The Baltimore Grill: Laurie DeYoung

Sure, you think you know her. Everyone who listens to her user-friendly, down-to-earth morning show on WPOC feels like they’re Laurie’s best pal. And that, of course, is the secret to her longtime success (18 years and counting). Then again, the married mother of three is pretty much the same laid-back, fun-loving, family-oriented gal off the air that she is on. So, come to think of it, maybe you do know her, after all.

Where did you go to school?

Graduated in 1977 from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.

What book or film most changed your life?

The Bible.

Who is your favorite Baltimorean, living or dead?

Billie Holiday.

What is the best advice you ever got?

It was from my dad on my wedding day: “You don’t marry the one you love, you learn to love the one you marry.”

What is the biggest mistake you’ve ever made?

Believing during tryouts in middle school that if I just “smiled” I’d make the cheerleading squad.

What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done?

Raise teenagers.

What is the greatest problem facing Baltimore today?

Moving people from apathy to action.

What are your thoughts on The Block?

When we first moved to Baltimore, about 19 years ago, we used to live downtown and I can remember how challenging it was to tell my then-four-year-old why I wouldn’t take him to see the circus at “The Big Top.”

How has Baltimore changed since you’ve lived here?

More traffic.

When were you most tempted to leave Baltimore?

We did leave the city for the county after about 10 years because we got tired of having our bikes and cars stolen. I’ve never yet been tempted to leave the Baltimore area.

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

I’m a woman over 40, Hollywood wouldn’t be interested.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Wandering endlessly in a good bookstore, eating chocolate while thinking about the bubble bath I’ll take when I get home.

If you could write Baltimore’s motto, what would it be?

Baltimore: People move in and never move out!