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Jen Picard
Senior Podcast Producer

Jen Picard's love affair with radio began while she was a student at Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA. Her weekly show on the student-run station, KRFH, led to an internship in 1999 at KUBA in Yuba City. There she served as the weekend and afternoon news anchor. After graduating in 2000 with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications, Picard was hired as a features copy editor at the Appeal-Democrat newspaper in Marysville, CA.
In 2001, Picard was promoted to Entertainment Editor, a position she held for five years. During her time in print, she wrote a weekly pop-culture column and spent an amazing amount of time covering local concerts and plays. "It was a rough job, but someone had to do it," she said.
Picard left the paper in March 2006 to pursue a freelance writing career, but found herself called back to radio in July 2006. "Working from home gave me an opportunity to listen to Insight daily and I really enjoyed the in-depth analysis of local topics, not to mention the variety," she said. "I wanted to work here and I got lucky. It's great to be a part of something that's unlike anything else in the area."
Picard lives in Sacramento with her photojournalist husband Max Whittaker and daughter Sierra. She also has two furry children - Tess the lovable pitbull, and Smokey, the nuerotic cat. An admitted television addict, she used to spend an inordinate amount of time discussing the merits of reality television with anyone who would listen, but after becoming a mother has found her attentions taken up by Elmo and company (what is it about that furry red monster that makes kids crazy?) When in need of fresh air, she can be found riding her bike or running on the American River Parkway.
Why Meadowview? Three Residents Share Their Reasons For Calling The Neighborhood Home
October 17, 2019
Three current and former Meadowview residents share why they decided to move to the neighborhood and, for some, why they left and why they decided to come back.
'Bad Stories' Author Steve Almond Reflects On Recent Political Turmoil
August 30, 2018
Steve Almond returns to Insight to discuss the recent political news through the lens of "Bad Stories."
'The Duchess of Malfi' Rules The Forgotten Theatre Company
June 20, 2018
The Forgotten Theatre Company presents "The Duchess of Malfi," a play written by John Webster during Shakespeare’s time about a family torn apart by greed and jealousy, still resonates today.
Anton Barbeau Returns To Sacramento With New Record
June 7, 2018
Berlin-based Anton Barbeau returns to his hometown for an album release party at Shine.
Percussionist Alex Jenkins Previews Live Album Concert
June 5, 2018
Percussionist Alex Jenkins will record a live album with his quartet this Sunday June 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the CLARA Auditorium, presented by the Midtown Vanguard Jazz Series.
Alhambra Theatre Is Remembered In Documentary Screening This Weekend
June 1, 2018
The legendary theater was torn down in 1973, but its history lives on in the documentary “Alhambra: Sacramento’s Palace of Fantasy.”
'Beethoven Meets Graffiti' At The Modesto Symphony Orchestra
June 1, 2018
Pianist Alejandro Sabre composed the new piece "Graffiti Jive" for a concert celebrating Modesto Symphony Orchestra maestro David Lockington's 10th anniversary as conductor.
Our Favorite Videos From A Year Of Insight Music
May 25, 2018
Since launching in May 2017, Insight Music has featured dozens of artists from across the region, spanning genres including pop, hip-hop, rock, classical and jazz. Here’s a look back at some of our favorite performances from the program's first year.
Salt Wizard Explores Darker ‘Creature Sounds’
May 25, 2018
Indie folk band Salt Wizard released “Creature Sounds” last month to follow up their 2014 self-titled album. The band has gone through some big changes since the last record, but it’s sparking a deeper focus on musical growth.
Misner & Smith Trace Their Influences Back To The ‘Headwaters’
May 25, 2018
Folk duo Sam Misner and Megan Smith debuted a new piece, “Sadie’s Song,” on Insight and explored their influences like Neil Young, Talking Heads and Patty Griffin on their album of covers, “headwaters.”