If you’ve spent any time stuck in Houston traffic on I-45, you’ve probably heard her voice. It’s that familiar, raspy energy that cuts through the humidity. For over two decades, Theresa has been the "Mom" of 94.5 The Buzz. While the radio landscape has changed more than the Houston skyline, she’s still there, currently dominating the afternoon drive from 2 PM to 7 PM on KTBZ-FM.
But here’s the thing: most people think she’s just a local Houston DJ. That’s a massive understatement.
Honestly, the "Theresa 94.5 The Buzz" you hear in the afternoons is basically a national powerhouse. As of January 2026, she is pulling off a schedule that would make most people’s heads spin. She isn’t just talking to Houston; she’s live in Salt Lake City, Indianapolis, Charlotte, and Dallas. She’s the definition of a "modern radio unicorn."
Who is Theresa Clanton?
Most listeners know her simply as Theresa or her social media alter-ego, Theresa Rockface. Her real name is Theresa Clanton. She’s married to another Houston sports staple, Adam Clanton, but she’s built a brand that stands entirely on its own.
Her story didn't start in a big market. It started with a midnight epiphany.
Back in college, she was actually a Graphic Design major. One night, she tuned into her college radio station to hear a friend on air. Something clicked. She basically decided right then and there that this was the path. She swapped her major to Communications, and by 2004, she landed in Houston.
She started as an intern in Kansas City before getting her big break at The Buzz. Think about that for a second. In an industry where people get fired or "reorganized" every eighteen months, she has survived and thrived at the same station for over 20 years. That’s unheard of.
The Rod Ryan Show Era vs. Now
There is often a lot of confusion about her role on the station because she spent nearly a decade on The Rod Ryan Show. People still call in asking when she’s coming back to the morning slot.
She won't.
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She made a very deliberate choice to leave the morning show. It wasn't drama. It wasn't a "falling out." It was about ownership. She’s gone on record saying she wanted "her own island." Moving from a massive #1 morning show to a midday or afternoon slot is usually seen as a demotion in the radio world. Her bosses even told her it was a risk.
She did it anyway.
Today, she describes the dynamic perfectly: "Dad gets you to work, and Mom gets you home." Rod Ryan handles the morning chaos, and Theresa handles the afternoon drive.
Why the confusion with Tessa Barrera?
If you search for "Theresa 94.5 The Buzz," you might stumble across news about Tessa Barrera leaving the station. Let’s clear that up right now.
Tessa Barrera was a co-host on the Rod Ryan Show who departed in December 2024 to focus on her TV career at KPRC 2's Houston Life. Theresa (Rockface) is a completely different person. While they both shared the airwaves at KTBZ, Theresa remained the afternoon anchor while Tessa moved on to television.
The "Theresa Rockface" Brand
If you follow her on Instagram, you know the "Rockface" handle is a bit of a joke that stuck. She needed a username, threw that together in two seconds, and now it’s her professional identity.
But her content isn't what you’d expect from a "rock chick."
- Fashion and Jewelry: She leans heavily into what she calls "girl s**t."
- Authenticity: She intentionally shows a side of her life that isn't just Metallica and Deftones.
- National Reach: She broadcasts from a home studio, managing five different live shows across the country.
She isn't voice-tracking, which is a dirty secret in radio where DJs record their segments hours or days in advance. She’s actually doing the work, city by city, researching local news in Charlotte or Salt Lake City to make sure she sounds like she’s right there on the street with the listeners.
What Really Matters to Her
Theresa is a massive fan of the Alternative format because it’s "vibrant." She’s the type of person who will defend Linkin Park’s new singer, Emily Armstrong, while simultaneously wishing they’d changed the band name. She’s a fan first.
She loves:
- Chevelle (a staple of her playlists)
- The Distillers
- Weezer
- Tool (She’s often called the "Tool Lady")
She’s also been vocal about the "brutal" Houston weather. Despite being a Houston icon, she’s admitted to dreaming of a ranch in Wyoming just to experience a real winter.
Is She Still on 94.5 The Buzz?
Yes. As of early 2026, she is still the cornerstone of the afternoon lineup. You can catch her Monday through Friday, usually starting around 2 PM.
She’s also expanded into the iHeartRadio "National Custom and Format Center." This means if you’re in a different state and you hear a familiar voice talking about "Alternative" music with a slight Texas grit, it’s probably her.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Broadcasters
If you’re looking to follow her journey or perhaps want to emulate her career, here is what you should actually do:
- Follow the "Rockface" Socials: If you want the real Theresa, Instagram is where she posts her business ventures and daily life. It’s a masterclass in building a personal brand outside of your 9-to-5 job.
- Listen via iHeartRadio: If you aren't in Houston, you can still find her by searching for KTBZ on the app. Her afternoon show is where she has the most creative freedom.
- Observe the "Multi-Market" Strategy: If you're a creator, watch how she tailors her content for different cities. It’s a rare skill to be "local" in five places at once.
- Stay for the Music: She’s one of the few DJs who actually has a say in highlighting new artists like ALEXSUCKS or commenting on major collaborations like Jacoby Shaddix and Carrie Underwood.
Theresa has survived the era of iPods, the rise of Spotify, and the "death" of terrestrial radio by simply being a real person. She isn't a corporate voice; she’s the person you’ve been driving home with for twenty years. That kind of longevity doesn't happen by accident.