•Name:
Gena Kirby.

•Title of show:
Progressive Parenting.

•Broadcast date and time:
The first Friday of every month from 5pm to 6pm.

•How long have you been on the air?
One show so far.

•What brought you to KFCF?
We had been looking for a new venue after the station we were on had been bought and turned into ESPN2. The old station was a liberal talk station and KFCF looked like it would be a great fit as our show touches on topics mainstream radio will not touch. We were right: my producer and I are very happy and proud to be on KFCF

•Please give a brief description of your program.
Progressive Parenting is a call in format show. I’m the host, but I’m not an expert. I find experts in different fields pertaining to parenthood, get ‘em on the show, and ask the questions parents would.

•Who all are the players involved in putting things together?
My producer/husband Craig Kirby and I put it all together.

•What are some issues that you have the opportunity to speak about on your program that you might not be able to elsewhere?
Circumcision, VBAC’s (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), Bed Sharing, Vaccines. A lot of these topics are taboo and scare people. We feel it’s important to educate folks so you can make the decision that’s right for your family. No one loves your baby like you do.

•What are some memorable moments you’ve had as a programmer with the station?
So far just one, but it was great when one of my guests, on our first show (which was on breast feeding), let people know that most pediatricians and OBs don’t take courses on lactation, so most of the time when you’re getting advice from them, your getting advice from someone who doesn’t have any expertise on the topic. Our phone lines lit up like crazy. We got a lot of emails too, lot’s of ‘aha’ moments were happening everywhere with moms saying to themselves, “No wonder.”

•What are some strengths you feel you’ve developed in part due to hosting your own program?
I feel much more comfortable as a parent now. Every mom feels like they’re getting it all wrong and what I’ve learned from all the experts is: if you’re trying, you’re succeeding.

•Have you previously been involved in radio/communications. If yes, when & where?
Long, long ago I was a DJ with KFRG or kfroggy, a country radio station, I was a kid, I started out as a receptionist, I guess the station manager liked my voice and put me on the air.

•What are some of your favorite programs on the KPFA/KFCF airwaves?
Democracy Now, Stir It Up, Art Attack, and all the music shows, I can’t pick one.

•What one word describes the feeling you have once you’ve just completed a show? Satisfied.

•What advice would you dispense to folks in the community who have something to say and feel they don’t have a venue in which to do it?
Go for it, don’t talk, just do. Like Yoda says; “Do or do not, there is no try.”

•Are there other Independent media outlets that you might encourage readers or listeners of your program to check out?
Well, for parents, I suggest MOTHERING MAGAZINE and HIP MAMA MAGAZINE. Both offer paperless options. And they aren’t bossed around by