You’ve heard his voice. Now meet the man. As of July 2015, Andrew Hart is the youngest morning show host to take over the airwaves on the Bay Area station 96.5 KOIT.
At the ripe young age of 27, the Midwestern transplant has already clocked serious time with a slew of major league radio stations. He was that crazy-motivated high school kid who woke up at 4 am to co-host Benton, Illinois' local morning show before school (“I was late to class just about every day, but my teachers knew what I was doing. They were fans!”). By 19, Hart was hobnobbing with Will Smith and Miley Cyrus on the red carpet while attending college on a piano scholarship.
A self-professed "hopeless romantic," Hart assures us that he does make time in his intense daily schedule for good food and great company. We were lucky enough to catch him while we could; here’s his take on living life in the fast lane and never saying no.
7x7: What’s it like to hear your own voice on air? Are you a fan of Andrew Hart?
AH: (Laughs) Well, being in the business for over 12 years now, I can definitely say I’ve gotten used to it. But in the beginning, especially before I hit puberty, I hated hearing it, and I took diction and dialect classes to get rid of my Southern Illinois accent.
Tell us about your typical day.
I live in Walnut Creek, so I have to get up every morning at 2:30 am. I’m on the road by 3:15am and in the studio at 4 am sharp. From 4 to 5:30, my co-host Charly and I finalize our show, prep content, and build the rundown. First break is at 5:30. After the show, at 10 am, there are always myriad meetings consisting of programming, promotions, events, sales and voice-over sessions. There’s also the occasional celebrity or artist interview.
I’m a serial networker, which means I try to have a lunch or coffee meeting set up every day, sometimes several in a day. Afternoons are usually saved for some personal time—gym, reading, TV and emails. I do my best to be tucked in by 7 pm, and asleep by 8 pm.
Funniest on-air moment:
Without a doubt, it was when I told Charly that my mother was my sex-ed teacher in junior high school. Charly had no idea I was put through the torture of my mom teaching all my friends how to use a condom. She has yet to let me live it down.
Dream guest:
Richard Branson. He’s my idol. I’ve met him once—we popped Champagne at his hotel opening, and I was so nervous that I forgot my name, so I just kept drinking. Next time, I hope to ask at least one question.
Where do you go to unwind in the Bay Area?
I’m growing really fond of the lookout point in Muir Woods.
Describe your perfect date.
Cocktails first. Then, a concert or live performance followed by dinner at a fun and trendy restaurant that’s still intimate enough for conversation. I’d order a few bottles of great Italian wine. We’d cap the night off with gelato and a stroll through North Beach.
We know charity work is really important to you. What are some of the causes that you’re passionate about?
Although I was raised in a very stable and supportive household, I’ve always been drawn to helping kids who come from the exact opposite—I can't imagine trying to become successful when you can’t count on anything or anyone. I never had to worry about having food in the house, [getting] help with my homework, or whether we would have running water or if my parents were ever going to come home. Sadly, so many kids do have those worries. There is nothing motivating about that.
What's your advice for making it in media?
Show up early, and leave late. Network your ass off. Never be above piecemeal tasks. Always have 10 irons in the fire. Never say 'I can’t,' never say 'no.'
Quick-fire round
Bay Bridge or Golden Gate Bridge: Bay Bridge
Happy hour or brunch: Brunch
Ryan Seacrest or Howard Stern: Howard Stern
Bike or MUNI: MUNI
The Independent or the Fillmore: The Independent
Chocolate sprinkles or rainbow sprinkles: Chocolate
SF in three words: Culture. Food. Views.
