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Best of 10 Questions... Christian
December 14, 2021
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As part of our year-end special coverage, we look back at 2021 with the best answers to some of our best questions.
Frankie Morea
VP of Programming/GM
WPER (PAR)/Fredericksburg, VA (1/4/21)
“Connecting with listeners on a deeper level especially through this crazy 2020. Christian radio has consistently been "The Place" for hope and encouragement. The louder the noise and distractions, the sharper the contrast and need for Christian radio.”Lisa Williams
Network Talent Coach
NORTHWESTERN MEDIA STATIONS (1/19/21)
“Working with talented people is a rush. Since the position is new, I’ve been building and creating and growing - it might be the most fun I’ve ever had professionally.”Jace Evans
Afternoons with Hailey & Jace
WCVO (104.9 The River)/Columbus, OH (2/8/21)
“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
Afternoons with Hailey & Jace
WCVO (104.9 The River)/Columbus, OH (2/8/21)
“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.”Steve Shore
APD/Music Director
WAY-FM Network (2/22/21)
“Learning that it’s not all about me, my likes, my favorites (and that it’s not all about the radio station). It’s all about the listener and serving her well and not just what I think she would like.“Justin Brown
MD/PM Drive
WDJC/Birmingham (3/1/21)
"Live my life out on the radio. When I first started, the GM said you either have a personality, or a voice. Not both. I had a good voice, so I was relegated to being a card reader. Getting to share my life really got me out of my comfort zone."Jeff Scott
SM
WBGL/Champaign (3/8/21)
“Actually, getting fired was one of the biggest blessings as far as my career goes. Incredibly hard on my family, but we survived. I would never have been a Station Manager if I had stayed at KSBJ and I grew up in the Midwest so getting back to 4 seasons was a huge win. It also made me realize I was Not my job. I was a follower of Jesus, Shari’s husband, and Hannah, Zachary, and Micah’s dad. Radio was just my job.”Natalie Grant
Artist
CURB WORD Entertainment (3/15/21)
“2020 changed my relationships because it forced me to become more creative, intentional, and honestly, more thoughtful. I had to put thought into creating moments of connection with family and friends. For example: My dad taught my girls how to make his famous strawberry jam over zoom… He was in his kitchen in Seattle and we were in my kitchen in Nashville, and though my dream is that he would have been able to do it in his kitchen with them, it was still (with just a little effort) a special moment that we created that my girls will never forget."CJ Lusk
“CJ & Lauren”
AIR1 Network (3/23/21)
"Always stay humble. Being on the radio can trick you into thinking that what you have to say is interesting. I like to assume most people are too busy to care. The world is loud! It makes me earn their attention. Also, I'm never above throwing everything I think I know out the window and trying something new."Josh Wilson
Artist
Black River Christian (3/29/21)
“’Less but better.’ I’ve been reading ‘Essentialism’ by Greg McKeown, and it’s been really helpful to take a look at what really matters in life, and make sure I’m focusing on those things, rather than the many peripheral distractions we all encounter. I want to do fewer things but do them with intention and purpose.“Kelly Corday
PD
KCBI/Dallas (4/5/21)
“I wish I’d understood that I’d never want to leave radio. People tell you that, but I didn’t believe it. I wouldn’t change anything. A brief stint at a label gave me clarity, insight, some wonderful friends, and ultimately led me to have some time in network radio, which resulted in a deepened understanding of the impact and necessity of digital, forever friendships, and insight into leadership.”Ryan Stevenson
Artist
Gotee Records (4/12/21)
“2020 changed my relationships in a huge way. This season of slowing down, coupled with navigating the growing intensity in our social and political climate in America; grew and stressed my relationships. It reframed what I place value on. It reminded me of who and and what is important my life.”Carmen Brown
GM/Morning Show
WCIE (The Joy FM)/Tampa (4/19/21)
“(At the time) This is the 2nd time we’ve hit #1 in the last year, and it feels really, really great. THAT said though, after 5 minutes of celebrating, we all prayed as a family, and then went right back to work. We have a mantra we live by at the station: ‘Strength is for Service.’ So, when (and if) we hit #1 again, we know our charge is to help more people find joy, and to love them better.”Hannah Kerr
Artist
Black River Christian (4/26/21)
“My new favorite fun fact is that my legal name in Scotland is Lady Hannah Elizabeth Earley! My dad thought it would be funny to buy Jason and me one square foot of land in Scotland as a wedding gift, because in Scotland, if you own land, your official title becomes “Lord” or “Lady.” So, forget “Hannah Kerr,” my new stage name is ‘Lady Hannah Elizabeth Earley!’ Just kidding.”Tracy Leek
On-Air/Imaging Voice Talent
Multiple Stations (5/3/21)
“Growing spiritually is essential to being authentic...so I try to stay connected with other believers. I also listen to other talent and learn from how they approach communicating a break.”Chris Cleveland
Stars Go Dim
CURB WORD Entertainment (5/10/21)
“I’m in constant search of how to personalize and make sense of my faith. I’m trying to learn more and more how to act like Jesus... Theres A LOT that I’m not sure of about a lot of things but Jesus has given us a great example of how to love others and treat everyone with respect and honor.... So, I start there.”Jeremy Sweat
PD
94FM The Fish/Nashville (5/17/21)
"Among other fundamentals, the audience does not experience the radio like we do. They only catch slivers of our daily programming based on their life schedule. You can’t assume they’ve heard much of anything before that moment. Start with that perspective when crafting your break."Anne Wilson
Artist
Capitol CMG (5/24/21)
“I would say just spending intentional time with God, reading the Bible every day, worshiping Him, and taking time to talk to Him. I talk to Him like I talk to anyone else because we’re not required to talk a proper way to God, and we don’t have to bow down a certain way and pray to Him a certain prayer. We can talk to Him like our earthly father and that’s the way that He wants us to talk to Him. He wants us to tell Him our daily struggles and talk about our day to Him. One of the main ways I grow my relationship with the Lord is just by speaking to Him like He’s my dad because He is my dad. I talk to Him about things that are going on, things that are bothering me, and even my sins. I think sometimes it’s easy to think that we can’t ask God a question, but God loves our questions, and He welcomes our questions.”David Mutendji
PLG Elevation Rhythm
Elevation Music (6/1/21)
“I try my best to not only set time aside in the day but also remaining open throughout the day by inviting God into the center of everything I do, the moments I need a parking spot at the grocery store or the times I need his guidance before stepping into a tough conversation at work. I include Him in every part of my day.”Nancy Brooks
On-Air/Promotions
The Joy FM Alabama (6/7/21)
“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.”Darren Mulligan
We Are Messengers
CURB WORD Entertainment (6/14/21)
“I watch excessive amounts of Cobra Kai, play tennis, soccer, watch way too much sports on TV especially UFC. I like to drink coffee and play John Mayer poorly on my Fender acoustasonic. However, my favorite thing in the world is hiking through forests, around lakes and over Hills near our wee home in Ireland with Heidi and my kids.”Corey Mann
PD/Mornings
Pulse FM/South Bend (6/21/21)
“Make a bucket list of people you admire, and then call them – ask for 30 minutes, and chase after answers. Attend conferences, sit in the actual sessions, ask questions at your table, invite yourself to the lunch and dinner portions and sit next to your heroes and talk ‘shop’. Whatever your talent is, read books about that ‘thing’. I’m currently reading ‘Speak With Impact’ by Allison Shapira.”Dave Frey
Sidewalk prophets
CURB WORD Entertainment (6/28/21)
“Our newest single is a song called ‘I Believe It Now.’ So often throughout life I have wrestled with wondering if God could actually hear my prayers. Through broken relationships and a hurting heart, I wasn’t sure about much of anything. Over the years I have found that when I look back on those toughest moments of life, I now can see how God has used those moments to strengthen my love for Him. Those moments allow me to help others going through similar situations. I couldn’t always see what God was doing in my life, but now I believe He was with me in every situation.”Wally
The Wally Show Host
WayFM Network (7/6/21)
“Today you have so many masters to serve and digital metrics to chase on socials it can be hard to keep the focus on what is coming out of the speakers. I love technology and I love what digital allows us to do but, there is only so much time in the day so, make sure you are doing what puts the most points on the board.”Tiffany Schortgen
Promotions Director/PM Drive
WBCL Radio Network (7/12/21)
“It sounds overly simple, but “be yourself.” In Christian radio we tend to want to create a persona of perfection. It takes courage to be vulnerable, but it’s our flaws that listeners relate to the most.”Careth Beard
Nights
AIR1 Network (7/19/21)
“’Don’t be so polished.’ Having freedom to mess up, act goofy, and just be the same me on air that I am off air has not only helped connect with the audience… it also makes the job waaay more fun.”Mike Prendergast
PD
KLTY/Dallas (7/26/21)
“Lead by example. You can’t expect your staff to do something you’re not willing to do. Go to battle for them and show them you’re not simply someone who can hire and fire them, but that you truly care about what they’re going through and that you want them to succeed.”Mike Weaver
Lead Singer
Big Daddy Weave (8/2/2021)
“When it's Jesus who's showing up in the midst of situations that I was so bogged down by that I didn't even cry out to him over. It's in real life. It's in my experience with other believers. It's in my experience with people who aren't believers, experiencing God's heart for them. Feeling his call and feeling the love that he has for them, over complete stranger sometimes. I mean, that's where I meet Jesus when Jesus is loving other people and he wants me to get involved in it. If I'm willing to get involved with what he's doing in the lives of others around me, I'm telling you that makes me way less miserable of a person.”Jamie Knapp
PD/Mornings
KSLT (Power 107.1)/Rapid City, SD (8/9/21)
“I am excited to see what God has for me, whatever that may be. It’s got to be good, right? This last year was like the hardest year of my life, so I am expecting good things.”Nathan Cochran
Bassist
Mercy Me (8/16/21)
“My dad was recently reminding me that change doesn’t always feel good. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need to happen.”Davis Watts
PD/MD
WBVM (Spirit FM)/Tampa (8/23/21)
“My wife and I have recently discovered the exciting world of escape rooms! Being locked in a room with another couple solving puzzles is something I never thought I would enjoy... turns out it’s a blast!”Steph Alessi Muina
Artist
Integrity Music (8/30/21)
“I got married this past year and it has been, hands down, the most beautiful experience of my life. But since it’s a massive life change, there have been challenges with adjusting and adapting to the new season. Sometimes the most beautiful things that happen to you come with a heavy weight to carry, so recently I’ve been learning how to carry the beautiful weight and responsibility of marriage. Marriage has made me evaluate a lot of my old habits and question if they’re sustainable or healthy for this next season. So, a lot of dying to myself and asking God for grace and wisdom.”Nikki Martinez
MD/On-air
KVNE/Tyler, TX (9/6/21)
“Take the first exit! I love to talk (just ask my family), yet not everyone will stay with you or your story if you talk forever. So, finding a way to share what you want to share, whether by yourself or with a team show, means really being smart with your words and getting out when you can! Don’t let pride or ego get in the way – you’re not that special and no one, except yourself, is aware if you finished your break with a pretty bow.”Jarrett Stevens
PD
KFNW (Life 97.9)/Fargo (9/13/21)
“I have been blessed to work with some incredible people over the years! A few of the great ones I look up to always offered the same advice: “Be Yourself!”Baylor Wilson
Artist
Fair Trade (9/20/21)
“If we could just remember to Be still and KNOW that God is God and we are not, I truly believe we would experience joy all the time, in all circumstances."Sara Carnes
Mornings
WFHM (95.5 The Fish)/Cleveland (9/27/21)
“Find a way to add more value than anybody else does. Be the person that does more for others. Everyday work hard on yourself. If you become more intelligent, more valuable, more skilled, you can add more value to others."Austin French
Artist
Fair Trade (10/4/21)
“We just have to come to Him and accept that He is enough, and when we are ready to do that, we will find rest in Jesus who is willing and ready to meet us no matter what the situation is. That is what my new song is for me: a reminder that Jesus is the rest that I am always searching for."Jenn Pooler
PD
KNWS (Life 101.9)/Waterloo-Cedar Rapids (10/11/21)
“Here are a few gems I’ve received. ‘There are things you need to know and things you need to know where to look up.’ ‘Get the bad ideas out first.’ Also ‘If my heart is empty, so is my content.’”Mike Donehey
Artist
Fair Trade (10/18/21)
“...Embrace your current circumstance as if you had chosen it. You can't be at peace if you're fighting against your current circumstance. You have to embrace your current circumstance. You have to choose where you are to actively engage where you are."Lizz Ryals
PD
HIS Radio Network (10/25/21)
“I have a very dear friend, who is also my pastor. His name is Brad Atkins. It’s not just advice to me, but to anyone within hearing distance: A need known is an opportunity given. That speaks volumes to me and I’ve tried to implement that mantra into my life.”Micah Tyler
Artist
Fair Trade (11/1/21)
“I get to have a job that I dreamed about as a kid. My dad has worked at a Paper Mill for 40 years. When he was a kid, he never colored pictures of working at a factory or told his parents that it’s what he wanted to do when he grew up. But for 40 years he has driven to the same job so that he can be the REAL thing he’s always wanted to be: a good dad. He’s worked hard to provide for our family, make time for his kids, and has been an incredible example as a faithful man of integrity. It has pushed me to be faithful to the things God put in front of me just like he has for so long.”Taylor Hohulin
PD
(11/8/21)
“Every station is different, from the things the audience responds to, to the things prioritized within the building, to simple terminology. You can’t show up at a station you’re not familiar with and evaluate it by a set of standards created for somewhere else.”Colton Dixon
Artist
Fair Trade (11/15/21)
“Not knowing if what I do for a living was ever going to be the same. Not knowing when the next check was going to come in the mail. But through all of the “not knowing” I leaned in to the fact that God is my source, and my provider. When I filter life through that lens, everything else becomes easier.”Mac Powell
Artist
Capitol CMG (11/22/21)
“Learn how to say ‘no’ both to yourself and to other people. It’s so easy for us to want to please everyone. So often, I’ve gotten myself into trouble by not being more careful with saying ‘no’ to things. We have to remember that there are times when saying ‘yes’ to others means saying ‘no’ to the right things.”Linda Yeager
Mornings/MD
WTGN/Lima, OH (11/29/21)
“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.”Jim Galipeau
PD
WJIE/Louisville/ KY (12/6/21)
“Don’t call attention to your mistakes. Leave them in the past and move forward.”Todd Christopher
On-air/AMD
Prayz Network/LaCrosse-Eau Claire/WI (12/13/21)
“I’m my worst critic!! You never stop learning and growing. I will frequently listen to other stations and be inspired by content, but also listen to craft and presentation, music format, and imaging etc!!! What are they doing right? What are they, to my ears, doing wrong?” -
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