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10 Questions with ... Joey Krol
January 7, 2008
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NAME:Joey KrolTITLE:Production Director/AfternoonsSTATIONS:WIBI & WTSGMARKET:St. Louis/Springfield, ILCOMPANY:New Life MediaBORN:ChicagoRAISED:Other than the barn my parents keep telling me, I was raised most of my life in Chicago. Go White Sox!
Brief Career Synopsis:
It ALL started when I was a humble little 17-year-old intern for Salem WZFS (The Fish) and WYLL. Little by little moved up from there by getting paid to show up (Yesss!). After a year of working at Salem, I moved to Missouri as an overnight Country DJ at KMMO and moved up to MD and got on as the afternoon guy. After over two years, I was hired as MD/morning host at WVNI/Bloomington, IN, and loved every moment. Then I jumped on the opportunity to join WIBI as Production Director/afternoons. I never looked back. There is great leadership here in the whole network of stations.
1) What was your first job in radio? Who were your early influences and/or mentors?
Working as a Board Operator at Salem WZFS/WYLL in Chicago. Learned so much from the major talent they had there. I'll never forget the time Smilin' Tom Fridley called me into his office on my last day. He put his hand on my shoulder and told me, "Joey, this business can be kinda tough and discouraging. Don't get discouraged. If people walk on top of you, just remember that your mission still remains the same." I'll never forget that day. Ever. I will love Tom forever for sharing that with me.
2) How do you prepare for your show each day? What's your biggest challenge?
I get into the office at 9 every morning. This gives me MORE than enough time to get ready for my afternoon show. I have a saved document on my hard drive, with random things that I know "she" (a.k.a. "the listener") can relate to. Either it might be something that's going on in my life that's compelling to her or something that I know she'll be talking about that particular day.
The biggest challenge: There are days where I am brain-dead and "not with it." It's hard to be "on" when you're really "off."
3) What is your most memorable on-air moment? Best or worst interview?
It was my last day at Spirit 95 in Bloomington. I received countless phone calls and e-mails from listeners and kids, telling me how I made an impact in their lives. So, here I was at the age of like 21, people telling ME how I made an impact in THEIR life.
The best or worst interview? Tough question. I would have to say interviewing Michael W. Smith was a REAL highlight in my life, let alone career. He is like the Paul McCartney of Christian Music.
4) Who do you look up to as an on-air personality?
Very tough question! I'll give you a few. Joe Buchanan with New Life Media. He knows how to connect with the listener very well. Mike Novak at K-Love is top-notch and Smilin' Tom Fridley is a very smart guy and very encouraging to listeners.
5) If you were just starting out in radio today, but you knew what you know now, would you continue forward?
In an instant! Yeah, sure, there have been many mountains I had to climb, but once you overcome those challenges, you are THIS much smarter, THIS much wiser, and you have THIS much more experience. One of the things I've learned is ALWAYS become a sponge. No matter what position you hold, title you have or what field you work in, there is always room for improvement.
6) If you could have any job outside the music business, what would it be?
Not many people know this, but I'd love to become a youth pastor. My heart is about encouraging others, especially those who are young.
7) What is the most precious memory of your life so far?
I remember being like 5-years-old and my mother and I used to walk to the park many times a week. I think about that memory more now than ever because my mom now has cancer.
8) If you could ask God about anything, what would it be?
Which came first? The chicken or the egg?
9) Will you make a New Year's Resolution?
To listen to God more, and not only listen, but obey. That's very tough to do at times!
10) You're voting for the Oscars (or Golden Globes if you like), what was the best movie of 2007?
"Blades of Glory" was funny! I love Will Ferrell. And "Music & Lyrics" a close second.
Bonus Questions
1) Do you read everything or nothing? Do you have a favorite?
A great book I've read this past year is "The Prodigal Comes Home" By Michael English. Very awesome! If you know about the Michael English scandal, you need to read it!
2) What's in your stereo or on your iPod right now?
"Creed" by Rich Mullins, "Bubbly: by Colbie Caillat, "You Are Everything" by Matthew West, "Having a Party" by Sam Cooke and "Dancing in the Moonlight" by King Harvest
3) Do you have musical guilty pleasures?
I love Oldies, especially from the 50's and (promise not to tell anyone?) Country!
4) Cat or dog person?
Who let the dogs out?!? Dogs!
5) Describe your favorite meal?
Pizza! Cheese with some sausage! Bring it on. Once you've tried Chicago-style pizza, there's no second place!
6) Stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you want with you and why?
Some music, pizza and the book "How to Get Off a Stranded Island for Dummies"
7) Favorite TV program of all-time?
Mister Rogers Neighborhood
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