We were lucky to catch up with Crystal Abernethy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Crystal, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I started out as a receptionist at KUWS FM. I later learned about on-air positions, and worked my way from receptionist to on-air personality. From there I was able to create and cultivate The 9 O’clock Meltdown; a weekly radio show that showcases musicians, artists, authors and more.
After spending ten years with the radio station I jumped ship into Podcasting; where The 9 O’clock Meltdown has found it’s forever home.

In acting I learned by doing. Being part of local theaters, volunteering, and working my way into productions.
Acting is one of those things you can learn how to do without a degree.

As far as the interview process goes. I owe a lot to Mike Simonson (who has since passed on)
He was the chief radio news broadcaster at KUWS FM.
When I set out on this endeavor I leaned on him quite a bit.
The best advice he ever gave me was; “Pay attention to their answers, you’ll find your next question in them.”

Crystal, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I got started in the arts at and early age, something my aunts and parents fueled. I did painting for a while, watercolor medium. Then switched into theater; backstage mostly.
I really wanted to be in a band, my parents distilled a love of music in me. Particularly rock; AC/DC, The Stones, George Thorogood etc.
But I didn’t get into an actual “band” until I graduated college. And got heavily involved with the Duluth Music scene.
Since that time, my artistic side and has taken many turns.
Painting, photography, theater, radio, and music.
These days I hit two of them really hard; theater and podcasting.

In my podcast interviews,
I hope of shed some light on what makes the interviewee tick. A deeper dive into their discipline and what brought them to the point they are at.
My interviews are fun and conversational. Swearing is allowed. ^_-

I would like to get back into production photography someday. I got decent at it. But with a lack of theaters around. there isn’t a lot to choose from.
Concert photography just got to be too competitive for my liking.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Where should I begin with this one? I’ve faced many obstacles in the arts.
Peoples opinions
Not having the right ‘look’
Turf wars with other radio hosts all gunning for the same interviewee
Put downs from jealous people
Drunks (when I would run sound for bands)

Granted this is over the span of twelve years.
In those years I maintained dignity with others, and a positive attitude.
It seems to have paid off though, people enjoy working with me, I’m easy to get a long with.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

There are a few books that helped me along my journey as a creative.

The Artists Way – Julia Cameron
The Art of Asking – Amanda Palmer

In The Artists Way; Julia speaks about how artists compare themselves to others, and how you can’t measure one person’s success against your own.

In The Art of Asking; Amanda really hits home with personal stories and a constant theme; it’s okay to ask for help.

I think both these books have helped me and others just not in the creative sector.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.the9oclockmeltdown.com
• Instagram: 9oclockmeltdown

Image Credits
Wedding Photography – Jess Morgan Photography Stage; acting – County Seat Theater – Production – A Christmas Carol 2022