Mixx 96.1 Weekend Staff

Jimmy McGinnis
Evenings 7-11pm daily, Saturdays 10am-3pm

I came from the sunny coast of Southern California where I was raised and lived for a good 23 years. Most people wonder, why move up here? Well, I respond, after you've seen the sun 24/7 for your entire life, with a couple of raindrops here and there, it's an amazing change, and I couldn't be happier. The fresh green forests; crisp air; gorgeous mountains; and wonderfully diverse people are just some of the things that bring a smile to my face every day. It's a wonder to be a part of this family, and I'm excited to meet new people and learn new things every day. I've always believed that knowledge is a great tool, and I strive to learn new things every day. I've been an actor, singer, computer networker, counselor, poker dealer, writer of poetry and stories, a father to an angel, and always a great friend. I am thrilled to now be in radio, as it's just one more experience that I honor in my knowledge banks. Thank you for listening to us - and being a part of our family.

JJ Syrja J.J. Syrja
Sundays 6-10am

I grew up in Michigan and spent several years in Texas where I got my first radio job in 1980. I moved to the Olympia area in 1993 where I am also a researcher for an industry publication. For fun, I like being on Mixx 96.1, doing community radio (KAOS) in Olympia, collecting music, catching movies at the Olympia Film Society, and following Mariners baseball. My wife (Gina) and I have three daughters between us: Mirelle, Emily and Ina. They are smart young women and a blast to hang out with.

Tamara Tillinghast
Substitute

I'm a native Northwesterner and Evergreen grad. I first got into radio way back in 1995 when I was a sophomore in high school. I was obsessed with music and wanted to share it with anyone who would listen, so a radio show seemed perfect! Sure enough, I loved radio from the beginning and I've been on the air pretty much nonstop ever since. My music obsession is still going strong; I love sharing new songs and old favorites but I also enjoy meeting so many interesting people and talking with them both on and off the air. What else? Like Jennifer Mathis, I'm a breast cancer survivor. When I'm not on the air, I enjoy traveling, scrapbooking, writing, learning new things, and spending time with my husband and our beautiful Yorkie. Feel free to send me an email and say hello!

"Tip" Felts
Substitute

I started my adventures in broadcasting in 1990 as a Freshman at Timberline High School in Lacey. I started interning at the former KQ92 - AM 920, and six months later, finally got on payroll after management determined I wasn't going away quietly. After five years on the air as a DJ, sports reporter, and news reporter, I made my way to Tacoma to work as an engineer/board operator at KHHO - AM 850 with morning mixxer Ann D'Angelo. Eventually I branched into the video world of broadcasting, working in the TV departments at Emerald Downs, Fox Sports Northwest, Seattle Mariners, and the Seattle Sonics (RIP) and Storm. Moving back to Olympia in 2007 ignited the fire to return to my roots on the air. I also work as an actor/role player at Ft. Lewis, playing various roles in military exercises as they get the troops ready to be deployed overseas.

Eric Heintz
News/weekend substitute

Born in Bellevue but raised on the "mean streets" of Honolulu, I have lived in different parts of Washington since moving back in 1985. After growing tired of moving from "town to town, up and down the dial," I settled in Puyallup's South Hill with my wife, Lisa. I've been a fill-in news guy and DJ at Mixx 96.1 since early 2008. When I'm not on the air at Mixx 96.1, you can find me coaching youth football, watching the local high school, college (Go Western Vikings!), and pro teams (especially the Seahawks,) reading, exercising, waiting for the next U2 album and tour, and thinking about our next traveling adventure. Feel free to drop me a line at eric@mixx96.com

Steve Harper
Substitute

Proving that the nut doesn't fall far from the tree, I've lived my whole life in Western Washington. I spent my "Wonder Years" in Raymond (which I might add was a great place to grow up). My radio career started there as a baby DJ at "The sporty 1340" in my Junior year at RHS. Twenty nine years ago I moved to Olympia and continued the quest for fame and fortune at "The Big League Sports Station" KITN. I was part of AM920 for the next four years as it morphed into KQ92. With fame nowhere in site, the Postal Service offered fortune (compared to radio) so I grabbed it, walking the "mean streets" of downtown Olympia and the South Capitol Neighborhood for the next 17 years. I'm proud to say, I helped raise two great kids (my greatest accomplishment), managed some very successful Thurston County Youth Softball teams, and became an NFL owner (If you put it that way one share of Green Bay Packers stock sounds more impressive). After another 8 years as a small town Postmaster in Lewis County, early retirement gave me the chance to return to my first love. Imagine that, going from #2 in a two station "Capital Tri-Cities" market to being part of the best station in Olympia - Mixx 96.1. Tune in and enjoy the journey with me.

John S Foster John Sumner Foster
Program Director

Hi. I’m responsible for the music and DJs. It’s almost as fun as it sounds and a privilege to work with such talented people. My passions are playing basketball, listening to music (obviously) and baseball, reading, and spending time with my family: Dana (an artist, my beloved partner since 1979), Kajaat, 19 (basketball girl), Rama, 16 (social butterfly), our cats Rosewood and Olive, and our Australian Shepherd/Chow/German Shepherd mix Violet. I love living in Olympia. Write me at jsf@mixx96.com with any suggestions, compliments, or complaints.