My name is Mara Davis and I’m a radio host at Dave-FM in Atlanta, Georgia.
As a kid I’d spend hours listening to shows like American Top 40, Rock Over London and Dr. Demento. My dad would often say ”If you knew as much about schoolwork as you did music you’d be an A student”. I took that literally and focused on a career that I’d love. Radio.
After High School I went to Curry College which is just outside Boston. Once exposed to the college radio station WMLN I was hooked. Any show I could do I volunteered for it. I even tried out for the production director position but didn’t get the gig. I questioned why I wasn’t chosen and the radio director told me “you really aren’t cut out for this business, you may want to rethink your major”. This only motivated me to work harder and give college radio the finger.
That summer at home in Miami my mom encouraged me to get an internship. After calling all the radio stations in Miami Power 96 called back. I was in. That summer I worked in music research, promotions and answered phones for the DJ’s. When I went back to college I immediately got another promotions internship in Boston at WZOU-FM (now Jam’n) a Top 40 station. In my heart I wanted to be on air but it was a blast working in promotions.
When I graduated from Curry I got a job at Jam’n as the receptionist and promotions assistant. 2 years past and I loved my work but secretly always wanted to be on the air. I did a few part time overnight gigs at Kix 106outside of Providence, RI (now Hot 106) and totally sucked—but it was an on air gig. One day I came into work at Jam’n and was told by my general manager that they were eliminating my position. At the time it was devastating but it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to my career. I was able to get another job at Mix 98.5in Boston as the morning show producer. Soon after a light bulb went off in my head. Why am I writing bits for someone else when I could do this myself? Remember the GM who fired me? His brother owned a station in Rochester, NY and I inquired about job openings. When he received my tape he said “You are a diamond in the rough. Come to Rochester now and you’ll be in a major market in a year”. So I went.
The station I worked at was WRQI-Rockit 95 and I did 7-midnight. Everyone thought I was crazy to go to Rochester but this was my chance. Eventually I got promoted to Music Director and then afternoon drive. After about a year I was ready to get out so I started to send out demo tapes. I eventually heard back from Atlanta. Z93 (now Dave) flew me in for an interview and I got the job. Exactly what the GM said would happen, happened. It was unbeliveable.
At Z93 I started doing 7p-11p. A few years later they moved me to mid-days where I eventually stayed for a really long time. There was a short period where I did mornings with Dunham. It was wonderful and I learned a lot. In 2003 Z93 changed the format to Dave-FM. I had to “re-audition” and was put back on the station. At first doing afternoons and then mid-day where I am now. I’ve been in Atlanta at the same station (basically) since 1994.
I love, love, love being on the radio and it never ever gets old for me. My job is a dream come true every day.
I met my husband Mike while working at Z93. He worked in promotions and we became friends and that was it. We had a son Charlie October 27, 2005 who is the light of our lives. Mike has since left radio and is the producer for the Clark Howard show on HLN (Headline News).
So that’s me! For now.
Mara,
I had to come visit your blog… especially since you mentioned you were blogging on wordpress. I just started blogging for my little photography business a few weeks ago & am loving it so far. Especially going to look at the blog stats every 10 min. So not a good thing for people like me!
Anyway, love the blog & LOVE LOVE LOVE Radio Free Lunch… you get me through the better part of my work day every Tuesday & Friday (when I’m not at home w/my 9 month old). Thanks so much!
Karen
Hi Mara:
I just moved to Atlanta 2 months ago from Salt Lake City, Utah–yeah, it’s a big change! One of the things that I love about Atlanta is your radio program. It beats anything we had in SLC by a long shot. You play the best music and your commentary is funny and makes me sometimes forget that all my friends and family are 2,000 miles away.
Since moving here I started a blog for transplants. It’s called Transplanta. I know there are a lot of transplants in the area so if you don’t mind plugging it on your blog I’d sure appreciate it. If not, I’ll still happily keep listening to your radio show.
Thanks!
Kristy
Hi Mara,
I did the math (smart, huh) and can’t believe your tack-sharp mom is almost 90! She’s a pistol, and it’s easy to see that the fruit didn’t fall far from the tree. You are very lucky, and so is she.
Here’s my tribute to the Senior Citizens of Rock and Roll so far… thought you’d like to see.
http://drawring.blogspot.com/2008/08/senior-rockers.html
Best
Rick
Rick, My mother turns 90
next January and will be expecting a gift from you. Don’t be cheap. Nice artwork btw!!
Mara
OMG Your Mother is going to be 90??? Holy crap. I hope I’m as on top of things as your Mom when I’m that age. Damn!
Mara,
I was wondering if you know what Jeff Dunham is up to? I’ve been listening to Atlanta radio for almost 30 years (yikes!) and think that ya’ll had the best morning show of all time!!! I always liked Dunham and was wondering how he was doing. Love your show and especially this blog. YOU ROCK!!!!
Jerry
Mara, I love DaveFM, love your blog and have been listening to you on the radio for years. (I won’t say how many… we don’t need anyone figuring out how old we are). And speaking of so much love… I LOVE your head shot on the masthead!
~Monica
I hope Arlene isn’t offended! Rick’s math skills need some sharpening.
Mara: I love your website and blog. I absolutely have to be in the car between 9-2 each day so I can catch some Mara time! I love the lunch hour topics, always something funny or topical. The best part for me is when you chat about something going on in your life, because I can totally relate!
I hope you NEVER leave DaveFM, you brighten so many days accross Atlanta and the beyond! Thanks for loving your job because it shows every day!
Jeanne
PS- I am back on WW full force, 25 lbs. to go
Hello Mara,
Been a long time, how are you?
-Ed
Mara,
Love listening to you, esp. Radio Free Lunch. You crack my a$$ up when you sing along–reminds me of when i was trapped on a sailboat for 10 days with a friend who couldn’t carry a tune!! Sang at the top of her lungs the entire time!
Keep up the great work!
Hey Sweet Thang!
God you’re gorgeous! That picture reminds me WHY I’m friends with you! You’re beautiful, sultry, and sharp, everything I’ve ever wanted to be!
You are the greatest chameleon in the biz, you know that? Talk about taking the punches and weaving and dodging, and always making it sound seamless — you are a master — and your success is well deserved!
Atlanta is LUCKY to have you on the air waves. I am grateful to hear you on the air waves, and any one that hasn’t, is missing out. “A diamond in the rough”…ahhh, the coveted Black Diamond I think (did Leo rub you all over??). Oops. Sorry.
You’re the best. Still making me laugh out loud, and now my sons, every chance we get to hear you.
Love you bunches,
-N.
Hi Mara,
You cannot know how your show has lifted my spirits these last two months as my father passed Nov. 3rd just shy-2 ays of 81. It’s awsome you have your mom here with you, but she will always be with you-remember that. Your laugh just makes me smile and especially your singing-keep it up-don’t change a thing-and make them pay you for your on-the-air singing.
Happy Holidays
Miss Alabama-Susan
You Rock! Best Show in Atlanta!!
Hey Mara,
Ha ha, we share a name. I was searching for something online and saw this site about you. How many Mara Davis’ do you know? I rarely come across any Mara’s so I just had to say hi. That is awesome that you are a DJ in Atlanta…a pretty great DJ from what I hear! Do you all do online streaming radio? I’d love to listen in, it sounds like a great show and I’ve been disappointed in the ones I’m hearing here so I need a good radio show. Well take care and keep up the great work.
I’m Mara!
Mara
Hi Mara!
Just wanted to drop by your blog, I really miss your show; I lived in Atlanta in the 90′s and I used to listen to you and Bob Bailey in the afternoons, I loved your “witty banter” with each other during the changeover in shows lol. I listened to Z93 non-stop back in the day, I live in Savannah now and the rock stations here are just not the same as the old Z93. Whenever I drive through ATL I try to catch your show on “DAVE” (it will always be Z93 to me) …Anyways keep rockin’ Mara, best of luck!
Mara,
Love your show, you seem to know so much about Atlanta and the ‘goings on’! Hoping you can help me. I’m a 40+ single, never been married no kids. Most everyone my age seems to be married with kids or divorced with kids. The divorce with kids folks have an advantage of meeting other divorcee’s through their children. But where do the rest of us go?? Where are all the single men in Atlanta over 35? It’s really strange because no one seems to know any but there has to be some out there somewhere! Why are they so elusive in this town??
Sad and single
Hey Mara!
I listen everyday to RFL and want to tell you how much I enjoy it!! I still refer to this station as Z-93 too. Long time local listener here.
Keep on rockin!
Mara,
I moved here from Rochester, NY four years ago.
As a newbie I had to ask my younger sister here for recommendations for my FM car dial. Crap, all of it.
Remember Wease on WCMF in the mornings? A degree of interest in local politics and culture etc. And varied musical taste, not Aerosmith every third song. (By the way, I am NOT a relativist when it comes to music.)
Then I discovered you on Dave. CDs except from 10 to 2. Don’t give in to the Man!!
Sincerely, P.C.Chapman
RFL idea:
For groundhog day how about songs that became popular again. For example Bohemian Rhapsody (Wayne’s world brought it back), Unchained melody (Ghost), Girl you’ll be a women soon (Pulp Fiction) & many more.
Have a good day!
Mara….I love your show. I love your sense of humor……
My husband Mike was transferred here in July of 2007, so of course I’m looking for a radio station. I went to a Braves/Yankees game and saw someone who looked kinda, well, you know….who was wearing a “Dave FM” tshirt….and have been listening ever since. My 12-yr old daughter loves you guys too, which is saying alot since she loves the Jonas Bros…thanks for making your shows tween appropriate too!
I met Sully about a week ago and he’s such a sweetie…..I hope to meet you someday too.
Thanks for all you do!
Kind regards,
Mary Lou Alto
Hello Ms. Mara Davis,
My name is Yaritza; I am currently a high school student @Gateway High School here in San Francisco, CA. I was right in the middle of researching colleges, and I was interested in going to Curry College. So as I was reading on Curry College Wiki page and I saw your name highlighted saying that you were an award-winning radio DJ in Atlanta, Georgia. So I decided to read your website. I am very inspired by what you have written on here, as the high school student that I am, love to hear music, and I enjoy listening to all kinds of radio stations. I absolutely love the motivation that you had put in, in order for your dream to come true. You are truly an awesome role model, for women in the radio scene. Just one question, what was it like being at Curry College for you, like how many courses did you have to take? Etc.
<3-Yaritza
Hey Mara, love your show! Whatever happened to Dunham? Where did he end up?
Keep up the good work!
I really enjoyed reading your story! Awesome website!
Hi Mara, I think your great, your so funny.And your voice is so distinctive , it’s addictive like paul harvey.Hey I was just thinking, You should bring back album hour! Or half an hour album hour? What do you think? But anyway your the best dj I’ve ever listened to. Take care of that voice, Hope you have a great day!!