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10 Questions with ... Cari Kates
October 6, 2008
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NAME:Cari KatesTITLE:'Cari & Joe' Morning Show co-hostSTATION:KDUVMARKET:Visalia-Fresno-Bakersfield, CACOMPANY:Community Educational BroadcastingBORN:Long Beach, CA, April 8, 1976, 5:36 p.m. PTRAISED:In the back seat of the car saying, 'Are we there yet?' (CA, TX, NM, VA, AR, etc.)
Brief Career Synopsis:
KACV and KBUY/Amarillo, TX, KWLD/Plainview, TX, WRRS, Metro Networks, WQEN and WDJC/Birmingham, and KDUV/Visalia-Fresno-Bakersfield, CA
1) What was your first job in radio? Who were your early influences and/or mentors?
Board-op for baseball games on a Classic Country station. It's how I learned the game. My first day the person training me said, "You'll go to break after every inning." To be certain when that was I asked, "What's an inning?" That first night was a bit rough. My college professor Jamey Karr (Amarillo College) was the first one who said to me, "You've got a knack for this." I didn't know exactly what he meant, but I kept following his direction. Steve Long (Wayland Baptist University) put resources in my hands and let me run wild with them. Jeff Cruz was, and is, a cheerleader, confidant, friend and mentor.
2) How do you prepare for your show each day? What's your biggest challenge?
I stay in a constant state of observation. Whether it is my own life or the lives of others, I'm always looking for relevant material for air. And I read a lot. It's important to me to be informed.
My biggest challenge is singleness. I've never been married, never had children, and I live far away from all of my family, so I have to work really hard to connect with our listener on that level. Also, I'm not an emotional female. If I'm not careful, she can feel very disconnected from me when it comes to issues of heart, so I have to really put myself in an unnatural place then.
3) What is your most memorable on-air moment? Best or worst interview?
My first time cracking the mic. There were 11 tornadoes in the Texas Panhandle that night. My first on-air words were something like, "Take cover immediately." Best interview: Bebo Norman. He has such a gift for "rolling with it." Worst interview: John Stossel. He was checking e-mail through the entire interview, even after we offered to pause for him to finish typing.
4) Who is your favorite air personality not at your station?
Scott Smith. Immensely talented and passionate about well-done radio.
5) You recently moved back to California. How did the transition go?
Longest. Drive. Ever. It's been 20 years since I've lived on the West Coast. I did notice that California peeps have been VERY helpful as I've experienced getting a license, finding the grocery store, etc. It's amazing how much people want to help you when you have a Southern accent -- maybe because they assume you can't read.
6) If you were just starting out in radio today, but you knew what you know now, would you continue forward? Anything you would do differently?
Absolutely. There is never a day that I regret getting into this business. It's my heartbeat.
No, there isn't anything I would do differently. My journey is unique to me. I wouldn't change it. There has been a lesson every step of the way.
7) If you could have any job outside the music business, what would it be?
I can't imagine doing anything else. However, I've always loved the art form of acting, and I would LOVE to be a stand-up comedienne.
8) What is the most precious memory of your life so far?
Salvation is the obvious answer, but second to that is the birth of my nephew, Matthew. My sister let me watch him come into the world and it totally rocked my world.
9) If you could ask God about anything, what would it be?
When I reach the place of completeness, I'm pretty sure I will have no questions. Here on Earth I usually ask him, "Are you sure?"
10) Who is the best roommate you've ever had?
Shannon Steele! [Smile]
Bonus Questions
1) Do you read everything or nothing? Do you have a favorite book, magazine, newspaper?
I read everything. Favorites are "Searching For God Knows What" by Donald Miller, "Relevant" magazine
2) What's in your stereo or on your iPod right now?
Mix CD that my friend made me for my cross-country move.
3) Do you have musical guilty pleasures?
Eminem -- and no, I'm not making that up.
4) Cat or dog person?
Both
5) Describe your favorite meal.
Prepared by someone other than myself.
6) Favorite TV program of all-time:
It's a tie: The Office and LOST.
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