10 Questions with ... Jim Galipeau

1. Would you please walk us down the career road you’ve taken that’s led you to your current status at WJIE in 2020?

When I was in high school I went with the pastor of our church to help with the live radio broadcast at a small AM radio station…where I got the “radio bug”! I majored in accounting when I first went to college because I was afraid of the speech requirements for broadcasting. Apparently numbers were not in my future and I switched majors to broadcasting after one semester. As they say…the rest is history!

2. When was it entirely clear to you that you were purposed for a career in Christian Radio?

It was when I was in high school and found the music of Amy Grant and the Imperials that helped propel me into Christian music and the hope that someday I would be on Christian Radio.

3. Who were the primary influencers/mentors in radio and ministry who you credit for getting you where you are

My very first influence was a couple of professors Marvin Easley and Joe Ray. Once I got into local Christian radio, my biggest influence was Jerry Williams who is now at the JoyFM/Atlanta and also Tony Cruse who was my first PD at WXLN in Louisville.

4. There’ve surely been moments when you considered other career endeavors. Have you ever been close to pursuing another line of work?

What do you imagine it would it be if you would? Like most radio guys I have worked part time at other jobs including retail. My biggest success is doing some “part-time” voiceover project and working on a side VO business I call BGR Voiceovers.

5. A lot of radio professionals tend to lead pretty transient lives throughout their tenure in the industry. What’s kept you in Louisville for so long? Are there any markets you ever dreamed of working in?

When I was working in Pennsylvania, I dreamt of working in Louisville actually and I harassed Tony Cruse for months and then finally got a break. My family and 5 (soon to be 6) grandkids keep me close to town.

6. What music (artists/bands) have influenced you professionally and personally the most throughout your life?

When I was growing up in Massachusetts my favorite bands were The Eagles, Boston, ELO, Steve Miller Band, Chicago and as embarrassing as it is to say, (gulp) Barry Manilow and Air Supply! In Christian music probably Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day and MercyMe.

7. Which artists have served as some of your favorite on-air interviews?

Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave, Mac Powell, Casting Crowns, Crowder and Nicole Nordeman.

8. If there was a Galipeau-A-Palooza Festival featuring your favorite all-time artists past and present, who would be must-have acts on the bill?

Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Third Day, Mercy Me, Crowder, Big Daddy Weave and SCC.

9. What’s going on at WJIE right now that gets you the most excited about going to work every morning?

I get to do radio and get paid for it. I have a new co-host in the morning and a great boss who believes in what we are trying to do.

10. Anything going on later in 2020 that you’re most looking forward to?

We are in the process of planning a worship concert for listeners and some other soon to be announced events.