HI, MY NAME IS… Karen Dalessandro.
I’VE LIVED IN PARADISE VALLEY FOR TWO YEARS AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE… it has EVERYTHING! Amazing restaurants, shopping, spectacular mountain views, biking trails, hiking. We’re literally surrounded by beauty!
A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE INCLUDES… a morning walk with my dog, Bodie, at Andaz Resort, a couple hours preparing content for my afternoon radio show, a quick workout before my KSLX 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. air shift, and getting acclimated to my new “hometown.” I also enjoy networking lunches and dinner with friends and co-workers.
MY FAMILY IS… my hubby Doug and our Shih Tzu Bichon mix Bodie.
ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS… music. I would eventually starve without food and really miss my husband, but music completes me!
MY FAVORITE MOVIE I COULD NEVER GET TIRED OF WATCHING AND WHY… “50 First Dates.” What could be more romantic than falling in love every day—even if it’s with Adam Sandler!
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO BE… a singer. I practiced belting out songs into my hairbrush all the time! When I discovered I was unable to carry a tune, but realized I could LITERALLY talk to a wall, radio was the logical career choice.
THE SONG I WOULD SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT IS… see above! But there was one night (with cocktails involved), I got up to perform The Go Go’s “She’s Got the Beat” and promptly retired my karaoke career the next morning.
THE ONE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS… my husband of 30-plus years, Doug. His constant support and encouragement keep me going through the good and not so good times. He truly lifts me up!
THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD WAS… Kyle Cruz was doing a live shot from spring training on “Good Morning Arizona.” She tossed a baseball to a young fan on camera that missed his mitt and hit his head. The youngster was not hurt but she was mortified and the anchors in the studio were rolling in laughter. I’ve also experienced rare moments of embarrassment during live broadcasts, so I felt for her!
THE PERFECT DAY IS… driving around town with the convertible down, a solid workout with yoga at Village Club Gainey, and an outdoor patio dinner with Doug and Bodie catching one of the amazing Arizona sunsets. Bonus points if I can add a couple hours of shopping!
MY FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS… it’s impossible to pick just one. There are SO many local organizations doing incredible work! But I’m especially fond of Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers. It offers teens an immersive experience in the arts, music, dance, video/audio production, computer labs, and more. I’ve had the opportunity to meet many of the students – it’s a life changing program for them.
MY LIFE IS… full of unique experiences! My mom always told me I needed to write a book because my job is so interesting and different. From interviewing former presidents to hanging out backstage with rock stars, emceeing local and national events, and connecting with people on a personal level every single day. It’s not an ordinary job and I’m blessed to have a career that affords these amazing opportunities.
THE BEST GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED WAS… the gift of health. Not a gift money can buy, and it’s not guaranteed. You can do everything right and still face a crisis that changes your life. I’m so grateful for it every day!
MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE… Doug and I have traveled all over the world. It’s what we do! We’ve visited six of the seven world continents including incredible trips to Cuba, Hong Kong, and South Africa. The Galapagos Islands was HIGH on my bucket list and I I checked it off a few years ago. We’re now having fun exploring Arizona and all the beauty of the southwest.
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED… knowledge is power. When you cease to learn, you cease to grow.
