Throughout her time in Nashville, Danielle Breezy, chief meteorologist at WKRN News 2, has become a familiar and reliable face. Most locals recognize her. Many love her name. She may have even saved their lives. Though news is always a fast-paced industry, Danielle has kept herself exceptionally busy in recent months — it’s been peak storm season in Middle Tennessee, after all.
Notably, the release of this issue marks her ninth year working and residing in Nashville. Nfocus caught up with Danielle to celebrate that milestone and learn about the ins and outs of weather coverage.
To start, tell us about your name.
I’ve got to thank my husband, Joe Breezy. It’s his radio name. But when we met, I was like, “Oh, we’re getting married, because that name is too good.” And it’s our personality too. We’re easy, breezy. We kind of blow in and blow out. We have a great time. It’s a great name — very catchy.
What sparked your interest in meteorology?
I’ve loved weather since I was a kid growing up in Philadelphia. But in eighth grade, a meteorologist came to my school. His name was Glenn Hurricane. I went home to my parents, they told me to write him a letter, I did, and he invited me to the TV station. He became my weather mentor. So [when] I go to a school, I’m hoping I can inspire the next wave of meteorologists.
What are the perks and challenges of your job?
No two days are the same. It’s not a desk job. You’re doing a lot of things. You have a public platform, which I think is really great in terms of being the voice for causes that matter to you, so you can make a difference in your community and give back.
And also, inspiring the next generation. Watching the ones I’ve trained getting those first jobs, second jobs, the big jobs — that’s probably my biggest high right now.
For downers, weather is 24/7. So if you think you have plans for something, you don’t have plans anymore if the weather is not cooperative. I have had to be late for vacations and miss vacations totally. I’ve had to work 24 hours or more in a row with no sleep. I’ve had to work holidays and weekends. But if you do something you love — which, I love it — it doesn’t ever feel like a negative.
How do you maintain work-life balance in such a fast-paced industry?
It’s hard. I think I’m used to always swirling several plates. It is my lifestyle. I like to have my morning juice and get a workout in — something to get myself mentally clear to go into work. Luckily, I’ve had weekends off most of the time, unless there’s weather, but those are times when I really try to enjoy time with friends and my husband.
When we travel, we go on bigger trips so we can get away, and I can [turn] the cell phone off, put my email on “Do Not Disturb” and take a week off. You need those times. Everybody needs those times.
Do you experience weather-related anxiety? If so, how do you handle it on air while remaining professional, yet human?
There are times when I’m on the air, [and] I do the street-by-street view. As soon as I hear a street I know a friend lives on — most people know that when my voice changes — it’s time to go, and I’m serious. I will be very direct. Sometimes I yell a little bit, but I get very anxious when it’s somebody I know. I may even say their name. I feel like any viewer becomes my friend when we’re in these situations, so I want [us] to be as fast and direct as we can be. I want the sense of urgency. I’m a meteorologist, but I have a big heart.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
When someone comes up to me and says, “You saved my life.” That hits me differently. That’s what our job’s about. The other thing that’s really rewarding is watching the new generation come up and seeing them all blossom. I call them my “weather kids.”
What advice would you give young people pursuing careers in media? Be prepared for the grind, because it’s work — especially in the beginning. But enjoy the ride, because the ride is worth it.
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