Media Mavens: The most on-trend, in-style, on-point Canadians we know. The ones we look up to. The best and brightest in the Great White North. Our MCMs and WCWs.

Are we the only ones obsessing over Canada’s growing media landscape? From groundbreaking journalists, to influential bloggers and the stars of the Canadian screen, we have everything and more in our amazing nation. This is why we have decided to give our readers the inside scoop on some of our favourite Media Mavens*. Follow along as we learn about the newest trends and exclusive tips from some of the coolest Canucks around.

Raina Douris

You may recognize her bubbly voice waking you up far too early in the morning. Or perhaps you follow along on social media as the Indie88 gang hits up concerts and festivals, meeting your favourite celebs. No matter how you do it, there is no doubt that The 6ix knows and loves Raina Douris. After the 2013 founding of Indie88, the station has become extremely successful throughout Toronto, in part because of the amazing on-air hosts. For the past two years, Raina has been nominated for, and has won, Now Magazine’s Best Of Reader’s Choice Award. This year, she has been nominated again, making it three consecutive years that she has been recognized for her amazing on-air presence and genuine love of the job. She wakes up early to guide Torontoites through their hectic mornings along with her co-host Matt, offering witty commentary and a stellar soundtrack to make breakfast and commute to. As she soldiers through these mornings with a shining and humble personality, you will start to love mornings again. Vote for her here for best radio personality, and read along to learn about what has made Raina Douris so successful.

In one sentence, explain what you do.

I nobly help Torontonians (including myself) wake up in the morning by sharing stories, music, and laughs.

What does a typical day look like for you?

My alarm goes off at 4am. I haul myself out of bed, get ready for the day and then ride my bike into the Indie88 studio for 5am. When I get there, I check my news sites, blogs and other sources and write my newscasts. I also edit and prepare any audio we will need for the show and determine where to place any stories or bits we haven’t found spots for yet. Matt (my co-host) gets in around 5:30. We catch up on each other’s lives and start chatting about anything new we might want to cover. At 6am, it’s go time! From 6 until 10, it’s non-stop action… and when the show is done, we head into a prep meeting for the next day. Or we go to meetings, or events. Every day is a little bit different!

What has been the biggest surprise in your career so far?

Winning the award for Best Radio Personality in Toronto from Now Magazine. I was the newest nominee on the smallest station up against some big names, and it was voted on by readers and listeners, so it felt really good.

What is your biggest challenge these days?

Probably getting used to my 4am wake-up. I’m constantly tired… and my weeknights are gone! I LIKE the early mornings but the early bedtime is the challenging part.

What celebrity would you invite for drinks?

Illana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson from Broad City, for sure. Or, maybe Macauley Culkin. I feel like he’d be fun to riff with. Also, have you seen him lately? Total babe.

What’s your favourite social media platform and why?

Tough call! I love them all for different reasons, but I’m absolutely addicted to Twitter. I love that it never stops. News and jokes and news and jokes and news and jokes. Plus, I’ve developed friendships and work relationships just from Twitter interactions, which is pretty neat.

How do you typically end your day?

In bed with a good book. Or by listening to Coast to Coast.

 What do you think has helped you succeed and exceed in your industry?

I genuinely enjoy talking to people, making friends, telling stories and getting people laughing. I’m also a perfectionist with, I think, a pretty decent work ethic. Is this starting to sound like a job interview? But seriously, I just love the job and I care about doing something unique and innovative, and that love and care makes me want to work my butt off.

Instagram: @RahRahRaina
Twitter: @RahRahRaina
Snapchat: @RahRahRaina
Indie88 Instagram: @Indie88Toronto
Indie88 Twitter: @Indie88Toronto

Obsessed with food? So are we! Check out last weeks Media Maven, food blogger superstar Rey Pan!