Meet Travis Hopkins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Travis Hopkins.

Hi Travis, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
If you had told me when I was a kid that my dreams of being a musician would someday lead me to hosting my radio show, public speaking, and becoming the outreach coordinator for a growing nonprofit organization, I wouldn’t have believed you.

My journey started in a small town in North Dakota playing drums in a garage band with my buddies. I eventually became a music graduate and toured across the country. I’ve lived, played, and paid my dues in Minneapolis, New York City, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.

I’ve shared the stage opening for artists that I grew up with, then a few years later booked them for shows. I’ve spent time on the small screen appearing on programs like The Sopranos, Strangers With Candy featuring Will Ferrell, and 100 Centre Street starring Alan Arkin.

One part of my journey that will always be special to me, is being the drummer in a house band for a popular music and comedy show in Hollywood that featured a rock star host. The show was even in discussions of becoming a Las Vegas act!

Every one of those experiences I feel prepared me for eventually stepping into radio.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We sometimes look at others and think how easy they must have had it getting to where they are. Some may ironically even look at us and think the same thing. In reality, though my journey has faced many challenges.

One of the biggest challenges that I will never forget is 9/11. I was living in New York City having a good run of getting in on TV shows and commercials. I was also quickly building a reputation booking bands at some popular venues and drawing great crowds. I was even about to play drums in a band again, with an artist whose work I enjoyed and already had industry success.

All of this was happening in the same month, then the 9/11 tragedy happened and it all came to a screeching halt changing everything.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I currently host, and cohost two radio programs on 95.9 KRFF. One is called “This Side Of Country” which features local country artists, new independent country artists from around the world and celebrates the legends.  It’s been nominated 3 years in a row for “Best Local Radio Show” and even earned the spot in 2021.  This show also works with local promoters and venues to support live music. Our combined efforts have gained us a lot of industry attention.

Our support for local artists has brought us closer to the community.  A weekly segment and collaboration that I’m particularly proud of that has blossomed from this is called “Love Your Local” where we celebrate and support local small businesses.  We even provide the playback to our interviews across our podcast channels and recently won “Best Local Podcast” as voted by our listeners.

I’ve always felt that any radio show that I host is “our radio show.”  I want to share the experience with others.  I’ve never been one to settle on working with just one cohost.  In fact I’m known for routinely bringing in special guests to be guest cohost for a day.  However in the past year I began working on an additional radio program called “The Noon Hour Morning Show” with Trav & Alisha.  I knew I had met a rock solid cohost in Alisha when no matter what shenanigans I created she was right there taking them head on, always quick to banter back, and most importantly she laughs at my lame jokes. This show is seriously a lot of fun, I mean when you handcuff your cohost to the mayor for an interview you know it’s going above and beyond your typical radio show!  Through this show we too aim to support and be involved in our community.

When I’m not hosting radio programs or emceeing events, I’m blessed to be the Outreach Coordinator for a growing nonprofit organization called Fix It Forward Ministry. The focus of Fix It Forward is to help those in need through free vehicle donations and free car repairs. To date, we’ve donated 440 vehicles and repaired over 900.   The organization has been approached by national media which is great because the goal is to eventually go nationwide with the intent to help as many people as we can.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory was dressing up like rock stars with my younger brothers and putting on concerts for Mom and Dad. I look back now and laugh at it but I had fun!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/ThisSideOfCountry959KRFF