Kristin Klingshirn shares so much about her life every morning on Atlanta, GA’s popular “The Bert Show.” But this Southern gal with Kentucky roots is opening the door into her life a little wider as our newest FACE of the South. Learn more about this newly engaged radio host who triggered a Twitter war with some passionate teenyboppers and already has a little experience saying yes to the dress — she was a bridesmaid on “Say Yes to the Dress.” Welcome, Kristin!
Meet Kristin Klingshirn, today’s FACE of the South.
What’s the toughest thing about hosting a radio show that starts at the crack of dawn? What time-saving beauty secrets can you share?
The hours are sincerely the only downside to morning radio. I love what I do, but I don’t love that alarm going off at 4 a.m. After 10 years of doing morning radio, you think you would get used to the hours. You don’t. My only beauty hack is I’ve gotten eyelash extensions — makes me look more awake in the mornings, and I don’t have to worry about applying mascara. If we don’t have any guests in studio, I’m always sans makeup … unless I’m rocking makeup from the night before! That’s been known to happen.
You’ve been a radio personality for more than 13 years and are the only female co-host of “The Bert Show” in Atlanta. What was it like moving up through shows in a somewhat male-dominated industry?
I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t been hard. Even though it’s been frustrating, the challenges I’ve endured have made me a stronger personality, a stronger woman in the process. I can only hope that women in our industry continue to foster an environment where we encourage each other and support one another to succeed. I feel fortunate I get to work alongside Tracey Kinney, Cassandra Young and Davi Crimmins.
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Your Kentucky roots run deep. How would you compare Atlanta to your hometown? What was it like trying to assimilate in our fair city?
I found it super easy to assimilate to Atlanta — it’s such a welcoming city. After five years here, I fall more in love with it every day. The only major difference between Atlanta and my hometown of Lexington, KY, is size. The Southern hospitality, pleasing weather and sweet tea are plentiful in both cities. Obviously, Atlanta has more to offer in terms of events and activities. There is definitely never a lack of things to do in Atlanta.
Kristin joined “The Bert Show” nearly five years ago, but has been a radio personality across the country for more than a decade.
You are at work super early and the show wraps up around 10 a.m. How do you spend the rest of your day in the A-T-L?
I’m normally at the studio until around 1 p.m., sometimes later. There’s always post-show production, emails, projects and segments to work on after the show ends. When I do get home, I constantly monitor social media and the internet for show content. Most weekends are dedicated to station events or charity functions. I recently got to accept an award on behalf of “The Bert Show” at the Human Rights Campaign Gala, which was a huge honor. I also hosted the Rally Foundation’s Rally on the Runway, and if you’ve never been you should totally put it on your calendar for next year. We love to partner up with the Atlanta Braves and Hawks, so you’ll see us at Turner Field or Philips Arena. I try to make it to as many concerts and festivals as possible. What kind of entertainment reporter would I be if I missed Beyoncé at the Georgia Dome!?
Congratulations on your recent engagement. Give us some wedding planning scoop … or at least the wedding you’d like to have.
I wish I had scoop! I haven’t planned the first thing. I know — I can’t believe it myself. The only definite is that we will be getting married in Kentucky. It’s where we both grew up and where a majority of our family still lives.
You are heavily involved in Bert’s Big Adventure, Rally Foundation, Atlanta Pet Rescue and Adoption and more. On top of your busy schedule, why do you volunteer?
Every person on this show has been given a voice. What’s the point of having a voice if you don’t use it for good? That’s why I volunteer. “The Bert Show” pays the bills; Bert’s Big Adventure pays the soul.
Bert’s Big Adventure is a nonprofit organization that provides an all-expenses-paid, five-day journey to Walt Disney World® for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families.
Where are your favorite places in Atlanta to have a girls’ day and avoid the boys for a few hours?
My perfect girls’ day would be as follows: Wake up and get brunch at Murphy’s. Do a little shopping in Virginia-Highland. Head over to Buckhead Nails & Spa Pedicure (in Brookhaven) to see my guy Kenny for a mani/pedi. Head over to Seven Lamps in the Shops Around Lenox for that ridiculous lobster bun and a glass of chardonnay. More shopping at Lenox. Go see Kathleen Denney at Changes in Sandy Springs for a facial. Then pop across the hall to see Jessica Goldstein to get my hair did. End the night with dinner and drinks at South City Kitchen in Midtown. And if I could have an Uber cart me around to all those places, that’d be great, thanks.
We listen to the show all the time and remember when you received the fiery threats of Directioners across the world after engaging in a flirty interview with One Direction’s Niall Horan. What’s it like taking on an army of rabid, prepubescent fans? Has the Twitter rage subsided?
Yup, that definitely escalated quickly. I never expected to be the target of an onslaught of hate tweets. We will chalk that up as a learning experience, one I prefer not to go through again. Most of the commentary was comical, but some I took to heart. Hey, we’re all human. The good news is the rage has subsided, and we’ve all moved on. Even Niall.
Kristin’s infectious energy and wide-eyed enthusiasm doesn’t make it seem like it’s not yet daybreak.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Try easier. When you care so much about what you do, you can try so hard you end up stressing yourself out and ultimately taking yourself out of the moment. So … try easier.
What are three things you can’t live without, excluding faith, family and friends?
My dogs, chocolate and wine. In that order.
A huge thank you to Kristin Klingshirn for sharing more about the FACE behind the mic. And thanks to CatMax Photography for today’s wonderful photos!
