Born and raised in South Porcupine, a small mining community near Timmins, Ontario, Lauzon, a familiar voice to Montrealers that listen to Mix 96's midday show, began her broadcasting career at the tender age of 13 at her hometown radio station, CKGB. She eventually worked her way through Ryerson University at Mix 99.9 in Toronto, first as an overnight host and later hosting the afternoon drive show. In 1999, Lauzon left Toronto to come to Montreal to host (N@ @ Nite) at sister station Mix 96.

A few months later, Lauzon was promoted to mornings and was reunited with her old co-host, Katfish Morgan, now going by the name Andre Maisonneuve. Most listeners might remember Lauzon and Maisonneuve's publicity stint to kick off the show, driving a zamboni from Montreal to Toronto.

"The zamboni can only go 17km/h so it took an entire week to get there," Lauzon tells us. She adds tongue-in-cheek: "It's not a mode of transportation I would recommend."

In 2003, she moved to midday, where she's been ever since. Lauzon is also the current writer and fill-in host for the nationally syndicated countdown show "The Canadian Top 20", as well as a freelance writer, voice artist and narrator for a number of commercial projects.

"It's almost impossible for me to comprehend that I've spent my 20s in Montreal", said the bubbly 32-year-old, as she sipped her coffee at the recently opened "Grand Café" in NDG, one of many quaint new businesses popping up in the West End. "I immediately loved Montreal when I moved here. I loved the food, the people, the culture… I didn’t move here with the intention of staying, but it's home now."

Lauzon rattles off a number of qualities that, according to her, make a good radio announcer and a "big voice" doesn't even make her top five. "A lot of people refer to a 'radio voice' - but I think that's the least important thing. Right up there is being a good communicator, being able to succinctly express your thoughts in way that is interesting or entertaining to the listener, being observant, a good listener, interested in music, in life around you, in learning more and, of course, knowing what topics of discussion are geared to your demographic."

Ultimately, she'd love to have her own fully equipped studio at home and live off voice work.

"Working in my slippers…. Now, that would be a dream," she confides.

When she's not working, the NDG resident likes to read, write, check out movies and walk her beloved Chihuahuas. In fact her love for her dogs, has led her to be an active animal rights activist, recently taking part in a number of SPCA and anti puppy-mill demonstrations. She readily admits that she doesn't listen to Mix 96 much during her "off" hours, because "it feels too much like work."

Lauzon has a soft spot for NDG, loving the ample green space and the bike paths that make it a cinch for her to get to work downtown.

"I love walking around and discovering all these neat little restaurants and specialty shops." She cites Akhavan Supermarket as one of those places. "They have cashews the size of my head!" she exclaims with the glee of a true-blue foodie. "'Burritoville' is this great little vegetarian Mexican restaurant in my neighbourhood that makes delicious organic food and of course 'Bofingers' is a great place for meat-lovers."

But what makes NDG her home away from home? "The country bars," she says laughing. "I'm a Timmins girl where every bar is a country dive, so I love going to 'Spurs' on St. Jacques and listening to live country music and watching people line dance. The 'Wheel Club' on Cavendish and Sherbrooke is this underground country club that has a Hillbilly Night every Monday and I'm just dying to go," she confides.

In honor of the 10th anniversary of V-Day, GALERIE MX is very proud to present the readings of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” under the direction of Joël Legendre. With Special guest stars Ginette Ren, Tara Spencer-Nairn, Eva Avila, Kim D’Eon, Sophie Grégoire, Patsy Gallant, Nathalie Lauzon, Marie-Josée Turcotte, and Geneviève Saint-Germain.

This special event will showcase the works of Montreal artist NIKO. The exhibition will feature forty-five works that were produced and inspired by the monologues that will be read throughout the evening. NIKO’s energetic works are bold and emulate the strength and beauty of women; she expresses sensuality through her vibrant and multi-layered canvases. All proceeds from the sales of NIKO’s catalogue and 10% of the sales of the exhibition will assist V-DAY for regional and international charity distribution.

V-Day is an organization that helps bring the awareness of violence against women and girls to the mainstream and help distribute funds regionally and internationally.

V-Day was founded ten years ago by Eve Ensler, with a 2500 seat sold-out benefit performance of “The Vagina Monologues ” on February 14th, 1998 in New York City. $250,0000 was raised for local NYC anti-violence groups. The evening featured over twenty actors including the great talents of Glenn Close, Susan Sarandon, Whoopi Goldberg and Lily Tomlin.Proceeds will also be to assist V-Day Montreal with distribution to Montreal’s local charities such as Shield of Athena Family Services, Chez Stella and YWCA. (GALERIE MX - 333 Viger Street West, Montreal)

Listen to Nat Lauzon on Mix 96 every weekday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Can't get enough of her? For more on her musings about life, log on to: www.themix.com or read her blog at: www.natlauzon.com