Bri Eggers is currently the weekend evening meteorologist at WHDH-TV NBC 7 in Boston.
Bri joined WHDH in October from KIVI-TV ABC 6 in Boise, ID where she was the morning forecaster for "Good Morning Idaho." Before working for KIVI, she worked in radio at NewsRadio KINF 99.1 FM. During her college career, Bri traveled all over Europe, including a summer program at Oxford University, a study abroad program in Holland, and even a stint working at EPCOT in Disney World, Orlando.
A native of Boise, Bri is a 2008 graduate of San Diego State University where she studied theater arts. She also recently graduated the broadcast meteorology program at Mississippi State University.
1. What kind of phone do you have, and what are your favorite apps?
I have an iPhone, which has become attached to my hand. The only thing it doesn't do is act as an on-air weather clicker in a pinch, though I'm sure there's an app for that somewhere. It's just so convenient to have everything I need in one place; my music, email, FaceTime (with friends and family back home in Idaho), etc.
My favorite app is and has always been the Pinterest app! I used to use it mostly for recipes and DIY projects (I like to quilt, sew and crochet). I can find anything on Pinterest; from short workout plans, to a silly picture of a basket of kittens. Pinterest can (and does) keep me busy for hours.
2. Favorite and least favorite news topics to cover (besides violent crime)?
I really love following weather around the world. Travel is another passion of mine, and I find it really interesting to see what the weather is like on any given day in any given city; maybe in Maastricht in the Netherlands, or a small town on the Galapagos Islands. The balance that our atmosphere tries to maintain which ultimately makes our weather is absolutely fascinating to me. One location could be buried under 9 feet of snow (ahem… know anywhere like that?) and another place at the same latitude could be 75 and sunny!
I did spend the first two years of my career reporting as a MMJ (Multi-Media Journalist, or a "one-man band" reporter). As the daughter of a fourth-generation peppermint farmer from Idaho, I really loved the agricultural beat. Anything that has to do with farming and "ag" is right up my "furrow" (that's a farming reference). Plus, farming has everything to do with the weather, so my two areas of interest really go hand-in-hand.
3. If you weren't working in TV news, what would you be doing?
I would be a stand-up comedian! That dream has always been with me, and I am a bit of a ham (ham and Eggers... it makes sense, right?) To me, there's no better feeling in the world than making people laugh. I guess I also thought that by working in TV news, specifically weather, I would have an opportunity to throw a few punch lines into the forecast from time to time. I find all things that have to do with comedy and theater so good for my soul, so I still try to be involved. Who knows? You may actually spot me at an open mic night here in Boston one of these days. I promise, it will be a lot of cheese… (you know, like Brie cheese. Buh-duh-bum).
4. What was your favorite cartoon growing up?
Well, since I was never allowed to watch the Simpsons (am I alone in this?) I didn’t really watch too many cartoons. I enjoyed watching re-runs of Little House on the Prairie and Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman. I bet you didn't know that Dr. Michaela Quinn was from Boston… and no, I'm not embarrassed to admit that I still love catching these re-runs on TV to this day!
5. When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time?
I love to get outside. I really enjoy running, but never on a "dread-mill." There's something about feeling my feet hit the pavement and actually traveling somewhere that is really therapeutic. Even if I don't have the time to suit up for a good run, I will take the 30 minutes to at least walk around outside. I've been in Boston for only 6 months now, and I'm still getting lost often and loving it.
6. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
My husband and I LOVE to travel. I lived in England and in Holland for a time and we really enjoy going back to visit friends whenever we get a chance. I can't say that any one particular location tops my travel list, because I want to go EVERYWHERE; India, Japan, Australia, Africa, Nantucket (we'll do that soon, I hope). Usually, when I know that we can book a getaway, I will get on a travel website and look for deals. I'll roll the dice, and off we go.
7. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?
My Grandma Jo! She's the coolest, and also my husband's favorite relative. Plus, I know she'll bring a scrumptious salad and her own special mashed potatoes to dinner… So, I'm settin' the table for "Jo."
8. Do you collect anything?
I would like to collect cats. My husband says one is enough.
9. What are the top 3 played songs on your iPod?
My "running playlist" is usually on, and I can't live without my power songs: "Going the Distance" by CAKE, "Hip to Be Square" by Huey Lewis and the News, and "Tom Ford," by JAY Z (I have a very eclectic taste in music)!
10. What is one of your favorite quotes?
It's a song lyric, rather than a quote: "If I don't let myself be happy now, then when? If not now, when?" from "This is Heaven" by Jimmy Eat World.
11. What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?
I'm still in the midst of this crazy transition from Boise to Boston (and I'm very embarrassed to admit that I once called Boston "Boise" on air, but quickly caught myself). Plus, my husband and I got married the week before we moved! I still can't believe I thought it was a good idea to pack our entire home during the week of our wedding, but we did it. We got through it (barely), and now we're on this crazy adventure together as newlyweds and new New Englanders. Oh, and let's just go ahead and tack on the snowiest Boston winter EVER… We'll just say, I have learned so much about forecasting, being a new wife, and how to properly say some of the craziest town names ever… in just six months.
More about Bri Eggers
No endorsement between WHDH-TV and New England One is implied or intended by Bri Eggers' participation in "11 Questions"
