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10 Questions with ... Ted Gocke
October 3, 2022
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1. Share a moment in your career that you'll always remember.
Oh my goodness, there are so many. The most memorable one is standing on the side of the Jfest (our music festival) stage during the "Altar Call" and seeing literally hundreds of people responding to Jesus. (This happens every year!) I fight back a tear every year.
2. If you weren't working in radio what else do you think you'd do?
I was a youth pastor for 26+ years so probably something full-time in the church or I would really promote my Wedding Officiant/DJ business full-time.
3. Some great advice you've received is…
My Dad always said that the only thing worse than a yard that needs mowing is a yard that needs half of it mowed. He was always a big proponent of finishing what you started. Jim Henson also said "There's not a word yet for old friends who've just met." I just want to be someone that everyone feels like I'm their friend.
4. How do you continue learning and growing?
We are big believers and practitioners of continued learning. If you are not learning and moving, you are standing still and stagnant. One of our team meets religiously with our talent coach weekly. We have trained our team to look forward to this time because of the opportunities to grow our craft. We also are subscribers to Tracy Johnson and others. Momentum is also a big part of our annual training.
5. What's one thing you wish you'd known about radio when you first started?
When I landed my first radio job (WXLN Louisville KY, 1986), as the overnight announcer-I thought it was all about me (recovering egomaniac). Like most announcers-I listen to my first air check tapes and cringe. I wish then, that I understood what I do now: It's all about God's Hope and Encouragement-everything I do needs to point our listener through me and to Him.
6. Tell us about someone who you really respect and why?
It's so hard to pick just one-but here we go: I would say it is our President Justin Wade. I was his youth pastor when he was in High School. God's hand has been and remains on Justin. He is a great husband, father and friend. He takes his time, he prays, he thinks through decisions and honestly listens to his team. I would say when I grow up I want to be just like him, but…..I'm several years older than he is.
7. What's something about you that would surprise most people?
I actually don't mind getting up at 3am, I have energizer bunny energy from the moment my feet hit the floor and it's not fueled by coffee. Life Goal: to be a Game Show Host (but I'm afraid that ship may have already set sail a long time ago).
8. What's your favorite room at home and why?
"Smokey Gocke's" (our Back deck) that we just had rebuilt and covered a little over a year ago. I can sit out there and smoke a bunch of meat on the Pit Boss or fry up some Hibachi on the Blackstone. If I'm not cooking-I can just sit and chill with a good book.
9. Finish this sentence: My day doesn't start properly until I...
have consumed a Bang, cranked out the pushups of the day and updated the US Army Ranger School Prayer Pages.
10. What do you to unwind and chill?
I love taking the boat out on the lake with my wife, Amy and just checking out all that God has done. Of course laying on a beach in Hawaii is not a bad 2nd choice either.
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