10 Questions with ... Linda Yeager

1. Please tell us about your career journey.

As a senior in high school, I got my first job in radio at an easy listening station in Anderson, Indiana (WLHN). During my college years at Butler University, I worked at the student-run radio station WAJC and had some part time radio jobs at commercial stations in Indianapolis. While radio is and has always been my first love in broadcasting, my career would take me to television news for nearly 12 years – with jobs in Shreveport, Louisiana (KTBS-TV), Fort Wayne, Indiana (WANE-TV) and Indianapolis (WTHRTV).

Following my career in TV news, I was a Community Relations Director for a public school system. When my beautiful daughter, Katherine was born, I was blessed to be a stay-at-home mom for nearly 8 years. A job opening at her school landed me a position as a teachers’ aide for a few years. I, then, felt the Lord tugging at my heart to return to broadcasting, but I had no desire to work in secular media. It was as if He was telling me, “This time Linda, you will be representing me in Christian radio.”

I was a Moody Radio listener of WGNR in Anderson, Indiana (outside of Indianapolis). One day, I drove to the station with my resume and a CD of some of my voice-over work. This was before online job sites and applications!! The station manager gave me a call and following several interviews, I was hired at Moody Radio Indiana (WGNR), where I was blessed to work with an amazing staff, including the morning show host, Kelli Thompson. The Lord kept me there for 10 years at which time I took a job as a communications manager for a Christian Financial planner and later as an Admissions/Community Relations Director for a Christian K-12 school.

Returning to Christian radio would be a huge leap of faith. It would mean moving away from Indiana, my home state. I’m immensely grateful to WTGN Station Manager Scott Young and Consultant Chuck Finney of Finney Media for giving me this opportunity to serve the Lord and listeners in northwest Ohio! The job relocation came at a crazy time - right at the beginning of the global pandemic. I’ve been the morning show co-host for a little more than a year and a half at WTGN where I also serve as the Music Director.

2. Share a moment in your career that you’ll always remember.

I have so many treasured memories but as we get closer to our annual fundraiser, I recall a time during Share at WGNR when an elderly woman came to the radio station with a jar full of change. As I recall, it had taken her nearly a year to save extra change that she wanted to give to the radio ministry. Our hearts were deeply touched by her very apparent sacrificial giving, her desire to give, and the joy of her giving – very much like the Macedonian Church giving in 2 Corinthians.

3. The best advice you've ever received was…

Everyone else is taken, so just be yourself! Be real, be honest, transparent and approachable. Listeners think of us as a trusted friend. What an honor and a privilege it is to be invited into their lives.

4. How do you continue learning and growing?

My station manager and our board support continuing education. I was able to attend my first Momentum conference this year. It was a great time of learning, fellowship and fun! I listen to other on-air talent. I also enjoy attending or participating virtually in various seminars/conferences on spiritual growth and Biblical counseling. I enjoy learning and reading when I can to further my work skills and my walk with the Lord. I think it’s very important to be teachable and stay current.

5. What’s one thing you wish you’d known about radio when you first started?

Not to focus on mistakes – they happen on live radio! You must move on or else there is the risk of making more mistakes if you focus too much on the one that just took place! Though, sometimes they make for a good laugh!

6. Tell us about someone who you really respect and why?

While there are so many people in the industry I truly respect, I have huge respect for my parents. They were life-long caregivers of my brother. He was born with several health issues and autism. Back in the 1960’s, there was little to no support for families with a special needs child. My parents were phenomenal advocates for John (my brother) and great examples of the depths of love parents have for their children. Although my brother was non-verbal and would never have the platform I do in radio, he touched and impacted so many lives. The Lord took my mom and brother home 2 years ago. I’m blessed to cherish and spend time with my dad.

7. What’s something about you that would surprise people?

I’m a lifelong honorary page in the House of Representatives in the state of Kentucky! I’ve had this honor since I was 3 years old. My mother was born and raised in Kentucky and had relatives serving in the statehouse.

8. What’s on your nightstand?

A photo of my daughter and son-in-law. A lamp. My cellphone and a Timex battery-operated clock that keeps on ticking!

9. Finish this sentence: My day doesn’t start properly before I __________________.

Pray! I have a conversation with the Lord before I get out of bed and my feet hit the floor.

10. What do you do to unwind and chill?

I love to walk and go hiking – and often while outdoors in nature, I take pictures. Photography is therapy for me. Then there is always a good book to read!