When Marie Lanza started at Playboy Radio eight years ago there was one show and she could count the station’s crew members on one hand. Now the station has evolved into a premier destination for a variety of programming that includes up to nine hours of daily live broadcasts. With Lanza heading up the creative team, Playboy has become a regular stop for high-profile adult industry personalities eager to promote their latest projects or connect with their fans through the power of radio.
In this exclusive interview, she discusses the growth of the station, her background in cinema and TV production, and the challenges that come with her unique position.
Although it’s been awhile since my last race, I love triathlon. I also scuba dive at any chance I get, love hiking and of course write.
Where are you originally from, born and raised?
I was born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana. My parents started their family in Los Angeles, both working in the film industry (mainstream). My father was originally from Louisiana and they moved back there to raise the family.
What is your professional background?
After moving to Los Angeles I worked as a paralegal doing mostly civil law and spent a short time in the music industry. During this time I was in college at Columbia College Hollywood studying film and television and I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Motion Picture Cinema Arts and Television Production, with an emphasis in Producing and Screenwriting. I also began pursuing my dream of writing and producing for film, mostly working on independent projects. However, since the mainstream industry is brutally competitive and most times very political, I never quit my day job. “Struggling Artist” was never a term I was going to associate with my life. I still continue my pursuit of being a full-time writer.
How did you get your start in adult entertainment? Did you start at Playboy Radio, or someplace else?
I started at Playboy Radio and have been here ever since. In 2004 a girlfriend of mine I was in college with was working for Playboy Corporate and she informed me of the job opening for a Segment Producer. I was working in the music industry and wasn’t looking for a job but knew I wanted to do something more entertaining. Also, the music industry at the time was falling downhill fast and layoffs were happening every day so something potentially more secure was appealing. I had never thought about working in radio and didn’t know much about it. I interviewed with Farrell Hirsch who runs Playboy Radio and was offered the position right then.
What is your title at Playboy Radio and what are all your job duties?
My current title at Playboy Radio is Independent Producer. I plan, coordinate and execute up to nine hours of daily live shows and various special broadcasts for Playboy Radio and Spice Radio.
When does the show air and what channel?
My current show schedule on Playboy Radio Sirius XM 102 is the following:
“Morning After with Jessica Hall” Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. PST; “Tiffany Granath Show” Monday–Wednesday, 11 a.m.–2 .p.m.; “Mansion Mayhem with Pilar Lastra and Brian Olea” Mondays at 2 p.m.; “In Bed With Jessica Drake” Tuesdays at 2 p.m; and “Night Calls with Nicki Hunter and Debi Diamond,” Monday–Friday from 3-6 p.m.
I also now produce Spice Radio’s new show “YouPorn with Christy Canyon and Ginger Lynn” on Sirius XM 103 which airs Monday–Friday from 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Needless to say when my shows cross over one another there’s a lot of back and forth between studios. I’m lucky to have great Associate Producers as part of my team.
What’s a “typical” work day like for you?
Well, there really is no typical day in radio because something new comes up every day. However, my work day starts by getting to the studio and going over the day’s schedule, answering emails, voicemails and making sure there is nothing pressing. Before every show we have a meeting where show packages for the hosts are given that include guest information, topic ideas and anything else that may relate to the show. During these creative meetings the team is coming up with ideas for discussion, segments, games and future show content. Between all this, there’s booking upcoming shows, researching for creative new ideas, producing show promos, working with executives at Playboy and Sirius XM to communicate live schedules, replay schedules, break spots and anything else that may arise.
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
Staying creative but when you work with amazing talent and have a strong team it all falls into place quite nicely.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Hearing from your boss or executives that they love what the show is doing and of course hearing from listeners that they love the shows and are tuning in every day!
Tell us about a particular guest or episode that stands out of all the ones you’ve produced….
Wow, this is hard because I get to meet such cool people every day. But, I would have to say our remote broadcasts at Fort Irwin Army Base for the troops were amazing.
What career accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
Being part of this amazing station from the beginning. When I first started in 2004 there was one live show, “Night Calls.” My boss Farrell, myself, an engineer and two hosts made up the station. Now we have three stations, Playboy Radio, Playboy Radio En Espanol and Spice Radio with teams producing combined over 25 hours of live radio a day. To watch it grow to what it is has been awesome!
What’s a hobby of yours?
Although it’s been awhile since my last race, I love triathlon. I also scuba dive at any chance I get, love hiking and of course write.
What are your plans for 2012 and beyond?
To never stop following my dreams.
Each month, industry news media organization XBIZ spotlights the career accomplishments and outstanding contributions of Women in Adult. WIA profiles offer an intimate look at the professional lives of the industry's most influential female executives.
