After a brief stint working in a soap opera and a respectable career in television news, Amy Taylor joined Reitman and Mueller's uber-popular morning show in 2002, adding a fresh perspective and dose of sass to the already-two-decades-old program. Now called "Reitman, Mueller and Amy Taylor too," the show -- airing weekdays from 5 to 10 a.m. on 94.5 WKTI -- continues to thrive, and more than ever appeals to young women who find comfort and inspiration in Taylor's intelligence, wit and honesty.

Three years ago, after struggling with infertility in silence, Taylor went public with her story, telling listeners about her tumultuous path to parenthood and the strenuous triplet pregnancy that followed. Today, Taylor and her husband, Jason, have three healthy daughters, Chloe, Jillian and Tess, who are 2-and-a-half.

Meanwhile, Taylor continues to carve out a niche for herself in the male-dominated radio world. With big changes in store for WKTI's morning show later this year when Bob Reitman retires, Taylor's future is a curious entity.

OnMilwaukee.com: When you first joined Reitman and Mueller did you feel like an outsider?

Amy Taylor: Oh, yeah. It was like being inserted into a marriage. But I'm totally honest in saying it has been the most amazing experience, so much fun, and such an incredible learning experience. They are the greatest guys and I love 'em to death.

OMC: Do you think fans easily embraced you?

AT: I do, and I think the reason it worked for them was because they had a slow introduction to me. I started being a guest here and there, and I got to know the guys -- play with them on air -- and it worked.

OMC: How did you find your way to WKTI?

AT: I was doing television for WTMJ, which is also owned by the Journal Broadcast Group. I did the morning show "Day Break" for six years and had a great deal of success, but the schedule requires you to get up at 2:30 a.m., go in at 3:30, start writing the news, and go on the air at 5 a.m. I would do a two-hour show, then go on again at 11 a.m. For someone in their 20s, who is young and very energetic, it's a fantastic life and an incredible experience. But I wanted to have a family and for me -- not for anyone else, just for me -- I knew I couldn't pull it off. I knew the energy demands would be just too great. And then when I found out I was having triplets, I knew I couldn't get up in the middle of the night to go to work, because I was going to be getting up to "go to work" for my triplets.

So the timing was right on for me to transition into radio, and I made the change ... My point is that when you make changes, they are so great, so cool. They are all about growing up as a person and continuing to evolve.

OMC: Were you surprised by Reitman's decision to retire?

AT: No, I wasn't at all surprised. We had all talked about it. Bob has been pretty clear in saying his dad did not get to enjoy his retirement, and he felt the importance of taking time to enjoy and savor his. Plus, he's been getting up in the middle of the night for 40 years, and he's at a point where he wants to be with his grandchildren and the people he loves.

OMC: What will Reitman's retirement mean for you professionally? Is there talk of a "Mueller and Taylor" show?

AT: Things will definitely change, but I'm not sure how. The most important thing is for us to move with the times and continue to attract new listeners. I am being patient, seeing what happens. It's not that we've been told by the station not to say anything. At this point, we're really not sure. We're working on it, and we want to do the best job we can.

OMC: Your father was in broadcasting. How did his profession affect or not affect your career?

AT: I went to college at UCLA, and graduated in English literature. I didn't have any plans or background in this industry, but my father has been a broadcaster in Chicago for 50 years (Jack Taylor, WGN). When I graduated, he offered to get me an internship with the ABC affiliate in Chicago, but I foolishly said no. At the time, my dad was really well known, kind of a living legend. It would have been like being Mike Gousha's daughter here in Milwaukee, and I wanted to "make it" on my own. But you know what? That's really dumb, because you really have to get it on your own in the end no matter what. People can open the door for you, but you have to walk through it on your own.

OMC: So you grew up in Chicago, moved to California to attend UCLA and moved back to Chicago. How did you end up in Milwaukee?

AT: I came here for the opportunity to work for WTMJ.

OMC: Where do you live in Milwaukee?

AT: We live in Whitefish Bay.