K-Frog is SoCal’s #1 station for Country Music and they should be #1 for having the best on air personalities as well. We caught up with David and Kelli the hosts of the popular morning show, “The Wake Up Call” which you can catch Mon-Fri 5am to 10am.

Their personalities? Contagious and they are sure to make your mornings a lot less drab and co workers will really be wondering what was in your coffee in the morning.

BC: How did you both get started in this industry?

David: “I did an internship for a radio station in Orlando, Florida when I was nineteen. I’ve always wanted to do something with my life that involved making people laugh, and radio just kind of fell into my lap.”

Kelli: “Radio was a total fluke for me. I was going to school at University of La Verne and hadn’t picked a major. I finished all my GE’s, so it was time to decided. I flipped through a book in the counselor’s office and decided TV Broadcasting would be my major, because it looked fun.” Kelli tells us, “Part of the curriculum was to work at the local radio station KLUV. While working there, my professor Mike Laponis, told me I would be a good fit for radio promotions. He told me K-Frog was hiring, so I applied and that started my career in radio and here at The Frog.”

BC: Were you nervous the first time you were on AIR?

David: “YES VERY” David laughs, “So nervous I was shouting and had no idea. I was also very excited. I just happened to be at the station, and a DJ couldn’t make it to her shift, so they threw me on. I was so happy and terrified. Similar to a first kiss.”

Kelli: “My first time on air was actually a voicetracked show. I was working in promotions and our Program Director decided he wanted to use me on-air. I took over the duties of our night show, so I recorded 7pm to midnight. Even just recording I was super nervous. And then, when I actually heard myself back I was really crazy. It’s like when you’d hear your voice on a voicemail or old school answering machine.”

BC: Since you guys have been doing this professionally now do you still get nervous?

David: “No actually. I’ve embarrassed myself and have a made a fool out of myself so many times that I have very few unexposed insecurities left.”

Kelli: “I get nervous ALL THE TIME.” Kelli confesses, “Being live on air there’s always the worry in the back of my mind not to screw up or say something the wrong way and of course the biggest fear, not to cuss. Some artists have a way of making you feel so comfortable to where it really feels like a conversation and not an interview, but there’s always those moments were you have to hide your inner fangirling, because of the superstar you’re talking to. My biggest nerves always come out when I’m about to do a stage intro. There’s something about being on stage in front of an audience that freaks me out.”

BC: What’s one song you never get tired of hearing?

David: “Several songs! I love music! Since you asked for just one, “Conga,” by Gloria Estefan.”

Kelli: “I’d have to go with one of the classics, like Garth Brooks “Friends in Low Places” or George Strait “I Cross My Heart”. Those are classic for a reason and I could listen to them on repeat.”

BC: While you meet and talk with so many artists, who have you been starstruck by?

David: “Hands down Garth Brooks and Hulk Hogan. Garth … because it’s GARTH, and he was just so perfect. Hulk Hogan is such a character, he doesn’t SEEM real life, if that makes sense. It’s like meeting a Ninja Turtle, which would be insane, because they are clearly not real … like Hulk Hogan, but he was … and he called me brother … and it was epic.”

Kelli: “I’ve had the opportunity to meet Garth Brooks and he by far is one of the most humble and down to Earth people I’ve ever met. He literally walked into the room I was in, eating garlic bread. I was late to my meeting with him, so I was a ball of nervous energy. At one point during our conversation his tour manager came in to tell him he had to get ready to get on stage and he replied by saying, “I’ll be out there when I’m done talking with Kelli”. I remember thinking, “wow, he’s holding up the show for me!” And yes, the show did start fifteen minutes late that night. Such a cool memory.”

BC: What’s your favorite part about being on radio and what’s your least favorite part?

David: “Currently? Hearing that I’ve made someone smile, or I made their day better. It gives me the most wonderful feeling. Without question, hearing that I brought joy to another is everything I live for. I don’t know if it’s because I’m selfless or a narcissist, but it’s me. The LEAST favorite part of being on the radio currently is all the credit and relevance we, as a society, have given an incredibly small portion of Americans that are just filled with hate. And it’s made many very, very, very, very sensitive, and opinionated, and frightening. It has never been possible to please everyone, but that task has SIGNIFICANTLY become more challenging the past year.”

Kelli: “My favorite part of radio is the experience. Radio has given me some many cool opportunities and allowed me to meet so many great people and not just the superstars. I’ve met a lot of my close personal friends through radio. Plus my job is to get up, play music, and talk. It’s a blessing. MY least favorite part is the early hours. I wake up very early, so coffee is a necessity.”

BC: What are some opportunities you have been given from K-FROG?

David: “I’ve been afforded the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people, and be invited into their lives. For example, this weekend, I am going to a K-FROG listener’s wedding. Someone wants me at their most special day because of the relationship I have developed with them on the air. How awesome is that?! And I am totally going to take advantage of the free wine.”

Kelli: “I’m so blessed in the opportunities and experiences I had with radio. The one that totally makes my highlight reel is Luke Bryan doing my gender reveal for my second son. It was already a cool moment, but to have Luke do the honors takes it to another level. Plus my oldest son has been able to dance on stage with LoCash. I’ve drank on stage with Brad Paisley during one of his concerts. I have a ton of cherished memories.”

BC: Is there someone you haven’t met that you would like to interview?

David: “Governor Gavin Newsom. I think we could have a constructive (hopefully informative) interview and provide a forum for our listeners to call in.”

Kelli: “That would have to be The King, Mr. George Strait. He’s the epitome of country and seems like the coolest guy. I’d love to sit, drink a beer, and talk with him.”

BC: Your show starts in the early morning hours - what motivates you to get up so early?

David: “Don’t get fired. Don’t receive harassing texts from Kelli".”

Kelli: “My motivation is the K-Frog Family. Every morning I get up and get to tell the I.E, O.C., L.A., and anyone listening on the Audacy app what’s going on in the world. We interact through the phones and text messages. It’s really fun way to start the morning.”

BC: What is your favorite part of The Wake Up Call?

David: “I’m no dummy. Kelli is my favorite part. I will have to see her after this gets published, so let me throw in what a pro she is, witty, amazing personality, etc.:

Kelli: “Definitely our loyal listeners, but a close second is working with David. He is just as funny off air and he is on air. We have a weird brother/sister/ old married couple relationship and I truly have fun every morning.”

BC: It’s amazing getting to know you both a little better but now we’re going to dive a little deeper COUNTRY EDITION of course! So your go to karaoke song?

David: “Conga- Gloria Estefan always.”

Kelli: “There is not enough alcohol in the world to get me to karaoke. The only time I sing is in the car or the shower.”

BC: Who is your go to karaoke partner? (Sorry Kelli)

David: “Lady A. Simple mathematics. There are three of them, so most likely they would make me sound better/drown me out.”

Kelli: “Let’s say I was out of my mind intoxicated, I’d want to sing with Miranda Lambert. We could definitely belt out some crazy chick music.”

BC: What would be your dream concert?

David: “How about ANY concert?” David laughs.

Kelli: “My dream concert would be an all-day event with a huge line up. I’m talking King George, Garth, Miranda, Thomas Rhett, Jason Aldean, Brett Young, Sam Hunt, Luke Bryan, and Maren Morris.”

BC: What country artist would you trust to baby/pet sit?

David: “Thomas Rhett. Dude is baby making factory and has the best “mom” for them with Lauren.”

Kelli: “I would probably pick Carrie Underwood. She seems like the most trustworthy. Plus she has two boys of her own and their close in age to mine, so she knows the craziness that comes with being a boy mom.”

BC: What artist would you go to a music festival with?

David: “Lee Brice or Toby Keith … because they both enjoy a good whiskey.”

Kelli: “If I’m going to a festival with an artist, it has to be a big one, because I want all their perks of a being a superstar. Plus I need someone who knows how to party, so I’d probably go with Luke Bryan. Between his music and American Idol I think he’s have good pull to get us to all the VIP areas, plus he can hold his own when it comes to partying.”

BC: What artist would you invite over to your house for a holiday gathering?

David: “Lee Brice or Toby Keith … because they both enjoy a good whiskey.”

Kelli: “I’d invite Thomas Rhett over for the holidays. Him and his wife are so chill. I feel like they’d be a good family to have around my family. The kids could play while the adults drink a bottle of wine and talk.”

BC: What country artist would you invite on vacation?

David: “Luke Bryan or Jason Aldean. They are very rich and enjoy the tropics.”

Kelli: “I’d love to vacay with Jason Aldean and his wife. They always look like they’re having so much fun. Plus they just got a new island vacation home, so I’d hope they’d suggest we go there.”

BC: What country artist would you love to sing at your wedding?

David: “Jordan Davis.”

Kelli: “Since my actual wedding song is a Brad Paisley song, I’d have to go with him.”

BC: What country singers closet would you raid?

David: “Luke Combs.”

Kelli: “Kelsea Ballerini would be in trouble if I got in her closet. Well, for one I would stretch out all of her super cute clothes, but two I wouldn’t even feel bad about it. Kelsea has such a cute range of clothes, from everyday jean outfits to some of the best dresses to grace the red carpet. I would put a hurt on her closet. “

BC: And lastly which country artist would you trust to cook for you?

David: “Darius, Luke, Jason … any of them from the south. I do love a good southern, homestyle meal!”

Kelli: “Trisha Yearwood, hands down. She has her own cooking show for a reason. Plus I’ve actually tried a few of her recipes and they’re really good.”

We loved chatting with David and Kelli and we hope you felt like you know them a little better now to! Don’t forget on your commute to the office in the morning turn on their show, “The Wake Up Call” and always listen to your music on SoCal’s #1 station for country music!