The Q Morning Zoo’s Erica Rico

Ricky, Danielle, Dallas and Erica Rico. Photo by Roy Kasmir Photography.

Ricky, Danielle, Dallas and Erica Rico. Photo by Roy Kasmir Photography.

Cover Story | By Lara Bell –

Have you ever met someone you instantly knew you would be friends with? Well, that’s how it was for Erica Rico and me. Erica is the cute, bubbly brunette who co-hosts the Q Morning Zoo radio program on the New 93Q with Tim Tuttle and Kevin Kline.

A few months ago, we were in line together as celebrity models for a charity event, and we just clicked. We have many of the same friends and run in the same circles but had never met before. What made her so appealing to me is that we both have children who are our first priority, and what you see in Erica is exactly what you get. I sat down with Erica, and here’s what she had to say about career, family and the future.

absolutely! Brazos: How did you end up on the number one rated morning show in Houston?

Erica Rico:  I was on a reality show when the guys interviewed me, and I think I might have told off Tim Tuttle at some point. They called me a few months later to audition for the morning show spot and hired me shortly after. I think I just say the wrong things at the right time. Plus, my no holds barred attitude helped.

AB: I knew when I was nine-years-old that I would someday be on television. I drove my friends and neighbors crazy trying to interview them all of the time. Did you always want to be on radio? 

ER: I always wanted to be the host of America’s Most Wanted. It’s my all-time favorite show. I still search for reruns. They need to bring it back!

The Q Morning Zoo’s Erica Rico, Tim Tuttle and Kevin Kline spend countless hours each year at The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The Q Morning Zoo’s Erica Rico, Tim Tuttle and Kevin Kline spend countless hours each year at The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

AB: You, Tim Tuttle and Kevin Kline have such a great camaraderie on air. Is it like that off air too?

ER:  Oh yes! All three of us clicked instantly. We kid around all morning off air as we do on air. People freak out when they sit in our studio. They can’t believe that we actually like each other so much. They are my guys, and I adore them.

 AB:  You are a family girl. I know about your children, who are precious, but tell the readers about family life in the Rico household.

ER: Everyone always tells us that we need a reality show. With six kids, our household is always crazy, unpredictable and very loving. My kids support each other every step of the way and really don’t fight with each other much. I’m lucky that way. I also constantly remind them that siblings are a gift from God. Our kids range in age from four to 20 years-old, so each is into something completely different and at different stages in life. They also play every sport imaginable and raise animals, so we are running in every direction and taking all of the kids with us. Work, play, activities – it’s all a “family thang” for us. There is never a dull – or quiet – moment.

150-qmorningAB: I heard a little rumor you are pregnant. Do you know what you are having?   

ER: I am pregnant as everyone says, “Again?” Yes, again. I am having another boy! This will make four boys and three girls – lucky number seven!

AB: Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

ER: Oh, wow! In 15 years I will have kids ranging in age from 35 to 14 years. I hope to be kicking butt at work and keeping up with these crazy kids of mine. All that I care about is my family. They are my number one priority. Everything else is gravy! I just hope to have happy, healthy and successful kids.

Scott Sparks, Erica Rico and Kasey Sova at one of the many charity events Rico volunteers at throughout the year.  Photo by Guyton Photography.

Scott Sparks, Erica Rico and Kasey Sova at one of the many charity events Rico volunteers at throughout the year. Photo by Guyton Photography.

AB:  What do you like best about your job?

ER: I like that I love everything about it. I love my co-hosts, I love country music and I love our listeners. We truly have the best listeners on the planet. Meeting my love George Strait was a definite perk, and winning Hottest Woman in Radio at 34 years-old and after all these kids was amazing. Radio opens the doors to meeting so many people and doing so much. I’m truly blessed to be doing what I’m doing.