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10 Questions with ... Nancy Brooks
June 7, 2021
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1. Please tell us about your career journey?
My radio career started when my husband, Russ, wanted a cohost for his morning show. The budget was tight, so it needed to be a volunteer. He asked me to come in a couple days a week. I said, “no!” After a few weeks of asking…persistently, I relented and came on the morning show with him. I remember him asking a question on air and all I did was nod my head. He said, “honey, they can’t hear you nodding your head.” Fast forward to today and you can keep me quiet. It was a journey. I remember some crying, some frustration, some “I give up moments. But Russ stood by me all the way. Encouraging me to keep going. He was confident I could do it and believed in me. He is my rock in marriage and in our radio career. In the early years, I went to several CMB summits and I learned so much. I had Mark Giles pour in to me, building my confidence. I began to feel comfortable behind the mic. Now, I am Russ’s cohost in the afternoon and solo on Sunday afternoons for The JOY FM Alabama. I’m the midday host for KWFC in Springfield, a sister station in the RTN family of stations. It’s amazing what God can do if you let Him.
2. Share the most challenging part of your career.
Radio is multifaceted. It’s not just the on-air part. There is show prep, talking with business partners, show prep, lots of zoom meetings, show prep, family time, staff meetings and concentrated time with God. The most challenging part is BALANCE. Each area is important and necessary. If any part is neglected, all will suffer.
3. The best coaching advice you've ever received was…
The best advice I have ever received was to be myself. Genuine radio is like walking in to a back yard cook out to hang out with friends. How would you talk with them? That’s how you talk to your friends on the radio. When you are on air you are talking to an audience of one, sharing life with them. We are sharing the ups and downs, the hurts and the joys of everyday life. We live out loud on the air, showing how a relationship with Jesus creates joy in every situation. We reach one person at a time with His love. When I first started on air, I was afraid I would say something wrong or inappropriate. I’m unmistakably, a country girl, a hillbilly raised in the hills of Bristol, Virginia. I can be little brash and often speak before I think. That can cause problems on the radio. (side note, if what’s in your heart and mind is good stuff, there are no worries of what will fly out of your mouth) Now when I say something silly, we just go with it. If I mispronounce or drop the final “g” on a word, I don’t chastise myself. It’s who I am and God loves this ole country girl.
4. How do you continue learning and growing?
The old VBS song, “He’s still working on me,” is something we need to embrace in our Christian walk and in our radio career. Radio is ever changing. To stay up to date, we must continue to do better. If we believe we have arrived and have nothing else to learn is right when we fall behind. Christian Music Broadcasting offers so many opportunities to learn and stay current. I take advantage of all they have to offer. I listen around the dial at other stations to see how they are doing things. I read radio industry newsletters to try to understand the parts of radio that are foreign to me. I’ve only been involved in Christian radio for 6 years, I have a lot to learn.
5. What’s one thing you wish you’d known about radio when you first started?
I wish I would have known how much fun it can be if you just relax and enjoy the ride.
6. Tell us about someone in our industry who you really respect and why?
I have a great respect for Mark Giles. He’s been in this industry for several years. His knowledge of music and radio is crazy. He’s forgotten more than I know about our industry. He leads with compassion and humor. He has a way of teaching that empowers a person. He does not belittle or hover over others. He inspires loyalty and earns the respect of those he works with.
7. What would surprise people most about you?
I think people would be surprised to know that I’m insecure. I’m come across as bold and in charge. But inside I’m still that little girl learning to be who God created me to be.
I’ve been in a couple of movies, too. One is actually on Amazon. It’s called Second Samuel.
8. What’s on your nightstand?
My nightstand is a cornucopia of goodies. I have my iPhone and apple watch charging station, 3-4 different kinds of Chapstick, (A girl can never have too many). There are 3 devotional books that I’m working on and my lamp, which is programed by Alexa to come on when addressed as “The Queen’s Lamp”.
9. What are you most excited about this year?
I’m excited to get out in our community! I’m a people person. This past year of not being with people and loving on them was hard.
10. What do you do for fun?
I love theatre! My car tag says, “IACTUP”. I was a part of church drama for 25 + years, then I started volunteering in community theatre. I love every aspect of it, backstage, technical, lighting, sound, makeup and, yes, on stage. My family is a theatre family. Both of my sons have careers in theatre. I have earned the title of Drama Queen.
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