We recently connected with Debra Green and have shared our conversation below.

Debra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

After leaving college I was still clueless about what I really wanted to do professionally. I was so jealous of my peers that had life plans at the age of fourteen. As I worked in fields that used my skills, I always just felt I was showing up for work. Then I started working in radio. I loved music, I listened to it nonstop. I went to concerts all the time. I read every music magazine on the shelf. Why did no one tell me this was a job? I was relegated to make coffee, do research, handle guests, take photos, organize the library – any time-consuming job someone else didn’t want to do. But just being around the pros was enough for me to absorb the essential skills. Just sitting in the room with a DJ and answering the phone, I learned the importance of running a tight board, being prepared with material, reading copy and scripts accurately, being able to entertain not just talk at people. I wish I hadn’t been so timid in asking for lessons earlier.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I wanted to live in a big city that wasn’t too close to home. I chose Atlanta because I remember watching the Olympics as a kid and thinking “hey that’s a cool city.” I rolled the dice and landed here blindly. I was a big adjustment from the rural Midwest. Feeling lost I read a newspaper ad that said, “free concerts.” They company was looking for people to help set up and hang out at concerts and other events in town. I thought, maybe this would be a good way to meet people my age and with similar interests. Once I started working there, I was hooked. I was determined to make it my career. I truly love music and being able to share that with an audience is amazing. There is a song for every mood and hearing that one song can change your entire perspective on things. If I can provide that to someone, I know I’m on the right path. Music is a universal language and brings us together when everything else might divide us.

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

Radio changes overnight. You go to turn your favorite channel on, and it’s a different format. Unfortunately, that means an entire staff has lost their job. My station flipped formats, and all my peers and allies were gone. I was lost and wondering if I should look for something new. I ended up being assigned to work with some very aggressive and mean spirted people. I wanted to cry every day, but I keep pushing to prove to these people, and myself, I know what I’m doing. I’m meant to do this. Those people eventually all disappeared through their own accord and I’m still standing a bit stronger.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Sharing a love of art. There are fewer and fewer programs for students to show off their creativity. As important as STEM is, some people are just meant to be artists. Being creative is hard work. Having to have fresh ideas daily takes time, but it also allows me to show off different sides of my personality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rockstress.fm
• Instagram: @rockstressfm
• Facebook: @rockstressfm
• Twitter: @rockstressfm
• Other: https://www.971theriver.com/debra/