PHOTOS BY BRANDON VICK PHOTOGRAPHY
Introducing Our Latest Cover Woman: Sandy Waters
Rochester Woman Online is thrilled to feature radio personality Sandy Waters as our latest cover woman. A beloved voice in the community, Sandy has been a staple of morning radio for over 25 years as one half of the dynamic duo on Spezzano and Sandy on 98.9 The Buzz. Her journey from a reserved college student to a confident and engaging morning show host is a testament to passion, perseverance, and embracing the unexpected.
Beyond her impressive career, Sandy is a devoted wife and mother. Married to fellow radio personality Mike Danger, co-host of The Sports Bar on 95.7 The Fan Rochester, she balances a thriving career with family life, raising two daughters, Leah and Alexa, along with their adorable mini schnauzer, Walter. Throughout her years in the industry, she has not only adapted to the ever-changing landscape of radio but has also cultivated deep connections with her listeners, making Spezzano and Sandy one of the longest-running morning shows in Rochester and beyond.
Portrait of Sandy Waters, Co-host of Spezzano and Sandy on 98.9 The Buzz
Host of the Spezzano & Sandy’s STARTUP podcast, Rochester, NY. Photo by Brandon Vick for Rochester Woman Online. https://www.rochesterwomanonline.com/
In this exclusive interview, Sandy opens up about her unexpected path into radio, the evolution of the industry, and the incredible bond she shares with both her co-host and her audience. She also reflects on memorable moments, career highlights, and the challenges of balancing work and family life. Get ready to be inspired by her authenticity, humor, and heartfelt stories!
Interview with Sandy Waters
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
I’m the Sandy part of Spezzano and Sandy on 98.9 The Buzz. Scottie and I have been together for nearly 26 years now, making us one of the longest-running morning show teams in the country, and definitely here in Rochester.
I’m married to Mike Danger, who also works in radio as the co-host of The Sports Bar on 95.7 The Fan Rochester. We have two beautiful daughters—Leah, who is 20, and Alexa, who is 15. And of course, I can’t forget our mini schnauzer, Walter!
What inspired you to pursue a career in radio?
Honestly, I never imagined I’d have a career in morning radio. I wasn’t the “funny” kid in class or someone who craved attention. If anything, I was more of an observer, so it’s crazy to think that radio has become my lifelong career.
It all started during my freshman year at SUNY Brockport. I originally planned to major in broadcasting with dreams of becoming a TV reporter. But after touring the college radio station, WBSU (now The Point), I completely fell in love with it. I owe my career to that station and to the faculty advisor, Koz—who has helped launch many successful radio careers.
Initially, I thought I’d go into sales, since everyone said that’s where the money was. But after landing an internship at 98PXY during my freshman year, my love for radio only grew. Scottie was actually the one who encouraged me to be on-air, telling me, “You can always go from on-air to sales, but it’s much harder to go from sales to on-air.” That turned out to be great advice.
What was it like when you first started in the industry?
When I first started, the radio industry felt larger than life—full of energy, big personalities, and a “let’s just have fun” attitude. Morning shows were mostly male-dominated, with women playing more of a secondary role.
Personally, there were some growing pains. I had to get comfortable sharing every detail of my life on-air—nothing was off-limits! But that openness is what helped Scott and me build such a close bond with our listeners over the years.
You celebrated your 25th anniversary last year—what has it been like working with Scott Spezzano for so long?
Scottie and I are complete opposites, which is probably why we work so well together! After all these years, he truly feels like a brother.
One thing I really appreciate is how he has supported my growth on the show. When I first joined, it was Spezzano in the Morning, and Scottie was unquestionably the lead. Over time, he encouraged me to evolve into an equal voice on the show, which is rare in this industry, and I’m incredibly grateful for it.
How has radio changed over the years since you first started?
Radio has changed in so many ways! Today, we’re competing with more platforms than ever, and attention spans are much shorter. That means we have to make every second count. Social media has also transformed how we connect with our audience, allowing us to deepen those relationships beyond just the morning show.
There’s been a shift in content, too. The boundary-pushing style of early radio has softened due to cultural shifts, and budget constraints mean we have to be more creative. But one thing remains the same—listeners still turn to us for an escape. Our job is to keep the show fun, lighthearted, and real.
What do you think makes Spezzano and Sandy so successful?
The listeners—our Buzz Fam! Many of them have been with us since day one, and over the years, we’ve built real relationships. We’re not just voices on the radio; we’re part of their daily lives. That connection is what makes the show special.
Do you have a favorite on-air moment or memory?
There are so many! I’ll never forget my first day on-air or when they officially changed the show name to Spezzano and Sandy. That moment meant so much to me.
Some of the most personal moments—like when I shared my miscarriage story—stand out because of the overwhelming support from listeners. And, of course, there are the ridiculous stunts, like when Scott got a bikini wax live on the air because I refused to do it myself! (Yes, we still have the wax strip as a keepsake.)
What’s the most unexpected or funny thing that has happened while on-air?
Every day brings unexpected laughs, but one of our all-time favorites was when someone on the show (who shall remain nameless) accidentally swore live on-air. The silence that followed was hilarious, as we all scrambled in panic. In 25 years, having only one or two slip-ups like that is pretty impressive!
You were voted “Best Radio Personality (Female)” in 2010—what did that recognition mean to you?
I was incredibly honored, but I don’t get too caught up in accolades. What means the most to me is when listeners tell me how our show has helped them through tough times or simply made their day better. That’s the best reward.
Beyond co-hosting, you’ve worked as a voice talent. Do you have a favorite project?
One that stands out was a commercial where I had to use a sexy, seductive voice—which is so not me! It was way out of my comfort zone, and let’s just say it wasn’t a commercial I bragged about to my old-school Italian parents!
How did you meet your husband?
I love telling this story, but my husband might not love the way I tell it! I was 19, sitting in my boss’s office when the phone rang… and the rest is history!
What has it been like raising a family while balancing a demanding morning radio schedule?
This question brings up a lot of emotion for me because, if I’m being honest, I carry some regret about immersing myself a little too much in my work at times. If you asked my older daughter, she’d probably say she never noticed, but that “mom guilt” is real.
I can easily fall into workaholic mode, where I don’t know when to stop. I’m always striving to improve, and with that mindset, I’ve sometimes taken on more than I needed to. Morning radio doesn’t have a punch-out time—it’s constant. Even after the show ends, I’m prepping for the next day, brainstorming ideas, or chasing down content.
Any parent can relate—sleep is usually the first thing to go, even though it’s what we all desperately need. For the first ten years of raising kids, I was running on just a few hours of sleep, which made it challenging to always be the fun, upbeat mom I wanted to be.
As I got older and more secure in my role on the show, I started setting boundaries. It’s still a work in progress, but at least now I’m aware of the balance I need. I’ve learned that being present with my family matters more than chasing perfection in my career, and that realization has made all the difference.
Morning radio requires super early wake-up calls—how do you manage your schedule and still make time for yourself?
Now that my kids are older, I’ve gotten much better at being disciplined with my bedtime. I’m basically in bed by 8:30 p.m., right alongside a lot of kindergarteners! It may sound early, but it gives me the energy I need to power through my day. Honestly, I’m living my perfect work/life balance now. I’m fortunate that I can work from home a couple of days a week, and I’m incredibly grateful for that flexibility. My company has been amazing to me.
After the show, I make time to unwind a bit—usually by going for a walk, squeezing in a quick workout or stretch at home to come down from that high-energy morning, and then grabbing a cup of coffee, snuggling up with my mini schnauzer, and diving into round two of my day. That time is spent planning the next show, checking emails, editing videos, and connecting with clients, among other things.
Honestly, I’m always working and prepping in some capacity. Whether it’s during the day or after dinner, I’m on and off the clock until I go to bed.
Not every day is like that, though. Some days, I’m off to client meetings or shooting videos for social media. But on the days I can fit in a workout and enjoy a quiet moment prepping for the show—that’s my version of ‘me time.’
What are some of your favorite things to do when you’re not working?
It’s a running joke on the show that I don’t have a hobby—I tell Scott my kids are my hobby!
I’m constantly working, and it’s tough for me to shut my mind off from the show and everything that comes with it. But when I do manage to step away from work, I love spending time with my family. There’s always something happening, so it keeps me busy and fulfilled.
Tell us something most people don’t know about you!
That’s a tough one—I don’t think there’s anything! My life is an open book on the show.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women trying to balance career and family?
This is such a tough question, and honestly, I don’t think there’s a perfect formula or a one-size-fits-all solution. Balancing career and family is always going to be a challenge, and I think every woman’s journey is different.
Now that I’m the “seasoned” one in the room, I always tell younger moms that they can’t do it all perfectly all the time. If I could go back, one of my biggest regrets would be allowing work to take over and interfere with precious family time.
I’ve seen so many moms working so hard, putting in so many hours, and I just want to remind them to pause and take a step back. Work can always wait. The truth is, your career might not be as loyal to you as your kids are.
You have to make time for your family and cherish those moments because you’ll never get them back. Yes, sometimes you might miss that promotion, or your career might not progress as quickly as you’d like, but I believe—even though it might sound old-fashioned—that family should always come first.
Work will always be there. There’s always time to advance your career or pivot entirely. So my advice? Be mindful of your priorities, but don’t beat yourself up. Every woman’s situation is different, so trust your gut, listen to your heart, and take care of yourself too.
If you weren’t in radio, what do you think you’d be doing?
I adore kids and always wanted to be a teacher.
Podcasting & Media Expansion
Tell us about your StartUp Podcast—what inspired you to launch it, and what is its main focus?
Sadly, we’ve had to step away from the Spezzano and Sandy’s STARTUP podcast. It was such a fun and rewarding on-air segment that we carried over into a podcast, where we invited budding entrepreneurs, creators, and inventors to pitch their ideas to our seasoned investor and business advisor. Our investor would guide them through the next steps to scale their ideas, and then we’d follow their journey on the podcast.
The concept for the segment actually came about during COVID when so many people were reevaluating their priorities and exploring new career opportunities. It felt like the perfect time to spotlight those who were thinking outside the box and taking big leaps.
How is podcasting different from traditional radio for you?
The biggest difference? Podcasters don’t have to adhere to FCC guidelines. It’s a more relaxed atmosphere where you’re not constantly up against the clock.
We know that many of our listeners turn to podcasts to gain knowledge, so we love satisfying that curiosity by bringing on well-known experts. For example, we have Win the Day host James Whittaker for our weekly dose of how to better ourselves mentally, physically, and professionally. We also bring in CBS Mornings’ Jill Schlesinger to share valuable insights on money.
Do you have a favorite guest you’ve interviewed on your podcast so far?
If we’re talking about the STARTUP podcast, my favorite guest has to be 14-year-old Austin, who had already launched his Charmed Candle Company and came on the show looking for advice on how to grow it. The look on his face when he got to fire off the Buzz Golden Cash Cannon after hitting a milestone in his business was absolutely priceless.
Community Involvement & Giving Back
You’re very passionate about nonprofit work and have been involved with organizations like Autism Up, RESOLVE, Willow, Zonta Club, and Arc of Monroe.
What drives your dedication to these causes?
Over my 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of being involved in a lot of incredible charity work in Rochester. This city has such a special vibe, with people genuinely dedicated to helping out and supporting the great causes around here. I truly believe that giving back to the community is an essential part of what we do, especially since this community has done so much to support us.
Is there a particular moment from your volunteer work that has been especially meaningful to you?
You always remember your first, and for me, that was working with Willow (at the time, called Alternatives for Battered Women). We launched a campaign where we purchased a billboard and wrote a powerful message on it. Each week, live on location, we revealed a piece of the message until the full phrase was shown. It was such an intriguing and impactful awareness campaign.
Another one of my favorite moments was launching the Walk A Mile in Her Shoes event, which I believe is still held annually during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
What advice would you give to others looking to get more involved in giving back to the community?
Reflect on what truly inspires you, then get involved. Every effort counts, and the impact you can make is truly rewarding.
What’s next for you?
We’d love to host another Spezzano and Sandy live event!
