Daily Inspiration: Meet Diana Linn Ennis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Linn Ennis.

Hi Diana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a Midwesterner, a Boomer girl who grew up listening to Top 40 Radio and arguing in Junior High School who was the best band… The Beatles or The Rolling Stones? I stirred the pot by insisting I loved them both equally. I used whatever money I earned to buy records and concert tickets. I was the go-to music trivia and liner note devouring geek in high school.

I got the notion I would like to be a Radio DJ; I visited the local newly launched FM radio station in the late 60’s asking for guidance and training only to be told “Honey, there are no girls in rock and roll radio. Can you type?” Why yes, I could, very fast and accurately, but I wanted a radio gig. I should have taken the office gig and as times changed… worked my way into the studio. Forty years later I got to realize that dream. I was recovering from breast cancer treatments in 2001 when I stumbled upon 90.1 FM KKFI on my radio dial during a Pledge Drive. They were offering Guest DJ spots to anyone who donated at a certain level of cash. I was done putting off things I really wanted to do… carpe diem, right?

Twenty guest DJs and nine years later at the tender age of 59, I submitted a proposal for The Tasty Brew Music Radio Show. After nearly eight years on the air, I decided to start The Tasty Brew Music Podcast. I’m now fully retired from a 40+ year gig as a paralegal and title insurance executive. In early 2020, right before the pandemic, my partner and I decided to start a non-profit to empower the art of the song through education, collaboration, and mentorship, The Heartland Song Network. I consider it the logical and happy evolution of a life spent in awe and support of music, art, and culture.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Have I had a smooth road? Compared to most of the people on the planet… absolutely! Struggles… oh the usual… sexism, misogyny, and patriarchy, my own penchant for procrastination and conflict avoidance, health issues, failed marriages, grief, and loss, Covid-19.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In my full-time working life (1969 to 2014), first as a legal secretary, then paralegal, and ultimately a division manager for an international title insurance underwriter, I was known for my work ethic, attention to detail, a penchant for risk assessment, and ability to facilitate for others and solve problems.

I am gratified that armed with just a high school diploma, I ended up in positions usually occupied by college graduates and attorneys. I don’t know that I am aware of what may set me apart from others. I feel like I fit in everywhere… and… nowhere.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The most essential and qualities that have served me best… self-reliance (validation) and a healthy dose of independence.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.heartlandsongnetwork.org/epk/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastybrewmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartlandsongnetwork
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/hlsongnetwork
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN5onsSJxxH5PBBXGS-mbtA
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/heartlandsongnetwork
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsongnetwork/