Mara Davis was captivated by the magic of radio and music at an early age. Her parents actively supported the arts scene in South Florida where she grew up and in turn, exposed Mara to a wide variety of entertainers and artists. Mara developed a particular interest in radio – she was a devoted fan of personalities Casey Kasem and Dr. Demento – and each week, she faithfully tuned in to the Top 40 countdown, among other programs.
While at Curry College in Boston, Mara landed a radio internship at WMLN-FM where the opportunity to “crack the mic” confirmed her career path. Determined to make it, she worked in promotions at another Boston station (WZOU-FM) and got a glimpse of the “real world” of the radio business when her job became a casualty of budget cuts.
Mara’s break came in snowy Rochester, New York, where she landed a gig as the late night DJ at WRQI-FM. With ambition in tow and sights set on a larger market, she soon moved to Atlanta’s WZGC-FM, Z-93 in 1994.
Now hailing as one of Atlanta’s most venerable and long-standing radio personalities, Mara has hosted a variety of shows at WZGC-FM – now dave fm – including the midday and morning drive programs. She is perhaps best known for her signature lunchtime program – Radio Free Lunch – which presents a unique theme relating songs to current events and pop culture topics each day. Mara’s show has evolved over many years but stays true to its original purpose of actively engaging her audience and offering a humorous, lighter perspective on current events.
Mara’s approachable, sincere persona attracts listeners from every background and profession. She breaks down barriers and offers her frank point of view – sometimes saying what others are thinking but are afraid to say –always with a sense of humor and an open mind. Her genuine excitement and love for what she does is evident whether she’s bantering with a listener, hosting a charity event or interviewing a celebrity.
Known to disarm her famous guests with oddball, unexpected questions, Mara has built rapport with Sinead O’Connor over their sons’ shared passion for Thomas the Train and tamed the notoriously difficult-to-interview comedian Andy Dick. She has interviewed stars as diverse as Robert Plant, Bob Saget, Sheryl Crow, Lauren Hutton, Will Farrell, Jane Fonda, Molly Ringwald, Madeline Albright, Neil Young and Bill Cosby. In fact, her impression on Cosby was such that he invited her to introduce him onstage at the Fox Theatre.
Four times, Mara has been voted Creative Loafing’s best DJ by readers – an honor that means more to this down-to-earth pro than any critical acclaim. The connections she makes with listeners – whether indirect or personally – is what Mara calls the most rewarding part of her job.
In the community, Mara donates her time and talents to dozens of charities and fund raising events including animal rescue and breast cancer organizations, the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Aid Atlanta, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Fashion Cares Atlanta.
She is a dedicated fan of “everything pop culture” and Howard Stern. A news junkie with musical tastes ranging from hip hop to classic rock and country, Mara loves to travel, shop, read, blog and watch TV. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, Mike, and son, Charlie, age 3.
Mara's Space
Britt Daniel of Spoon Interview
Mara got to talk to Britt Daniel of the band Spoon. Transference (their new album) is in stores now and they will be at the Tabernacle 3-20-10.
Elana Meyers - Olympic Bobsledder from GA
Elana Meyers, who will compete in the bobsled competition, called and talked to Mara. Elana is the only person from Georgia in the 2010 winter Olympics. Keep checking back for more, to get an inside look from Vancouver, through the eyes of our hometown Olympic Bobsledder.
Mara talks with Trey Anastasio
Mara got the chance to speak with Trey Anastasio. This is a great interview, Trey even talks about Britney Spears.
Mara talks to Conan O'brien
Sparkle Pirated Radio Free Lunch
On November 13 Radio Free Lunch was "Pirated" by Sparkle. He won an online contest and got to come take-over the radio station for an hour. This is Sparkle kicking off the Radio Free Lunch hour. It takes a few seconds, but then Sparkle kicks off the RFL.
Office Fun
Mara breaks out in dance for Lady GaGa's 'Bad Romance'...you know, just another day at the office.
Collective Soul's Ed and Dean Roland stop by the DAVE FM studios for an interview with Mara Davis. Scroll down for more images and look for a video of the interview on Mara's eDave page.
The Indigo Girls sang two songs live on Mara Davis's show to promote their upcoming release, "Poseidon and the Bitter Bug," out today! Watch for the video of the whole interview on Mara's page on edave!
Go to Mara's edave page and click Video to see the whole interview and more music!
B52's Fred Schneider was live in the studio with Mara Davis talking about fashion, doggie treats and ham, to name a few. They played Totally Nude Island (Ursula 1000 Remix), (you can get on iTunes by clicking that link), which he performed with the Superions. And for those natural doggie treats, go to dixiedogwear.com. Look for video on eTV.
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