to do, go for it. We need that younger generation. And if you don’t get that first gig, don’t worry. I got knocked down a few times, but it just means it wasn’t meant to be. Everything happens for a reason, so take that and run with it, and work harder to get that next gig you want.”
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
Jeff Lynn serves as Editor of Barrett Media’s Music Radio coverage. Prior to joining Barrett Media, Jeff spent time programming in Milwaukee, Omaha, Cleveland, Des Moines, and Madison for multiple radio groups, including iHeartMedia, Townsquare Media, NRG Media, and Entercom (now Audacy). He also worked as a Country Format Editor for All Access until the outlet shut down in August 2023.
To get in touch with Jeff by email, reach him at Jeff@BarrettMedia.com.
