From News 12 The Bronx to WPIX, Good Morning America, CBS and ESPN, Castro has honed her skills as a storyteller, host, producer and writer. In 2018, Marysol was named the first female Public Address announcer for the New York Mets, making her the first Latina PA announcer in Major League Baseball.
You have had what appears to be an incredibly fun career in front of the TV camera. Did you always know you wanted to be in media telling stories?
I never dreamed of having a career in TV. My first goal was to be the Short Stop for the New York Yankees. When I realized I couldn't do that, I wanted to become the first Latina senator for the fine state of New York (where I'm from). When that didn't happen, I became a high-school English teacher. That lead to journalism school and before I knew it, I was in front of the camera reporting on stories in the #1 market in the country. I was 26 years old.
What was the biggest lesson you had to learn that you still apply today in order to be a trustworthy news source for the public?
Listen carefully, Research. Listen again. Ask the question. Fact check. Ask again. Ask someone else that is a reliable source. Learn how to write well above all else.
You were the first female public announcer for the New York Mets. What a dream for all baseball lovers. How did you get that job?!
Well since Derek Jeter squashed my first dream, I decided I would be the best baseball fan instead! The job with the New York Mets literally came out of left field (pun totally intended). I wasn't looking for it, it found me. When the position became open, folks in the production department began asking around for potential replacements. Someone I hadn't even remembered working with many years prior recommended me for the job. The lesson I learned is that no matter how big or small the gig is, people are watching you and YOU have an impact on others. I will always be thankful to Sally Fratini!
What quality do you think has helped you stand out in a very competitive field?
I'm still trying to stand out! Or at the very least, I'm trying to have longevity in this business. I am incredibly curious and I know there are thousands of other people that want my job, many of whom can do it better than I. I believe in what I do and I am passionate about telling stories about other people- especially those whose stories often get overlooked.
When you get ready to go on camera, what are some of your must-do makeup tricks? OMG do you have any for me!?!?!?
Concealer and brows are a must! I wish I knew how to apply fake lashes!
Is there something the general public wouldn’t know that goes on behind the scenes?
Putting a show on the air takes smarts, tenacity, creativity, self-awareness and some humor. My team and I live by a white board that is constantly evolving. Producing, writing and booking a lifestyle show requires constant attention to what is going on in everything from music, to Hollywood, sports, food and everything in between.
How much material do you have to absorb daily in order to host a 1 hour show?
There is not enough space on this page. My top 5 go-to apps/periodicals: The Daily and the Morning Newsletter (New York Times), WNYC, ESPN, The Skimm, The Newsette, BBC. That was technically 7 sources but here we are.
What is a surprising fact about you?
I'm ambidextrous.
Let’s talk dresses… you wear them often. What’s your favorite reason to wear a dress?
When I worked at GMA and the Early Show, our wonderful stylists had a great sense for what looked good on me so I never thought about it. But I'm pretty easy to dress. Finding my look on my own is an ever evolving process. I'm really a jeans and t-shirt kinda girl but in the last few years, the dress makes me feel special even if I'm just going to hang out with my girlfriends. I no longer need a reason to wear a dress. When my head and heart are in the right place, the dress and I are seamless.
What are the must-haves in your handbag?
I am so glad you asked this question!!!! Touchland hand sanitizer. The founder, Andrea Lisbona, is a friend and her product has changed the game. I keep one in every bag- they smell delicious and don't dry out my skin, PaperMate medium flair markers in every color. I'm a Cancer with a Virgo rising so visual order is a must. I'm a single mom of 2 boys so I have everyone's schedule color coordinated in my datebook (I've kept a datebook since the 8th grade!) C.O. Bigelow Lip Shine - any of them really. The Mentha flavor is good for freshening up. Dental sticks. I love a good set of chompers. Especially my own!