Sam Van Zandt has an extensive background in radio and TV, and currently holds down the morning spot on 94.5 KBAY in San Jose with his partner Lissa Kreisler.
Sam is a San Jose native, attending Lincoln High School & San Jose State University, where he majored in Broadcasting while a DJ in Gilroy.
Sam’s career includes 30+ years in San Francisco radio, including morning and afternoon spots on KYA, Star101, KNEW-KSAN, KCBS – FM and KFRC.
Sam has hosted or appeared on many Bay Area television shows, including Evening Magazine, Saturday Live, AM San Francisco and the TV 20 10 O’clock Movie.
Sam has also performed stand-up comedy throughout California, and from 1997 to 2005, Sam was the announcer and a regular cast member on “Candid Camera” on the CBS Television Network. His duties include “warming up” the audience before tapings.
Sam is also very active in community work throughout the Bay Area, hosting fundraisers and sitting on the boards of several nonprofit organizations. Recently, Sam was given a lifetime achievement award for 30 years service to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Sam has emceed or co-hosted events for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Silicon Valley Education Foundation’s Partners in Purpose Gala and annual Teacher of the Year Awards, Second Harvest’s annual awards event, the Boy Scouts’ annual Golf Tournament at Cinnabar, the Kidney Foundation’s annual golf tournament at Pasatiempo, The Pat Tillman Run, and FAITH for a Cure for Freidreich’s Ataxia.
He has also hosted several comedy nights for the American Diabetes Association & the National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Walk & Run, and dozens more charity events.
What got you into radio?
Loved to listen to local SJ DJ's when I was a kid – my voice changed.
If you weren't working in Radio, what would be your Dream job?
Indy 500 driver...or Jennifer Anniston's go-fer.
Where were you born?
San Jose.
Tell us a random fact about yourself:
I once ran a marathon, but still look for the closest parking space.
Favorite quote?"Do or do not –there is no try" Yoda.
What is the most embarrassing part of your music collection?
I have 5 Townes Van Zandt LPs I've never listened to, because he has the same name as me.
Do you have a completely irrational fear? Spiders!
Do you know anyone famous?
Yes – Suzanne Somers.
Have you ever been in a play?
Yes – the San Jose Musical Theatre's production of "Damn Yankees".
If you won the lottery, what would you do?
Buy a radio station (just kidding) I'd travel the world and give each person I love as much money as possible.
