10 Questions with ... Beth Bacall

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Beth is a pro. And one doesn't need to be only in Christian Radio to know it. The Fish-Atlanta's veteran afternoon host has established herself as one of the country's elite women in radio, both when she's on-air herself or coaching someone else behind the mic. She's an advocate for those in need, a faithful, loving mother to her daughters and a cheerleader to her peers. Here, she takes some time to shed some light on all of that.

1. What does your radio career path look like that's brought you to your current gig at The Fish?

My first experience with media was being cast as an original on "Romper Room," a local television show for preschoolers in Philadelphia.

I've lived many places thanks to radio: Minneapolis, Chicago, San Francisco, New York and Atlanta. I've been privileged to work on some legendary radio stations such as KFRC-FM, WKTU-FM, WZOK-FM, STAR 99.1 FM, WFSH-The Fish Atlanta, and on television for Fox 5 in NYC, and KRON in San Francisco.

2. While surely, they all have a unique, important role in your life, which of those stops along your journey do hold as the most seminal in helping you become the person and professional you are now?

My segue from secular to Christian radio was the biggest career change I've made to date. I'm grateful, and still learning so much. Moving to Atlanta seven years ago has provided me an incredible opportunity to learn even more at The Fish. I've found inspiration and example from my surrounding church community, at North Point and Passion City. I have Andy Stanley, plus Louie and Shelly Giglio to thank for guidance on how to speak about faith in a human way.

3. What's the biggest hurdle you've found yourself most constantly navigating around/through over your career as an on-air personality?

I am my own hurdle. My afternoon show, what comes out of the speakers, and post production, is my priority. I rely on my improv background to quickly generate ideas and then figure out what is best to focus on. I've learned that most stories and bits have multiple layers. On-air content can become a video, a post, an encouraging story, a break, or a podcast. It takes a lot of time to prepare, perform, and produce any of these, and I love doing this.

Over the summer I started recording our Fish Community Lighthouse shows. What started as a quick, 15 minute Sunday morning interview has become an amazing door to people who are breathing life into Atlanta through their non-profit organizations. It could be a coffee shop for refugees, or a mother who lost her baby to a terminal illness who now provides professional photos for other families. This content is so rich and I feel the need to share it in every way.

4. Who are some of the first people who come to mind when you've consider the most important and influential voices who've spoke into your life as an air talent?

I believe inside every personality, actually every radio person, is a piece of everyone you've listened to, or worked with. At least, this is true for me. We are inspired by what we hear, it teaches us what works, and what might not work.

5. Do you remember your first time officially DJ'ing on-air?

I graduated from the University of Minnesota, and I had a Saturday morning air shift at the college station. Thomas Dolby's "She Blinded me with Science" was the very first song I ever played on the air. Madonna's first album was just released and Prince was King. That was the "first." I interned at WLOL-FM in Minneapolis and that gave me a great footing. After some time on the Jersey Shore at Y107 I was off and jocking.

6. Can you recall one (or more) times on-air when your initial perception of someone completely changed by the end of the interview?

David Cassidy! I was a part of an Emmy broadcast, and I was so excited that he was on our list of stars to interview, because, like everyone else, I was in love with him as a kid. Bobby Sherman actually ended up being a better interview memory.

From the CCM world, I have found most of our artists and influencers are great storytellers and offer insightful interviews. Recently, I'd have to say Darren Mulligan from We Are Messengers provoked much thought. I already knew he was deep, intricate and well-spoken; but after sitting down with him for an interview? Wow, now those words seems understated. He has such an ability to speak life and truth into the darkness. Here's the podcast:

7. Offhand, what are a few songs over the years that have created some of the most memorable on-air "moments" for you?

Almost every CCM song can flow well into a story. It's matching that story, that share, that listeners phone call with the right message and tempo that can really make the moment. It depends on what you need and what you have, because the hour is stacked with hits. Hillsong's "Oceans," Crowder's "How He Loves," Casting Crowns' "Praise You In this Storm," Ryan Stevenson's "Eye of the Storm" and anything Chris Tomlin or TobyMac. I love Ellie Holcomb's upbeat "Broken Beautiful," Plumb's twist on "Beautifully Broken," and I hope I can always play Jamie Grace's "Beautiful Day." Artists have an open invite to co-host Fish afternoons when they are in town, Brandon Heath, Matthew West and Steven Curtis Chapman have all brought amazing moments.

8. Who are experiencing as some of the best up-and-coming on-air personalities at Christian radio?

As a talent Coach I'd need to pass on that as I'm biased:)

Coaching talent is an important piece to a station's sound. Personalities need feedback, and they need to hear how they are sounding consistently. I believe talent tends to think we sound the way we feel while doing a show. If you're feeling great, and the show is flowing your having a great show, right? You still need to listen back to hear if there was purpose, connectivity and relevance. And the opposite is true too, some jocks will feel off, but in listening back they had a very focused, mindful show. Our feelings are not the best gauge.

Taking the time to listen to how the listener is hearing you is key. Connecting with our talent the way we want them to connect with the listener is important, too. Talent coaching makes a difference whether you use an outside consultant or your Program Director.

Figuring out how to inspire and equip another person is a gift that I don't take lightly. It's a raw place to allow someone else into your craft. I've been a student of performance forever, on stage and in all forms of media. As a talent coach I get to support and grow other broadcasters who need someone they can trust to guide them, and pull the best out of them, with constant support and structure.

9. In your very public position as a personality for a station with a gigantic audience, how have you used that platform for advocacy?

My heartbeat is to make sure people know that they matter to God, that they are loved, no matter what. I'd like to be known for being a non-judgmental friend who is ready with a musical message, a good word and a side hug. Allowing God to guide me is my hearts desire; I always have a lot ideas and energy, and I want to work wisely. There isn't one thing God can't make happen with the CCM audience and the message in the music. This audience is passionate, caring, needy, helpful, fun, and willing the give back.

My focus right now is the upcoming Super Bowl in Atlanta. This is the highest day for sex trafficking in America. That's a tough topic , yet I feel a big call to be an advocate. How to build awareness with a 'safe for your family' focus has been my plan without squashing the excitement for the game.

I'm a dot connector that encourages consistently. God is able, available, and on the move, we just need to be willing and receive it. All are welcome, all are loved. My pastor Andy Stanley reminds us always to ask, 'what does love require of me?'

I'll seek out a kidney or a prayer for another in need, I've arranged a marriage proposal that include the band Need to Breathe, and I've helped a Wounded Warrior get reconnected with the the support he needed at the Veterans Association. The Juveniles Diabetes Research Foundation, NAMI, the American Heart Association are the charities I focus on, but really, if there's a place to be a blessing or make a difference, and God has laid it on my heart, I've got a radio station that is able to take on most anything.

10. What are you enjoying most about the life of Beth Bacall at the very moment you write this?

Right now I am finishing this interview from London, England, so I'm loving that. I'm a foodie and fitness kind of gal, so I'm looking forward to starting a New Year by doing the Whole 30 challenge while at a new CrossFit gym. I've set some new #lifegoals for this coming year that include more social media and service.

I love working at The Fish Atlanta. I have been blessed with a great radio station, an engaged audience, and a fantastic Program Director (big shoutout to Mike Blakemore).

We just finished our Fish Christmas Wish season, and I'm still processing how it's incredible it is to be a part of so many blessings. I had a regular listener visit me one morning at one of our Christmas Wish live broadcasts at a Chik-fil-a, and he asked me to pick out a wish to grant, saying he wants to give me $1,000 for every day of Christmas. He gave me a check for $12,000! On another early broadcast, a mother shared that her son called me six years ago, he was either going to turn himself into the authorities or end his life. I remember this call all too well. We don't always hear the outcomes of these appointments, but that morning I was able to praise God with this mother because her son drove himself straight to the Police station after that call. God is amazing and he is using Christian Radio in miraculous ways.

That's just a few of the many stories that God filters through The Fish Atlanta. A struggling single dad had a car gifted to him on Christmas Day, he did not even know his friend submitted him for a Christmas wish. People received gas, groceries, presents for their kids, travel, brand new HVAC units, groceries, jobs, rents were paid, dental procedures happened, families reunited. Hope is happening. Pinch me would ya!

Let's connect! @bethbacall