Tom JoynerDeDe McGuire is no novice to the world of radio.

The Seattle native got her start as a receptionist at a country radio station before her talent was quickly noticed -- and she hasn't looked back since. Since 1997, McGuire has been a part of 'The Doug Banks Morning Show' and currently serves as co-host of 'The Ride With Doug & DeDe,' a nationally syndicated afternoon radio show.

She is also hosting 'Da Playground' on KKDA-FM K104 in Dallas – the same station where, in 1992, she became the first female to host the afternoon drive slot.

"The current situation I'm in is a dream come true," she told BV Newswire. "It is such a blessing. I'm talking to two different types of audiences with one common goal: to educate, inform and entertain."

Although her job offers haven't always been so generous, right now the veteran radio jock feels grateful for the opportunity to touch so many listeners.

"I did go through a period of frustration with the job positions offered to me, considering the fact that I worked in several major markets and syndication, but now I'm just happy to still be in the game," she explained.

McGuire, who credits much of her success to having big-name mentors such as Banks and Tom Joyner, continues to conduct high-profile celebrity interviews and entertain millions of listeners with her fill of behind-the-scenes gossip and inside information.

She believes that "black radio is not dying" and is quick to add, "I believe that our community and listeners are unique in that they don't just listen to us for music – they come to us for information and entertainment," she added. "At the end of the day, what you get on the Internet is generic radio, and we are more personality-driven with a lot of flavor."