MAN OF THE HOUR

Travis Hopkins

Travis is considered one of radio’s hardest working personalities. From his blue-collar style work ethic, to his creative content and innovative approach of spicing up radio format, he has been labeled a renaissance man by his peers. He has been a top-rated afternoon personality, to having his programs nominated three years in a row for “Best Local Radio Show” and earning that title in 2021 as voted by the listeners in Inforum’s Travis didn’t initially begin in radio. A graduate of McNally Smith School Of Music in Minnesota he began as a touring and performing musician. His travels led him to New York City where he branched out into acting appearing on “The Sopranos” tv show, “Got Milk,” “Heineken Beer,” commercials and even a Kid Rock music video. He helped relaunch the live music program for the Hard Rock Cafe in 2000 which began his love of helping discover new artists. After a short spell in Las Vegas, he moved to LA where he would work closely with rock artist Phil Varone (Saigon Kick/Skid Row) and his highly popular music and comedy show. He eventually appeared on an episode of “Charm School” featuring the “Rock Of Love” girls. He rounded out his time assisting with band bookings at a local Hollywood venue, in particular finding opening bands for the now popular “Steel Panther!”

Travis moved back to the Midwest and in 2013 began working in classic rock radio and radio promotions. He has been featured in numerous publications regarding his devotion to fair airplay for female artists, his proud representation of his Native American culture, and advocacy for local artists. He is a mentor, volunteer and actively involved in his community.

Travis has appeared on local and national tv as well as student and independent films. Widely known for his real and genuine radio interviews his guests have included the Fargo mayor, Miss North Dakota to the likes of actor Corey Feldman, WWE’s Mickie James, Country Artists Morgan Wade, Callista Clark, Lee Greenwood, Caitlyn Smith, Alexandra Kay and more!

You can find Travis hosting “This Side Of Country” on 95.9 KRFF Monday through Friday 10am to noon (CST) heard throughout the Fargo/Moorhead area and streaming everywhere at radiofreefargo. org You can also hear his playback interviews wherever you listen to podcasts at “The Mic Is Yours! (95.9 KRFF Post Show)”

Q&A

Your mother and grandmother play an important role in the person you are today. Tell us the best advice you have ever received from them.

The best advice I ever got from my mother and grandmother is simply, respect others. It doesn't matter who they are, what job they hold or how much money they make treat people with respect.

What do you like the most about your work?

What I like most about my work is helping share people's stories. Whether it's a country superstar, to a local artist, a local veteran, the mayor, everyone has a story and I love hearing about the journey you've

What is your greatest accomplishment yet?

I'm proud of a lot of things and I'm grateful to so many who support me, I couldn't do what I get to do without them. I truly feel though that I have yet to achieve my greatest accomplishment. Maybe that's what continues to drive me.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I would love to be syndicated and hosting a tv program that partners with my radio show. Working with artists to discover new artists, do my part to make sure female artists are receiving fair air play, provide new and fun opportunities for artists to tell their story and connect with their fans, all while helping give back to others.

What do you like the most about living in North Dakota?

I remember there was once a time where I said I'd never move back home to North Dakota, I was having too much fun living the city life. NYC, Vegas, LA! In fact at the time that I did decide to move back I was concerned with what there would even be for me do here after working in entertainment in those markets. To my surprise North Dakota had grown, evolved, and still is at a rapid rate. One of the big reasons is because of how much everyone supports one another.

What is your favorite quote and why?

My favorite quote is "Life's Rejec

tions May Be God's Protections." I've been working in an industry for quite sometime that as much as we want some of the opportunities that come our way they don't always work out, that can feel like a letdown or like you've failed. Then you later find out it wasn't the right thing for you, or your season with it is done because what is meant to be next for you is ready to happen.

Follow travis at:

www.radiofreefargo.org

@95.9krffcountry

@959krffthissideofcountry