Exclusive: Tanya Rad Wants to Show 'Women They Can Live Their Lives the Way Their Heart Desires'

For Tanya Rad, breaking out in showbiz was not something she'd ever imagine would come true.

"I never in a million years thought this would be my reality. I grew up with two immigrant parents from Serbia and wasn’t connected to L.A. or the entertainment industry whatsoever, so to be doing what I’m doing now feels like a dream I never thought would come to life," the star, 37, who is the co-host of KIIS FM's "On Air with Ryan Seacrest," in addition to having her own podcast, "Scrubbing In," exclusively tells Morning Honey.

"Being on the radio and doing a podcast creates such a special community I never knew I needed in my life. There were moments in my life where I felt so alone but at the same time felt so supported because I had a community of people who loved me and were doing life with me. It’s quite a beautiful connection and I’ll never take it for granted," she continues.

The radio host never thought she would be working alongside Ryan Seacrest when she first applied for the job. However, her "shoot your shot" mentality forced her to take a chance — and fortunately, it worked in her favor. "I’ve dealt with a lot of rejection in my life, so I’d rather have someone say 'no' than not even try. When I got the job I couldn’t believe it, truly," she says. "On my very first day I’ll never forget walking into that studio at E! Entertainment and getting the warmest welcome from Ryan. He was welcoming, kind, and ready to do a great show. I couldn’t believe this was my job, and now looking back, I cannot believe it’s been 14 years!"

"The craziest part about how I got to where I am today is that I was working behind the scenes as a producer for several years without any expectation of being on-air. I was the morning show blogger," she continues.

Throughout those years, she developed a "nice rapport and banter" with Seacrest, leading to the Wheel of Fortune host asking her if she wanted to be on-air full time.

"I was truly happy and content with the blogger position, which is why I was completely shocked when I was approached to be a co-host for 'On Air with Ryan Seacrest.' I honestly balled my eyes out that day. You see, in addition to having 'imposter syndrome,' I had been healing from a broken heart at that time over a failed relationship I thought was going to be 'the one' for me. I had been making plans to relocate to Arizona and was hoping to maybe transfer to the KIISFM in Phoenix when all of this was going down," she shares. "To me it was divine intervention. Had that relationship not ended, I never would have been given the career opportunity of a lifetime. Had that relationship not ended, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Had the relationship not ended, I never would have known how strong and how capable of a woman I am. Looking back, that immeasurable heartbreak was the biggest blessing in my life."

Being part of Seacrest's team has been invaluable for Rad, as she's seen "how to connect with people, both on air and in the workplace."

"But I think the most important thing I have learned from him is that how you make people feel is what really matters. Ryan has an uncanny natural ability to make people feel important, valued, heard and safe. Whether he’s interviewing artists, interacting with radio show listeners, or connecting with all of us in the workplace, from the garage attendant to the executives," she shares. "That’s what makes him an unparalleled interviewer. It’s what makes him so beloved by the entire radio community. It’s what makes him the best 'boss' I’ve ever worked with."

Not only has Rad conquered the radio and podcast world, but she also released a book called The Sunshine Mind. Though she's achieved a lot, she's not stopping anytime soon.

"As a modern woman I have always been adamant about going after the desires of my own heart. I grew up with a mom that worked and was passionate about what she did. She moved to the United States, learned English, got her degree, and worked extremely hard to work her way up the corporate ladder against all odds. My mom was proof to me that women could be many things," she says.

Rad is also getting a chance to connect with her fans like never before with her podcast, "Scrubbing In," where she inspires listeners through her hilarious stories, positive attitude, relatable dating advice and admirable work ethic.

"When I was dating in L.A., I was constantly getting advice. Go here, do that, try this, sleep with everyone, trust no one, you’re going there too late, you’re going there too early... it was a constant train of contradictions. What all this advice led me to was marching to the beat of my own drum and doing what felt right FOR ME. My approach to dating was very outside the box, I did things in an unconventional way – and it ended up working out for me!" Rad, who is engaged to Roby Yadegar, says.

By speaking to her audience, Rad "likes to encourage people to do what feels right" for them, which is why she's adamant on being authentic.

"The way I got my on-air job on the radio was truly just by being myself and I always look to that whenever I find myself getting caught up or questioning myself. At the end of the day, being uniquely yourself is your superpower... it’s the only thing that separates you from everyone else," she admits. "I think it can be hard to be authentically you when you spend so much time on social media. We can spend hours scrolling and clicking and viewing what other people are doing or saying or wearing and I think it’s easy for anyone to get caught up in that. I try to keep my North Star always on my mind and make my choices through that lens."

"I hope to inspire others by simply being an example. To quote one of my favorite movies of all time He’s Just Not That Into You, 'You are the exception – not the rule.' I want to show other women that they can live their lives the way their heart desires," she adds.

Though her podcast, Rad, who is the baby of three siblings, feels like she's a "big sister" to her listeners.

"That’s a gift I’m forever grateful for. To receive DMs from women asking how you would handle a situation, or are seeking career advice, or are just messaging you to cheer you on and give you some encouragement .... It’s a relationship and a bond that I don’t take lightly or for granted and it’s what keeps me going," Rad, whose been open about her Hashitmoto’s diagnosis, says.

This is just the beginning for Rad, as she still has a lot of "career goals" to check off her list.

"I have several personal goals, but at the end of the day I just hope to be happy. I find a lot of happiness in several things in life, but I hope to become a mom and pour my heart and soul into that child," she states.

"What I’m most looking forward to right now is my wedding and marrying the absolute love of my life. It took me FOREVER to find this man, and at times was nervous he didn’t exist, but I always held onto hope that I’d find him and I’m so grateful I did," she gushes. "He took my world that was already so colorful and bright and made the colors neon. He truly enhanced my life in so many ways and I cannot wait to marry him and enter into a new era of my life – being a wife (a modern wife, of course)."