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10 Questions with ... Hailey Reid & Jace Evans
February 8, 2021
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1) Will you please share your radio journey to this point?
Jace Evans: In college, I intended to go the sports broadcasting route. I started at Cedarville University working in the student radio station. After graduation, I served as the community impact director for WAY-FM in West Palm Beach. Soon after, I took over the morning show at The House FM in the Oklahoma City market. In early 2017, Todd Stach tapped me on the shoulder for an afternoon show opening at The River in Columbus, and I’ve been here ever since!
Hailey Reid: I never thought I’d be in the radio industry. I studied public relations and journalism at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. At the time, I wanted to work in book publishing. One summer, I did an internship with The River’s promotions department and loved the station’s atmosphere and mission. Even though I tried to pursue other routes post-graduation, I ended up back in promotions at the station. After a couple of years on the team, program director at the time, Todd Stach, allowed me to voice track overnights. Even though I had zero experience, I said “yes,” and began my on-air journey. Ever since, it’s been a wild ride of simply saying yes to the doors God opened, even when I felt out of my league. Most days, I still think, “You sure I should have this mic?” but I’m grateful. And fun fact, Jace and I were River interns at the same time!
2) What are the personality dynamics that make your show unique?
Jace Evans: Oh man. Well, Hailey is the organized, black-and-white, to-do-list-making member of the show. I’m strategic, but the much more off-the-wall, over-dramatic, zany personality. Thankfully, we have enough natural cross-over into each other’s tendencies to work really well together.
Hailey Reid: Jace and I are both realists, but I tend to think glass-half-full and Jace, self-admittedly … doesn’t. That slight tension actually brings a really nice balance to the show. We’re not afraid to touch the tough stuff, and we don’t feel the need to slap on a Jesus bandage. But we always stay rooted in truth and hope. Add in Jace’s sarcasm and my goofiness, and we also have a lot of fun.
3) Jace, what is something you have to constantly remember about Hailey when relating to her on-air?
Jace Evans: Hailey has incredibly high standards for herself, which means she has them for you too! And that’s a good thing. I have to remember that when she critiques a story, a break, or an idea, she’s pushing you to be the best you can be. Our show grew exponentially when I finally learned that piece of the puzzle. I’m a better air talent thanks to her, and our show is infinitely indebted to her commitment to excellence.
4)Hailey, what impresses you most about Jace?
Hailey Reid: Jace has an openness and willingness to share things on the air that I probably never would, and I mean that in the best way! I struggle with vulnerability, but he always seems willing to go there. I’ve seen that connect with our listeners in powerful ways.
5) What is one of your most memorable on-air moments?
Jace Evans: During a fundraiser, we talked about the importance the River has in our lives during those seasons when you are up against the unknown. What our audience didn’t know was that just weeks earlier, my little brother had been diagnosed with late-stage lymphoma. Honestly, I don’t even remember if I told Hailey that I would share the news. But I explained why the station mattered to me in that dark season. That type of honesty has paid off in listener loyalty over and over again.
Hailey Reid: The most memorable moments are when we come up with a way to address the topics that feel untouchable. When Breonna Taylor’s story was unfolding, we talked about it. We focused on what we knew to be true: a lost life, people were hurt and angry, and Romans 12:15 tells us to mourn with those who mourn. I love feeling like we’ve cracked the code on talking about a polarizing subject.
6) What is the greatest piece of coaching advice you’ve ever received?
Jace Evans: Can I share some advice that someone didn’t directly give me? No? I’m going to anyway. I read an interview a couple of years back with Carlos Aguiar at KSBJ in Houston. Carlos shared how Rob Wagman encouraged him to stop trying to be the version of himself the demo wanted and just to be authentically him. The idea of staying true to yourself really resonated with me, and I’ve held onto it dearly. I’m an Enneagram 4, which means authenticity is my highest value. It also means I can smell the B.S. And I don’t want to bring anything that I don’t believe in, including a false depiction of who I am.
Hailey Reid: A former coach, Tate Luck, always told me you could talk about anything. You just have to find the right way to do it. That advice pushes me to think outside the box every day.
7) Where do you find inspiration for your show?
Jace Evans: Honestly, where don’t we? It’s the adage “Life’s not boring. You’re boring.” Marriage and parenting are the two biggest inspirations for me. Relationships are always going to be the sweet spot. I’ve also found inspiration from simple faith expressions, such as Bible reading or attending a church service. Faith and spirituality are big topics with our audience and something not every station in our market offers. I’ve also always got my ear to the ground, er, eye to the screen? – for good stories from friends on social.
Hailey Reid: EVERYWHERE. I don’t think I’m ever not show-prepping. If only I had a dollar for every time I thought, “That’s a break.”
8) What is one thing you’d wish you’d known about radio when you first started?
Jace Evans: I wish I’d known that there’s no “off-switch.” Or, at least, it’s hard to find and operate.
So, that means two things. One is always to be a “professional noticer.” At this point in my career, the process comes naturally, but I’m still always trying to get better at noticing. The second ramification of the no off-switch dilemma is forcing myself to be off. Drawing boundaries and communicating them daily. For example, my team knows I don’t check email in the evening. Establishing this boundary gives you the energy to do your job well. I know too many industry folks whose jobs consume their lives. That’s not good for anyone.
Hailey Reid: What an emotional roller coaster ride it is. At least, being on the air. You have to process everything twice: from a personal lens and then through the mic. It’s definitely not a job you leave at the office.
9) What are you most looking forward to this year?
Jace Evans: Summer! Mostly because I wouldn’t say I like the cold. I was born to live in a warm climate, and instead, I live in …*checks notes*… Ohio. Also, my extended family goes on vacation together for a week every summer. COVID-19 screwed up plans last year and I’m excited to get back to it this summer. It’s become one of my favorite weeks of the year!
Hailey Reid: Work-related: We’ve got some new benchmark ideas in the works that I’m excited to bring to life. Life: My husband and I are *hoping* to take a trip back to our honeymoon spot to celebrate our fifth anniversary.
10) Outside of work, what do you like to do for fun?
Jace Evans: “Fun” is in the eye of the beholder. But I’m in the final year of my online master’s program at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. I’ll graduate at the end of the year with my M.A. in theology, with an emphasis in church history and Greek. You know, normal stuff folks find just riveting. For “actual fun,” I love hanging out at home with my wife and our two-year-old son. I’m also a proud fantasy football owner and watch as much football, hockey, and soccer as I’m able.
Hailey Reid: I try to make Rory Gilmore proud by always having a book with me, and I’m one of those annoying people who likes working out. I also love to cook, thrift, and take long walks (not on the beach, because this is Ohio) with my dog, Trout.
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