Tea Break Tour with Tyler West
Tea Break Tour is all about the people behind our brands. Every show, every story and every connection with our audiences starts with a person and this series is a chance to pause, put the kettle on and recognise the talent and creativity that brings Bauer to life. From audio and publishing to teams across the wider business, Tea Break Tour celebrates the personalities you hear, read and see every day, sharing the stories and moments you don’t always get when the mic is live or the day gets busy.
Tyler West takes on the Tea Break Tour! With the launch of his new show on KISS Breakfast, alongside co-host Chloe Burrows, we had a brew and a chat with the man behind the mic. Tyler tells us about Race Across the World, his dream guest for the new show and what goes on when the mic is faded down.
First off, how do you take your tea?
Strong, sweet and with milk. Two sugars. Some people like it less sweet but I love sugar – I’m a bit addicted.
Sweet, like your show KISS! Can you describe your show in three words?
Incredible vibes, incredible energy and unpredictable. That is technically more than three, but it is my tea break.
You’ve had some massive stars on the show, any particular favourite guest?
Idris Elba. I’ve watched everything he’s ever been in – he’s great, his style is great. Ricky Gervais was also hilarious. I actually managed to make him laugh, which for me was a personal goal. He’s a legend.
If you could have any star on your show, who would it be?
Margot Robbie. Margot Robbie every day and twice on a Sunday. If she’s busy, which, let’s be honest, she probably is, then Paul Brunson. His voice, his energy… he’s the guy.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to hear happens behind the mic?
The vocal warm-ups. Before I go live, I’m trying to sing like every artist we play on KISS – Ariana Grande, Zara Larsson, all the big hitters. I don’t sound like any of them but I keep trying. Practice doesn’t always make perfect in this case.
What do you love most about the job?
Putting a smile on people’s faces. If you’ve had a tough day, you can listen to the radio and it’s a safe space. If you’ve had a good day, it’s about to get even better. Being able to talk to everyone and make everyone feel welcome – that’s really special.
What’s been your proudest moment so far?
Honestly, every day. When I started at KISS seven and a half years ago, that first day felt unreal. Growing up, I didn’t feel like I had a voice, so being able to come in every day, do something I love and use my voice – that’s something I’m proud of all the time.
What’s one thing listeners don’t know about you?
I’m terrible at maths. I eat a lot more than people think and I’ve got a belly button hernia – every time I laugh too hard, I have to press it back in. It’s safe, the doctor just can’t remove it… but yeah, I’ve got the hernia.
We’ve seen your love of food on Race Across the World – where was your favourite stop?
Mexico was amazing. Everyone wanted to help, even though I couldn’t speak a word of Spanish. Colombia too, it’s a beautiful place and I’d go back there in a heartbeat.
Where would you like to travel next?
I’ve never done a proper full night out in Ireland, so I’d love to do that. Or back to Colombia, especially Cartagena.
Finally, what’s the ultimate tea break snack?
Anything Biscoff. Breakfast, lunch or dinner – if it’s Biscoff, I’m there.