You’ve probably noticed a new voice on WCBU every morning. Jody Holtz joined us this spring as our new morning newscaster, paired with Ariele Jones as your local Morning Edition team.
We are excited to have Jody here and, through this Q&A, we hope you enjoy getting to know her and her work as much as we do.
Where are you from?
I am from St. Charles, Illinois, which is yet another Chicago suburb.
Where did you work or study before coming to WCBU?
I recently just graduated from Bradley University with a degree in Theatre Arts and Television Arts. I also have worked at the Peoria Playhouse Children’s museum for the past couple of years, and am working there currently as well.
What is your favorite thing about your WCBU job?
I absolutely love performing, so I think of announcing to be very similar to that. Using my voice in a certain way to convey messages is something that really never gets old for me. I also love how informed I have become regarding local news and issues, which I absolutely attribute to my time here at WCBU.
You have to wake up really, really early to get on the air by 5 a.m. What’s your secret?
If you have a secret, definitely let me know, because I’m still searching high and low. Really, it’s just a matter of commitment to the responsibility I willingly took on. And coffee. So much coffee. And monster energy drinks. Kind of gross, I know.
Do you have a favorite radio host or show?
While I wouldn’t say I have a stand out favorite, I do have a small obsession for games shows, so Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me has to be on that list.
Who do you look up to?
I’m lucky to have many admirable people in my life, but I find myself looking up to my older sisters most often. They are consistently unapologetically themselves, and are two completely independent, genuine, strong women.
What is your favorite thing to do in the summer?
Hands down, camping. I never have enough time during the rest of the year to get out on the weekends to do it! For me, it serves as a massive reset to everything else going on in day to day life. Hiking, smores, and visiting random little towns is a guaranteed good time.
What is your favorite genre of music?
I couldn’t even tell you these days, it switches around so much. I will forever be a die hard country fan, although I may not be ready for the backlash that comes with publicly stating that. But really, I love listening to rap, a variety of indie music, and pop too!
Who is your favorite musician? Their best song?
Another difficult question. I can’t say I really have a favorite musician! I’m a big Megan Thee Stallion and Lizzo fan, but also love The Head and the Heart, Darius Rucker, Toby Keith, etc.
When you need a news break, what are your hobbies?
I love rock climbing! I climb at an indoor gym in Peoria. I also love hiking, watching dumb game shows, visting thrift stores, snuggling with my cat Bryzzo aka Mr. Business, and cooking.
You can meet our entire staff at WCBU.org.