We had the good fortune of connecting with Tammy Oakland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tammy, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success is absolutely my wonderful support team. The amazing people in my life play a crucial role in lifting me up and keeping me grounded when I need it most. Having a network of supportive and encouraging individuals makes all the difference. Their unwavering belief in my abilities, along with their constructive feedback and emotional support, fires me up to achieve my goals. It is their kindness, wisdom, and positive energy that gives me a strong foundation for success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been fortunate to have an amazing life/career. At a very young age, I knew I wanted to be in the music industry. I got my first guitar at 8 and was hooked. My goal was to be a producer/engineer and I wanted to go to the Institute of Art in Denver for their Music and Video Business program. Unfortunately, my financial aid fell thru and had to wait a couple of years to be able to attend. So, I got a job as a mascot for KATM in Colorado Springs. Yes, I wore a mascot suit! It was a blast. One day I got a call that the station needed a fill in on-air for the overnight shift. I jumped at the chance even tho I had no idea what I was doing. But it was awesome! I ended up going to college two years later and got my degree. The cool thing was that I realized I could use everything I learned in college, including engineering, by working in radio. So that’s how my career began! Thru the years I’ve been an Assistant Promotions Director, Program Director, News Director, Morning show host and co-host, and a midday host. Thru radio, I discovered an absolute love for doing voice-overs and started a side gig many years ago. You can also see me on TV doing the Hanson Hot Spring Spas commercials!
Unfortunately, I was let go from my last radio job in August. So now I’m self employed and focusing on my voice over business. I also started a podcast with Scott Wilson from Saving Able called “So You Want to be a Rock Star” talking all about how to be successful in the music business. AND I am back to playing music. My passion. I play guitar/bass/keys and sing in a couple of rock bands. They say “do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” I’m definitely doing that now and hoping the saying is true! So far so good!
One important thing I’ve learned along the way is to take chances. When an opportunity presents itself, go for it. Be a sponge. Learn everything. You never know where it will take you. I never thought I would ever have a career in radio, but taking a chance changed my life! If you keep yourself open to opportunities, you can learn so many different skills and be more valuable in the work place!
Can’t wait to see what my next adventure/chapter in my career will be!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Of course I would take them to the traditional “must see” places! Garden of the Gods is simply stunning. Manitou Springs an Old Colorado City are a must for shopping. I love Cave of the Winds and of course the Broadmoor. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the BEST zoo with amazing views. Since I love music, we would have to see a concert at Sunshine Studios. That’s my biggest hangout. Also, do some Karaoke at The Buzzed Crow Bistro or the Lounge in the Village. If it’s the holidays, we would have to go ice skating downtown at Skate in the Park in Acacia Park! Catch a Switchbacks FC soccer game at Weidner Field. I also love axe throwing. Kind of obsessed with it so we’d have to do that for sure!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Bob Gourley. Rest in peace. Bob was my General Manager at KKCS, one of my early radio jobs. He was my mentor. He saw something in me and took a chance. I was a part time Production Assistant at the time, and he sent me to training seminars so that I could learn everything I could about radio. He gave me the foundation for what was to become a great career in radio. He also gave me a book for my birthday one year with a very inspirational note inside. It’s called “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and it’s all small stuff” by Richard Carlson, PH.D. That book resonated so much with me. I still have it, along with Bob’s note, and I still live by it today.

Website: https://www.TammyOakland.com

Instagram: @TammyOakland

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammyoakland/

Twitter: @TammyOakland

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TammyOakland/

Other: https://www.youtube.com/@SoYouWanttoBeaRockStar
https://soyouwanttobearockstar.podbean.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@tammyoakland

Image Credits
Mandy Michelle Photography

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