Ponch measurements, net worth, nickname, height, weight ,age 2025
Radio can make voices their close-friends. She is one of those voices to many listeners in the Missouri region and the rest of the world. He has a radio show, The Ponch and Nikki Show on y98 and has had a following throughout years. This paper will examine who Ponch is, his origin, what his show is all about, and how his career has been impacted in the recent past. You will have a clear and an easy overview of the work of her in radio.
Who Is Ponch?
Early Life and Background
Ponch Brian “Ponch” Hudgens is referred to as Ponch on the radio. Ponch was born in Oklahoma City. He later shifted to radio where he eventually established himself as a competent and trusted broadcaster.
He has over 29 years of radio work. Ponch has played numerous roles in his career; in hosting shows, being a program director, and even in artist management. He also has relations in the music world that are outside radio.
Radio Career Highlights
At Kansas City, Mix 93.3 (KMXV) was one of the most ongoing stations of Ponch. He was there 17 years, and during his later years, he also worked as Program Director. He and Nikki Vivas joined the 99.7 The Point (KZPT) in Kansas City as hosts of the mornings in 2018. This action attracted attention since it was a change of his previous occupations and widened his scope.
Ponch has not been in radio alone. He served as EVP of Pop at Strange Music where he still handles and promotes artists. That is why radio and the music business can intersect in the contemporary media professions.
Ponch (Brian Hudgens) Biography Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brian Hudgens |
| Stage / On-Air Name | Ponch |
| Profession | Radio Host, Music Executive, Artist Developer |
| Famous For | Co-hosting The Ponch & Nikki Show on Y98 (St. Louis) |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly available |
| Place of Birth | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Residence (2025) | Kansas City, Missouri, USA |
| Education | Not publicly listed |
| Career Start | Early 1990s |
| Years Active | 29+ years (as of 2025) |
| Major Radio Stations | Mix 93.3 (KMXV – Kansas City), 99.7 The Point (KZPT – Kansas City), Y98 (St. Louis) |
| Notable Positions | Morning Show Host, Program Director, Executive VP of Pop at Strange Music |
| Co-Host / Partner | Nikki Vivas |
| Show Name | The Ponch & Nikki Show |
| Show Schedule | Weekdays, 4 PM – 7 PM (Y98 St. Louis) |
| Past Roles | Program Director at Mix 93.3, EVP Pop at Strange Music |
| Known For | Friendly radio style, music knowledge, artist management background |
| Net Worth (Estimated 2025) | Approx. $1 – $2 million USD (based on industry estimates) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | Six |
| Personality Traits | Charismatic, humorous, authentic, passionate about music |
| Social Media | Facebook: @PonchandNikki • Instagram: @ponchhudgens |
| Company / Network | Audacy, Inc. |
| Recent Career Update (2025) | Departed from 99.7 The Point due to Audacy’s 2025 restructuring |
| Current Focus | Continuing The Ponch & Nikki Show digitally and on Y98 |
| Interests | Music history, artist development, family life, social interaction |
The Ponch and Nikki Show: Style and Format.
Show Overview
The Ponch and Nikki Show is aired on the Y98 St. Louis between 4 pm and 7 pm on working days. Ponch and Nikki play music, exchange jokes, explore the local culture, take phone calls, interview, and participate in community activities on that show.
Ponch states that he has an oversized passion about music, and is also artist development. His co-host Nikki Vivas also has her own personality developed due to her media and design background.
On-Air Chemistry and Tone
The performance utilizes a lot of cordial, conversational interaction. It is supposed to be approachable – the type of radio show one could talk to his/her friends and have a conversation with. There is an interaction with the listeners through call-ins, social media, and the others.
Nikki has a flair of being vivacious and a story-telling fashion designer. Ponch compensates that with the experience with the radio and the interest in the history of music.
Career Change and Recent History.
Departure from 99.7 The Point
In March 2025, it was revealed that The Ponch and Nikki Show would cease to air over 99.7 The Point. Ponch wrote in Facebook: Nikki and I are no longer in 997 The Point. We will know later on.
This was one of numerous layoffs and programming shifts in Audacy, the parent corporation owning most radio stations. In 2025, Audacy made about 200-staffing cuts to save money.
Impact and Next Steps
This action put doubt in the platform of Ponch in Kansas City. The fans responded to this online with much concern and speculation. The shakeup was also reported in some of the local news websites as a significant change in the radio scene in the region.
With this transformation, Ponch and Nikki are still active on social media and streaming networks. Their show are still accessed by viewers who do not rely on the traditional channels of broadcasting.
Timeline: Major Milestones of Ponch’s Career
| Year / Period | Milestone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Early career (pre-2000s) | Starting in radio | Gained local experience |
| 17 years at KMXV (Mix 93.3) | Morning host + Program Director | Built strong listener base |
| 2016 | Leaves radio for music role | Joins Strange Music as EVP Pop |
| 2018 | Returns to radio with Nikki | Launches Ponch & Nikki on 99.7 The Point |
| 2025 | Exit from 99.7 The Point |
Here is another view of key roles and metrics:
| Role | Duration | Highlights / Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Radio host (various) | Over 29 years | Developed strong on-air presence |
| Program Director | (during KMXV) | Shaped station identity, playlist decisions |
| Music executive (EVP of Pop) | Since 2016 onward | Worked in artist development with Strange Music |
| Co-host of Ponch & Nikki | Since 2018 | Grew audience via radio and digital platforms |
The Reason Why Ponch Matters in Modern Radio.
Experience and Trust
Ponch is credible because of his decades in radio. He has witnessed how the industry has changed to be digital, as opposed to being analog, local, and streamed. The given background makes the listeners believe his voice and opinions.
The Radio-Music Business Interpretation.
Since Ponch has been managing artists, he is familiar with both aspects of it, what creators require, and how the radio enhances talent. The two tracks of thought aid him in curating music contents in a dignified manner.
Adaptation to Change
His career shows resilience. Ponch is flexible when it comes to changing formats or re-tooling by stations. It was a hard decision to leave 99.7 The Point, but since he is still there, he will always be relevant.
The Contribution of Nikki Vivas in the Partnership.
Although Ponch is one of the main actors, it is necessary to mention that Nikki Vivas as cohost has her virtues.
She has about 15–16 years in radio.
She was a Promotions Dir., traffic reporter, and in other local radio positions before joining Ponch and Nikki as a cohost.
The personality is quite stylish, vibrant, funny, and friendly as it is primarily described in media interviews.
The combination of experience, local knowledge and solid on-air chemistry puts them together.
Challenges and Future Opportunities.
Adapting in a New Radio Landscape.
Radio is shifting. It is streamed or listened to using podcasts or digital platforms by more listeners than using traditional FM. In the case of her, it will imply being more than just on the air. His online personality is as important as the air.
Sustaining Audience Interaction.
The loss of a station signal (as in the case of 99.7 The Point) implies that Ponch has to seek alternative methods of keeping listeners: social media, podcasts, livestreaming, or collaboration with other stations.
Brand & Influence
Ponch has an advantage in the background of artist promotion. He is able to relate radio to the development of artists making him more relevant than merely being a host.
Rebuilding Platform in Kansas City / Beyond.
As the 99.7 The Point gets ready to vacate, the question is where Ponch will be heading to. His reputation presents him with choices whether or not he comes back to another station or develops an entirely digital presence.
What Listeners should expect of Ponch going forward.
That material that honors their time: good music, the real talk, local knowledge.
Additional online touchpoints: live stream, socialization, archives.
Guest interviews, crossovers in music and radio.
Potential growth into podcasting or syndication.
Larry carries on his real, genial manner.
Summary
Born Brian Hudgens, Ponch is a renowned veteran of the radio whose voice is something many have learned to trust and hear. He has been a host, has programmed and even involved himself in the development of artists, having decades of experience. The Ponch and Nikki Show has a powerful local association and personality that his cohost, Nikki Vivas, brings to the show. The Y98 show is still a main outlet.
Recently, Ponch underwent a significant change when Ponch and Nikki exited 99.7 The Point as part of the greater restructuring and layoffs of Audacy in the year 2025. The transformation put his arm and his face to the test. Nonetheless, Ponch is flexible, seasoned and has a sense of musical-radio and is well placed to overcome his future.
To the listeners and media watchers, She is not just a radio personality: he is a model on how broadcasters should change, keep in touch and adopt various platforms to stay relevant. His professional journey provides lessons on perseverance, faith with the audience and lifelong adaptation.
FAQs
Who is Ponch on the radio?
Ponch radio name Brian “Ponch” Hudgens is a long time radio and cohost of the Ponch and Nikki Show. He has 29+ years in radio and other experience in music promotion.
What is The Ponch & Nikki Show?
It is a talk music show that is hosted by Ponch and Nikki on the Y98 station in St. Louis which broadcasts on weekdays. The audio combines the chat, music, interactivity with the listeners, and community.
Why did Ponch leave 99.7 The Point?
Audacy overhauled the show and removed it as 99.7 The Point on March 2025 as part of more widespread layoffs and programming transformations.
What has Ponch done other than radio?
He was an EVP of Pop at Strange Music where he promoted and managed as well as developed artists.
What should the listeners do to keep on listening to Ponch as the stations change?
He can be followed by his listeners through the social media, streaming platforms and through his show on-line. His program is now being carried on digitally where broadcast stations are changing.
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