Tanya Rad is a name synonymous with energy, authenticity, and connection. As a co-host on “On Air with Ryan Seacrest”, author, and co-host of the popular podcast “Scrubbing In”, Tanya has built a career on her ability to connect deeply with audiences across multiple platforms. Whether she’s sharing her personal struggles, breaking barriers in the media industry, or offering relatable advice on dating, Tanya brings a refreshing honesty to everything she does.
In this candid interview, Tanya opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her career, from the heartbreak of being laid off to embracing her “Modern Woman Mindset” after a breakup. She also shares the evolution of her voice across radio, podcasting, and her book “The Sunshine Mind,” revealing how each medium allows her to connect with people in unique ways. Tanya dives into personal topics like her health journey, the power of vulnerability in media, and the surprising life lessons she’s learned while navigating dating in her 20’s and 30’s.
As she enters a new season of life, from planning her wedding to taking on bold new challenges, Tanya Rad offers an inspiring look at the importance of following your gut, embracing vulnerability, and always pushing outside your comfort zone.
Interview with Tanya Rad
From interning at a radio station to co-hosting with Ryan Seacrest, your journey is impressive. What were some pivotal moments that helped you shape your voice in the industry?
This is going to sound so wild but getting laid off from my very first job was a major pivotal moment in my life and career. I got my first part time job in radio while I was a senior at The University of Arizona in Tucson. In the moment this lay off was devastating. It was a result of the 2008 recession, and had nothing to do with my performance, but I took it personal – like I wasn’t good enough. However, what I didn’t realize at that moment was I was selling myself short. I was planning on staying in Tucson after I graduated because everyone in my class was having a hard time finding any job, and I already had one, so why would I leave it? Had I not been laid off, I would have stayed in Tucson, for who knows how many years, but this forced me to go back home to Southern California and threw me into the LA mix. What in the moment felt like my biggest heartbreak, turned out to be my biggest blessing. And this was a theme in my 20’s.
Another pivotal moment happened to me in the form of another heartbreak, a breakup. I was working for “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” at the time as a producer behind-the-scenes and was loving my job. I was in a long-distance relationship and I knew I was going to eventually have to move to another state to make this relationship work- and was fully planning on asking to transfer to another KIISFM station. Before I made that decision, my relationship unexpectedly ended and my world was turned upside down. I remember not even knowing how to go to a wedding alone, I never did anything alone. This forced me into developing my “Modern Woman Mindset”, which honestly changed the trajectory of my life immeasurably. I went from being afraid to do anything alone, to thriving in this season of life. And with that came a life-changing opportunity to become a co-host “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” and my life changed forever. I was given a voice on such a huge platform. A space to be vulnerable and share and connect in a way I’d never imagined possible for me. This heartbreak lead me to my modern woman mindset and for that, I’m forever grateful.
You wear many hats – radio host, author, podcaster. How do you find that each medium allows you to express yourself in unique ways?
I find that I am living my life’s purpose when I’m connecting with people and I feel so lucky that I’m able to have so many areas to which I can connect. The radio gives me a very wide net to connect with millions of people. The podcast gives me a long-formatted way to connect on a much deeper level. And the book was a way to connect in a more physical day-to-day way. As if I was a “best friend” they could just pickup when they needed a little pick-me-up. Each one has been a blessing and I am so grateful for every single person that has taken time out of their lives to encourage me or live life alongside me.
“Scrubbing In” has become a highly popular podcast. What do you think resonates with your audience most? And how has podcasting expanded your connection with your listeners?
The podcast has truly become such a blessing in my life for a few reasons.
- The connection is so deep with podcast listeners. These people have truly lived life alongside me for 7 full years! They’ve seen the good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful, the confused… they’ve seen it all – and stood by me. At the end of the day connection and being vulnerable and being able to learn from each other’s mistakes is what makes life a little easier.
- Our friendship. I think there’s something so special about my dynamic with Becca. We are polar opposites (so people find themselves either a “Becca” or a “Tanya”) which makes it interesting and fun. Two women navigating life and love in completely different ways, but supporting each other through it all. I think the special thing about our podcast is we were best friends first, and I think that translates.
You’ve been open about your health journey, including cycle syncing and reversing your Hashimoto’s diagnosis. What inspired you to share these personal experiences so publicly, and what has the feedback been like from your audience?
There is this taboo feeling around topics like cycle syncing or talking about our periods which to me is totally ridiculous and doing such a disservice to us as women. Knowledge is power, I truly believe that. I’ve had my eyes opened in several ways over the last several years – around cycle syncing, UTI’s, pelvic floor physical therapy, and this info has been game changing for me. Why would I hold all that knowledge just for myself? I truly believe if we (women in particular) would share more with each other on the ups and downs of our journeys we would all be better off.
In particular with my Hashimoto’s diagnosis I had heard about this prior to my diagnosis because several women in the industry had been open about it. I immediately reached out to these women to gain knowledge from them and began my own personal journey. I did things a little different and took a natural approach to treating this diagnosis. I focused on supplements, minimizing toxins in my life, changed my diet, and lifestyle. All these things working together helped me reverse my diagnosis in 9 months!
Sharing this journey has been so beautiful because it has inspired other women to also take a holistic approach to their diagnosis. I’ve seen direct message after direct message from women feeling inspired to take a closer look at their health and their approach to it. Which to me, is what community is all about.
Mental health and vulnerability are key themes in your life and your work. How do you think media personalities can better promote conversations around mental health without losing their sense of privacy?
I think the biggest problem with social media is this “everything is perfect” in my life image that we see on a daily basis. I think it’s so important that we share the highs and the lows we experience in our lives, however I know that’s not everyone’s MO to be vulnerable. If you’re following someone for their fashion finds an you strictly just follow them for their style and links, it might feel weird for that person to be open and vulnerable about the bad days they experience.
You’ve become a trusted voice on dating in your 20’s and 30’s especially with the unique challenges that come with these stages. What’s the most significant shift you’ve seen in your own approach to dating over the years?
First of all, I find it such an honor to be a trusted voice in the dating space because it was very important for me to be open and vulnerable about my experiences dating for seven years in LA. (ps dating in LA for seven years is like dating for 20 years in any other city lol).
It was such an incredible time because I felt like I had an entire cheer squad in my corner rooting for me to find the love of my life, every single step of the way. I noticed the most significant shift in my approach to dating when I shifted my mentality and my mindset. I went from playing the victim and the “woah is me” card to taking ownership of my situation and creating a hopeful mentality. This was game changing for me. Seeing every heartbreak as “one step closer”, coming home from a bad date and writing in my Dear Future Husband journal to take me out of the toxic thoughts, seeing glimmers of hope in every situation. Keeping that hopeful heart is what changed the dating game for me!
You’ve offered relatable dating advice through your platforms. What’s once piece of advice you think people should stop listening to when it comes to dating and relationships?
It’s funny to say this as someone who gives dating advice all the time, but truthfully, don’t listen to what anyone else says or thinks and go with your gut.
I think hearing different perspectives or learning from other people in similar situations is so helpful and can create a lot of good however, I think listening to what other people say and going against your gut can be problematic.
When I started dating my now fiancé many people told me “he’ll never marry you” ….. “you’re just going to get your heart broken” because of our difference in faith. But, I was following my gut and listening to the words he was saying to me and I’m so glad I listened to my own intuition on the situation. I think asking for advice and hearing other stories and perspectives is healthy and great, but at the end of the day following your own heart is what will lead you down the right path.
Your book “The Sunshine Mind” is a beautiful celebration of positivity. What was the inspiration behind it, and how do you hope readers will apply its lessons to their everyday lives?
The inspiration for “The Sunshine Mind” came from a much-needed bright light after the darkness of the pandemic. One of my best friends (and co-author of the book) Raquelle Stevens, and I would meet up during the pandemic and just discuss how much people were needing a mental shift in such a dark time. We thought a devotional would be a great way for people to consume the book in very bite-sized digestible pieces. And the response from the book has been incredibly rewarding. We’ve seen mothers and daughters reading the devotional together, we’ve heard stories of girls reading it in times of strife with friends, women reading it in seasons of heartbreak, and it’s just been a blessing to be able to be a community in these seasons for women.
You’ve already accomplished so much in your career. What are you excited about next, whether in your personal life, media, or perhaps another book?
I feel like I’m entering into a brand new season of life. I’m looking forward to marrying the love of my life and officially being a wife. I’m looking forward to becoming a mom. I’m looking forward to expanding and spreading my wings into new areas. If you ever would have told me that I would have walked in Miami Swim Week 2024 I would have thought you were nuts! But I loved how it pushed my outside my comfort zone, and that’s exactly what I want to continue to do.
And I absolutely look forward to writing another book and continuing to grow my voice in that medium!
As someone who inspires so many others, who or what continues to inspire you as you look ahead to the future.
As a major Swiftie I do have to say that my girl Taylor Swift is a huge inspiration. She continues to push the status quo, evolve and expand, while at the same time remaining a positive role model for young girls and women. I hope to be that in my own area and my own lane that I create for myself. I always want to be evolving and expanding and pushing myself. I want to challenge the status quo and inspire others to do the same. When I look at Taylor’s career and how it has evolved over the years the one thing remains true: her attention to detail and her passion! I want to look back at my career and continue to feel proud and inspired and take risks. You know what they say – “you miss all the shots you don’t take.” I’d rather try and fail than be too scared to take the risk!
Credits:
Written by Kacey Perez | @studioblume_
Photos courtesy of Tanya Rad | @tanyarad
