Leah and Jessica from TV on the Radio spoke with our BFF.fm team about what inspired them to start this show, and why they think TV is such a relevant cultural touchpoint. TV on the Radio airs weekly on Sundays from 10-11am. Their tagline is, “We watch crap TV so you don’t have to,” creating a space for them to talk about shows that aren’t very highbrow, but still deserve recognition. They also spoke about their love for the BFF.fm community as it’s grown over the last 12 years that their show has been airing.

For people walking into your show for the first time, how would you describe it?

Leah: We felt like there was a real space for people talking about TV that is prestigious, but we like shows like Hart of Dixie, and so we wanted a space for those shows. TV on the Radio was born when my child was born essentially, and I needed some type of creative outlet. Then I told Jess we were doing this after I had submitted an application.

Are you guys excited for anything upcoming with your show?

Leah: I feel like there’s just so much TV to get through, so a lot of our show is planning for what’s coming out- there’s a lot of good content coming out that we’re excited to talk about. I think TV is something that is relevant to the state of the world, and I think it’s a real cultural touchpoint to see what hits and what takes off. We try to encompass all of that, even some of the stuff that doesn’t hit that people might’ve missed.

Jessica: We’re mostly just excited for this season of Interview with the Vampire.

How long have you guys had a show on BFF.fm?

Jessica: This May, it’s gonna be 12 years.

So you have pretty much been here since the beginning of BFF. How’ve you seen your show change from the beginning to now?

Jessica: We learned how to use the board mostly. We’ve learned where the inputs go. I don’t know, have we changed at all?

Leah: I think we’ve been pretty consistent. We do try to get guests on and other people to try and mix it up a little bit, but yeah, it’s been pretty consistent for us.

Piper: It’s been more of me.

Leah: And more of you! Yes.

And who are you?

Leah: The aforementioned child who inspired me to get out of the house and try to do something creative.

Piper: I’ve been here since the start.

The secret third member. How long have you been in the Bay Area for? Are you natives, or did you just move here?

Jessica: I’m a Bay Area native.

Leah: I moved here from Ireland, but 30 years ago, so I consider myself a Bay Area native now. My child here is a San Francisco native, as she frequently reminds us.

Piper: Born and raised.

Do you guys have a go-to spot in the Bay Area that makes you feel creative?

Leah: I think in San Francisco we’re all lucky enough to live near green spaces and parks. We live near Golden Gate Park, and we spend a lot of time there. In terms of venues, I just saw a show at the newly reopened Castro, and I think that’s really a venue that’s, like, doing it in the right way. It was a great, great show, and really well managed, and I’m looking forward to seeing more stuff there!

Jessica: I’m just happy to have The Secret Alley here in the Mission. Sometimes we’ll prerecord our show and then hit Benders afterwards. It’s great to be in a neighborhood filled with fun dive bars and that old San Francisco culture.

Leah: Shoutout to The Sycamore too for doing a bangin Sunday brunch, which we have partaken in quite a few times after our show.

Jessica: That’s what’s changed in our show: we used to drink mimosas every Sunday morning, and uh, we had to stop doing that.

Anything else you want to say out there to the people?

Leah: Tune in to BFF.fm! I mean, I think it’s amazing how BFF has stayed so fresh and relevant. It’s awesome to see all the younger DJs coming up and being excited about being a part of this community. I personally have gotten so much out of being a member of the BFF community, and I think we need community now more than ever! So get involved in something.

Check out TV on the Radio Sundays at 10 AM!