We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brandi Troup That Girl. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brandi below.

Hi Brandi, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I knew that I wanted to pursue media at the age of eight when I saw an episode of the Oprah Winfrey show and when I read her biography. Trust me, I was very clear on wanting to be like her. In the back of my class yearbook, there was a “Superlative and Aspirations” section. When asked what I wanted to be when I grow up, instead of saying a Talk Show Host, I said Oprah. So, the vision has been there from an early age.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am well versed within the realm of media. I am a Media Personality, Radio Host, and Emmy-Award winning Producer-Editor. I have found that my charisma, talent, intellect, and faith have allowed me to experience once-in a lifetime opportunities!

My media background goes back as early as middle school. I attended a magnet school and I was in the Broadcast Arts magnet program. It was a pretty hands on program, I was the Entertainment Reporter for the morning announcements. I was getting my reps in, not exactly knowing what the future held.

I credit my undergraduate experience at Florida State University–the best university in the world– with giving me the proper foundation to gear up professionally for a career in media. While attending Florida State, I was active in so many different media lanes. I was an athletic reporter for Seminole Productions, In-Arena Host for Baseball, Football, and Basketball, staff writer for the campus paper, and a radio host for the campus radio station. I was the epitome of a busy bee…and I loved it. As an athletic reporter, not only would I conduct interviews with the student athletes, but I would produce broadcast features that would air on FOX Sports Sun. Once again, I had no idea that I was getting reps in for something even bigger.

Being that I had the dream of being a host, I sent out my reel and resume to many news stations. Working at a news station is a common way to get your foot in the door within the media industry. To my surprise, I actually ended up securing a job in my hometown–Miami–as a part of the Miami Heat. I was super excited because I am a Miami girl though and through; my personality and “je nai sais quoi” epitomizes the Magic City. I landed the role of a Production Assistant for the broadcast-documentary stye show, Inside The Heat. The show highlights the lives of the players off of the court and aired on FOX Sports Sun–now known as Bally Sports– just like my college features at FSU. As a PA, I would log clips, edit show promos, write promo scripts for the in-game commentators, and produce event recaps for Heat TV, which included conducting interviews with the players, coaches, and fans.

I was eventually promoted to an Associate Producer-Editor position, and I was able to edit show segments on a regular basis. I would build my segments from start to finish, including writing the scripts. In 2021, I earned my first Broadcast Emmy as a part of the ITH team.

After nearly four years with the Miami Heat I transitioned back into the talent lane as “Brandi Troup That Girl,” 99 JAMZ radio personality. Growing up I listened to 99 JAMZ all of the time! I didn’t know that one day I would be on the same airwaves talking to all of South Florida! My show is during overnights and weekends. I enjoy talking to listeners, they look forward to my “Talk that Talk” and “Tea Talk” topics. Listeners enjoy my bubbly personality. I am relatable, so it’s like we’ve become family. It’s really cool to make a career off of being yourself. The radio station has allowed me to also take pride in being active within the community. It’s most rewarding being amongst my people.

Last year, I received my Master of Arts degree from the University of Miami. I majored in Journalism. At UM I was heavily involved in the campus media landscape, serving as a host for Sports Desk and Pulse. I recognize that acquiring a Master’s Degree isn’t necessary in my field, but it was something I thought would be a plus underneath my belt. I believe that one should ALWAYS be a student within their passions.

Though I have been blessed to be affiliated with such big brands, I have made sure to create my own opportunities. In 2017, I created my own production company, BTTV which has allowed me to serve as a correspondent on many of Miami’s major red carpets. I enjoy red carpet hosting. My personality shines and I’m able to bring out the best in the interviewee, which is usually a celebrity. I have interviewed some major stars, Floyd Mayweather, Dennis Rodman, Danica Patrick, Nene Leakes, Dr. Oz, Nick Lachey, etc. I think that one should always take the initiative to create their own avenues, that way you can always have something available to you, especially if circumstances ever become unfavorable.

This media journey has certainly not been easy. You have to remain patient, focused, and dedicated. I have dealt with many challenges, whether its from overthinking, being rejected or overlooked, etc. Nonetheless, I keep showing up! You have to just silence the noise and hone in on what you want and who you want to become. I’ve never let anything or anyone deter me from my destiny– it’s just not happening! I thank God for my faith because Jesus is my source. I know that not everyone has the same spiritual background, but He is who I give all the credit to.

I want my supporters to know that the “Brandi Troup That Girl” brand is all about being your authentic self, loving life, and navigating it how you best see fit. Every girl has something that makes them That Girl, every guy has something that makes them That Guy, I think we should embrace the “That” and broadcast it out loud!

When reflecting on my journey, I’m most proud of my grace, relentlessness and ability to show up in the unknown. This industry will test not only your skill set, but the level of confidence that you have within. Will you still bet on yourself when tasked to do something unfamiliar, when you’re scared, when you’re not the most popular, or when other people don’t see you clearly? My answer to all of those is most definitely! I’m in it for the long haul, and Brandi Troup That Girl is going to be around!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the freedom in the expression of self. As a Personality and Host, it’s all about your unique identity. I love the fact that I can just be my bubbly, charismatic, warm self and know that there’s people out there that naturally resonate with it.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Whenever faced with adversity I think back to the little girl who read Oprah Winfrey’s biography at the young age of eight. I remember being inspired and enamored, and knowing that I too can work in media. I think about how God has aligned so many blessings on my journey, that it’s no way that I can stop. The same way that I felt inspired by Oprah, there may be women and girls inspired by me. I have to keep going!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brandi-troup.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branditroup_thatgirl/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandi-troup/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bttv2345

Image Credits
“Keysus” “Shot By Retro” Chery Visuals Inc. Chino Berrios Jonnathan Encinas