As a broadcaster and musician with deep roots in public radio, Samples focuses on ensuring jazz’s rich multicultural heritage is authentically represented, and its future remains accessible to all. Samples joined KMHD in January 2020 and quickly became a familiar presence on air. Rooted in the jazz tradition, Samples is a percussion artist at heart, who has directed percussion ensembles and continues to perform, guided by a belief that her love of jazz is built on as much listening as it is playing.

She recently spoke with OPB’s Jamie Hershman to reflect on her experiences with music and at KMHD.

Jamie Hershman: What excites you most about stepping into this role at KMHD?

Meg Samples: Honestly, everything. But if I had to name one thing, it’s the people. I have an incredibly talented team, a fiercely loyal listener base, and a community that genuinely cares about this station. What excites me most is the opportunity to grow all of that together. I want to deepen our community partnerships, find new audiences, and make sure the people who already love KMHD feel that love reflected back at them.

Hershman: What drew you to a career centered around music and public media?

Samples: I came up as a musician, studying and performing jazz, teaching, playing drums, and when I was 25, I was offered a job and radio entered the picture and it just clicked. Public media felt like a natural extension of everything I already believed about music: that it belongs to everyone, that it builds community, and that the right song at the right moment can genuinely change someone’s day.

Hershman: What’s something you hope never changes about KMHD? And what’s something you hope does?

Samples: I hope we never lose the warmth. KMHD has always felt like a place — not just a signal. Listeners trust us, and that trust has been built over decades of showing up for this community. That has to stay. As for what I hope changes? I’d love to see us reach even further. There are people in Portland, and all over the world, who don’t yet know that jazz is for them. I want KMHD to be the thing that changes their minds.

Hershman: If you could introduce one new listener to KMHD today, what hour of programming would you recommend they tune into? And why?

Samples: Anytime is the right time to tune into KMHD, but if you are not even sure where to start, I love telling folks about our brand new KMHD discovery tool. It’s available on our website, and it’s a way to explore all our shows in one place. The tool can tailor a playlist to fit your mood, based on the hosts and shows that currently run on KMHD. Feeling chill? Ask the tool to find something that will keep you relaxed. Love piano music? Just type piano and you will be served up one of our fantastic shows that’s the best fit for you.

Hershman: What’s one idea you’re excited to explore at KMHD that listeners may not expect?

Samples: Musical performances at KMHD with a live audience that are also broadcast on air!

Hershman: What are some events KMHD listeners can look forward to over the next year?

Samples: We’re so excited about “A Month Supreme” this September. We are planning a full month of programming and events celebrating what would have been John Coltrane’s 100th birthday. Coltrane is one of the most transformative figures in jazz history, and we want to honor that in a big way.

We’re also planning some special members-only events that will be free to attend — intimate, fun and a genuine “thank you” to the people who make KMHD possible.

Hershman: What stands out to you about Portland’s music community?

Samples: That it is ever evolving. Portland is continuing to push creativity forward, while also honoring the legacy of musicians who’ve paved the way.

Hershman: What role has music played in your life outside of work?

Samples: Music has never really been separate from my life, it’s always been the through line. I came up as a drummer and spent years teaching percussion. Even when I’m not performing, I’m listening, absorbing, paying attention. Music is how I make sense of things. It’s also how I connect with people, which is probably why radio felt so right.

Hershman: What’s a misconception people have about jazz?

Samples: That it’s not for them. It’s for everyone!

Hershman: When you’re not listening to jazz, what are you listening to?

Samples: Dolly Parton

Editor’s note: A shortened version of this interview appeared in the Fall 2026 edition of OPB’s quarterly member magazine, OPB Connect.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/08/27/jazz-without-boundaries-an-interview-with-kmhds-meg-samples/