10 Questions with ... Mandy Young

1. Would you walk us through your nearly 20 year radio career journey that's brought you to Air1?

I took a sports broadcasting class in college and I was hooked. I was in a COMPLETELY different major at the time, so thankfully, I was at a school that had a fantastic broadcasting program. (Cedarville University shout out!) I fell in love with radio. I started as a promotions intern at WJQK in Grand Rapids right after college and left for Air1 in 2009 as the Morning Show Co-Host and Promotions Director. I also started a voice over business in 2005 that has allowed me to voice track for over 20 clients, try my hand at audio books, TV commercials and radio theater.

2. What about the 2019 version of Mandy Young is exactly what the, say, 2009 version of Mandy Young could have predicted?

Honestly? Nothing. The 2009 Mandy never thought she would be living in California (I'm a Midwest girl), have another kid (late in life, baby!) let alone be in leadership. God's plans are so much better than mine.

3. You're wearing several, significant hats at the network, currently. What's your typical day like, juggling both on-air and programming responsibilities for such a huge entity?

Busy, but good. That's a lame answer, but it's true. My days are very busy and I love every second of it. I look back at what I used to think was a busy day and now think, "Girl, you had so much time on your hands!"

4. How do you stay centered in the midst of what seems a quite-overwhelming work life right now?

A very wise person once told me, 'You can be on fire and still burn out.' I've been learning that. I'm still learning that. Recharging and resting used to feel like failure to me. Now, I know it's actually a key to success. Even if it is 10 minutes a day, I try to find a way to rest and recharge spiritually, physically, emotionally. It's vital.

5. Who are some of the people you've been leaning on the most for inspiration, insight and/or a sounding board?

I'm blessed to have a great team where I am now. A team that has my back, speaks truth (even if you don't always want to hear it) and lifts you up. I'm grateful. I also reach out to old co-hosts, because they know me at my core and still like me. And of course my family: my husband, kids, parents, brothers and sisters.

6. If you're not listening to Christian radio, what are you listening to?

I do listen to a lot of worship on the daily, but sometimes I'm all over the map. I had The Clash on Spotify this morning. I love Yacht Rock, old R.E.M. and the Police. Currently, I'm digging the Black Lillies, The Suffers, and Leon Bridges. I also listen to a lot of podcasts.

7. What would you say are some of the most important songs Air1 has played in the past several years?

Since we are the New Air1, I'm going to focus on that. And since we are so new, I think the answer to that question is to be determined. I will say an important song we are playing right now, in my opinion, is "Good Grace" by Hillsong United.

8. You were obviously very involved in the Air1 transition from a historically CHR format into a prominently worship-centric playlist. Now that you're several months into the switch, could you share how you felt going into that dramatic-to some degree, industry-shaking-decision? How would you say it's going?

It's going well! In my experience, change is always scary; but it is always worth it.

9. What are the most valuable takeaways you've learned throughout this Air1 Worship Now process? Is there anything about being part of this that you've learned about yourself, particularly?

I learned to trust God. To lean into Him first and always.

10. What are you most looking forward to, going into this spring and summer?

Projects, projects, projects. And then vacation!