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10 Questions with ... Andy Youso
November 16, 2020
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1. How did you first become interested in radio?
As a freshman at The University of Northwestern, I was really interested in TV (there was a Meteorologist on TV that I LOVED growing up), but someone suggested trying radio, and after my first student show, I was hooked!
2. Where do you find daily content for your show?
The Christian radio show prep page on Facebook and watching my friends Instagram and Facebook stories. (Seriously, people are literally sharing what's on their heart RIGHT NOW, I can't think of a better way to tap into something that will matter to them.)
Rick Hall has made a fantastic website for artist prep too.
Also, whatever I'm reading in the Bible, or getting content from watching like 5 different church services from my couch over the weekend now. Pastors like Steven Furtick and Craig Groschel have really solid one-liners that break down big spiritual topics into bite size consumption--isn't that what we are trying to do as well?
I have some great Instagram and Facebook influencers that I connect with on a weekly basis to bring more perspective. They are women that are in the target demo so it gives me more perspective and just gives me another voice for a solo show.
And, like everyone else, I do have a podcast where I interview authors called the "30 Second Book Club" because I take a 30 second clip from the full interview and play a segment each day for a week, then push people to the full podcast online - 30secondbook.club. Authors love the extra exposure and I love the extra content, so it's a win-win.
The secret is trying to figure out the perfect mix of all this and I really have too much content for a music-intensive afternoon show, which is a great problem to have.
3. What is one of your most memorable on-air moments?
Something that I never take for granted are the relationships that are created on and off-air. There are many calls I take that will never air but there are so many friends that will call on a regular basis for prayer on some really tough issues, and I love that! One person called for years, asking for prayer about a job, and just a few years ago, got a steady job as a long distance trucker and called in to share he was listening on the road and you could just feel the joy in his voice!
4. What would surprise people most about you?
I have been doing freelance voice overs for the last 7 years, and have voiced over 5,000 projects! So that means you've probably heard me somewhere other than your radio.
5. What is the greatest piece of coaching advice you’ve ever received?
This sounds so simple but, BE YOURSELF. For years, I thought like I had to act like I had it all together to be able to help others in their time of need, but I am now understanding the power of vulnerability. A great book that helped me in this journey is Scary Close by Donald Miller.
6. What is one thing you’d wish you’d known about radio when you first started?
Bigger markets aren't always better…just different. Don't chase the bigger market and expect that to bring you happiness.
7. If you weren't in radio, what would you be doing for a living?
Doing something with I.T., becoming an app developer, or working at Best Buy. I love helping people connect with technology that makes their life easier.
8. Who is a talent that you really enjoy listening to?
Brant and Sherri of The Brant Hansen Show are the best with how they share spiritual thoughts. Wally from WAYfm is the funniest guy in Christian Radio. Lisa Williams is the most calming and authentic personality I've ever listened to, and I think Rachelle and Carder from KSBJ are my favorite team show right now, they are just fun!
9. What are you most looking forward to in the coming year?
I think with the explosion of podcasting causing a "second golden age of audio" there are some great opportunities for the original audio format to shine. I see others making their own podcast network, and I think that's a great idea, especially when a lot of podcasts aren't "family friendly". Also, I'm really interested in how to join audio with video and make it work on social media. Any way that we can bring more hope on Facebook right now will make a difference!
10. What do you like to do for fun?
I'm the weird guy playing the lone pinball machine in the back of the bowling alley arcade. I LOVE to play pinball. I have a pinball machine in my basement and also play competitively. I am currently ranked 55th in Minnesota, and hope to get into the top 20 once tournaments start up after COVID.
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