Originally from N.J., Livia earned a Ph.D. in geophysics in 1993 at the University of Texas at Austin. Her award-winning research has been published in leading scientific journals, including Geophysics and Science. As a geophysicist, Livia was employed by the Exxon Production Research Center, Houston Advanced Research Center and the California Institute of Technology.

Livia has over 7 years' experience in television broadcasting, having worked as entertainment news reporter, producer, and host.

From 1991 to 1992 she was anchor/reporter on “Captured Live!” an entertainment news program that aired on KVUE-24, Austin’s ABC affiliate station. She covered arts and entertainment events including Austin’s annual SXSW Music and Media Conference, and interviewed numerous musical acts including Pearl Jam, Huey Lewis, and Lyle Lovett.

From 1989-1996 she produced her late-night television talk show, "Ask Livia LIVE!" This comedic relationship advice call-in show quickly drew a cult following of college students, gays, and minorities. It received multiple “Best TV Talk Show” and “Best TV Host” awards from the Austin Chronicle. She successfully brought the program to Los Angeles, selling it to Emmy Award-Winning producer Vin Di Bona of "America’s Funniest Home Videos."

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