Interviewed by Nancy Koontz.
There’s an “oldie but goodie” Lloyd Price song called “Personality” that hit #2 on the charts way back in 1960 (only someone really ancient could remember this) that goes: “She walks with personality – charms with personality - talks with personality!” And all that she does…
Denise Plante, co-host of the #1 Denver rated “Murphy and Denise” radio show on KOSI 101.1 and hostess for over 5 years of “Colorado & Company” on KUSA/NBC 9 News, has been in radio for 19 years (14 in Denver). She’s an Emmy Award winner, has hosted two MTV specials, done many national commercials/infomercials and is the voice of KTVD/MY20.
Always at the pulse of the city and active with many nonprofits, Denise has a lot going for her and has stayed the course. Whether on the airwaves or just talking with her in person, Denise Plante seems to energize everyone around her. This multi-tasking wife and mom of two active boys has interviewed such famous people as: actress Jane Seymour, Olympic skater Michelle Kwan, singer/activist Olivia Newton-John, spiritualist Deepak Chopra, talk show host Jay Leno ...and many more.
When Denise was a teenager and thinking about a career in radio, she said to her family and friends, “I think I can do this!” Boy was she serious. Denise’s determination and focus have taken her on an extraordinary journey. One of the brightest, freshest radio/TV personalities we have in Denver these days, Denise just sparkles with charm and charisma - and no sign of airs. Right now, this is the moment; this is the time for Denise Plante!
So, how did you get to be “Denise Plante” star of television and radio?
I started in radio when I was 19 yrs old in Lake Havasu City, AZ. I started out pushing buttons and just kept taking on challenges and moving forward. Whenever I had the opportunity to learn or advance my career, I took the chance. While working radio, I would dabble in TV by hosting commercials. Somehow, it all came together and everyday I host the #1 morning radio show in Denver and hosting a daytime television show on the #1 TV station in Denver.
You have done work with many nonprofits in town, can you name a few? Project Safeguard, Key to the Cure, Denver Health, Kids Cure, Ronald McDonald House, Concert for Kids and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
With all that you have going on in your life, how do you keep it together?
My husband, he is my secret weapon. We have been together since I have been 19 yrs old. He has always supported my dreams; he is truly my best friend.
If there is such a thing as a “past life” who do you think you were?
I'm not sure; I have never been asked that question before. I would hope it was someone I would admire. Someone who stood up for their beliefs and helped others. Someone who truly knew that paying it forward in life is the best reward you could give yourself. A strong woman who cared for others.
What is one of your best childhood memories? Spending time with my mom. We would spend the day at Tyler Mall in California, most of the day at the Estee Lauder make-up counter. :) Then we would hit Thrifty's for an ice cream, four scoops of chocolate!
Did you really paint your hallway mango orange? YES!! It was mango for 5 yrs, I recently had it repainted. My husband and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary in 2005 and went to Mexico. We had the most incredible time, and when I came home, I was in a completely different world. I wanted to bring the vacation life home, so I painted my house bright colors. Mango stayed for 5 long yrs!
My husband, he is my secret weapon. We have been together since I have been 19 yrs old. He has always supported my dreams; he is truly my best friend.
If there is such a thing as a “past life” who do you think you were?
I'm not sure; I have never been asked that question before. I would hope it was someone I would admire. Someone who stood up for their beliefs and helped others. Someone who truly knew that paying it forward in life is the best reward you could give yourself. A strong woman who cared for others.
What is one of your best childhood memories? Spending time with my mom. We would spend the day at Tyler Mall in California, most of the day at the Estee Lauder make-up counter. :) Then we would hit Thrifty's for an ice cream, four scoops of chocolate!
Did you really paint your hallway mango orange? YES!! It was mango for 5 yrs, I recently had it repainted. My husband and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary in 2005 and went to Mexico. We had the most incredible time, and when I came home, I was in a completely different world. I wanted to bring the vacation life home, so I painted my house bright colors. Mango stayed for 5 long yrs!
What is your idea of a fun night out? Going to the movies with my family; I have always LOVED going to the movies.
What do you readily admit to being? A bit of a germ freak.
What is something you do that you know you shouldn’t? I eat waaaayyyyy too much chocolate! I have a sweet tooth that is totally out of control.
What is something that no one might know about you? I'm afraid to be alone at night. Yes, still afraid of the dark. If my husband goes out of town, I stay the night at my sister’s house...she lives by me.
I read the piece about Denise Plante’s fashion life. What is your favorite piece of clothing you own? Denise Snyder, owner of Mariel, dresses me every day. I am so lucky! She has the best clothes and accessories I have ever seen! I always tell her, "If it wasn't for you, I would be wearing sweats everyday." It's true. Denise Snyder is the one that creates my style for work, otherwise I'm in sweats.
What would you buy if money were no object? A house next door to me so I could help take care of my mom and dad as they get older. They live in Missouri and are having health problems.
What has been your greatest personal challenge? Trying to balance it all. It's a good day in the Plante household when we all have clean socks. I love my work, but family comes first. I'm so blessed to have a supportive and understanding family. My boys understand when Mom needs to nap and catch up or when Dad is the one cooking. Actually, they prefer dad to cook....I burn water. They tell me my spaghetti is so hard and crunchy, it makes their gums bleed.
Are you glad you made the choices you have in your life; is there anything you should have done differently? I probably shouldn't have told Garth Brooks that I was so nervous to meet him that my arm pits were sweating! So embarrassing and I think it made him even turn red.
What is yet to come in the life of Denise Plante? You never know what life will bring or what is coming next, that is truly exciting to me. I would love to travel more, see what the world has to offer. As far as home, I think that is going to be forever Colorado.
How do you want to be remembered? A loving and dedicated wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. Also, a dedicated Christian.
What do you readily admit to being? A bit of a germ freak.
What is something you do that you know you shouldn’t? I eat waaaayyyyy too much chocolate! I have a sweet tooth that is totally out of control.
What is something that no one might know about you? I'm afraid to be alone at night. Yes, still afraid of the dark. If my husband goes out of town, I stay the night at my sister’s house...she lives by me.
I read the piece about Denise Plante’s fashion life. What is your favorite piece of clothing you own? Denise Snyder, owner of Mariel, dresses me every day. I am so lucky! She has the best clothes and accessories I have ever seen! I always tell her, "If it wasn't for you, I would be wearing sweats everyday." It's true. Denise Snyder is the one that creates my style for work, otherwise I'm in sweats.
What would you buy if money were no object? A house next door to me so I could help take care of my mom and dad as they get older. They live in Missouri and are having health problems.
What has been your greatest personal challenge? Trying to balance it all. It's a good day in the Plante household when we all have clean socks. I love my work, but family comes first. I'm so blessed to have a supportive and understanding family. My boys understand when Mom needs to nap and catch up or when Dad is the one cooking. Actually, they prefer dad to cook....I burn water. They tell me my spaghetti is so hard and crunchy, it makes their gums bleed.
Are you glad you made the choices you have in your life; is there anything you should have done differently? I probably shouldn't have told Garth Brooks that I was so nervous to meet him that my arm pits were sweating! So embarrassing and I think it made him even turn red.
What is yet to come in the life of Denise Plante? You never know what life will bring or what is coming next, that is truly exciting to me. I would love to travel more, see what the world has to offer. As far as home, I think that is going to be forever Colorado.
How do you want to be remembered? A loving and dedicated wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. Also, a dedicated Christian.
