10 Questions with ... Todd Christopher

1. Please tell us about your career journey?

I’ve been in radio for 28 years and all of it in Christian Radio! I started out as a board operator on the weekends at a small AM station in Milwaukee, WI, which was CCM 6 days a week, and Ethnic programing on Sundays. After a few weeks, they tried me out as a backup for the evening host who was on vacation. I was eventually given the live afternoon drive!! In 2001, I worked on-air at “The Fish” in Milwaukee with Danny Clayton, and in 2004, landed a job as Music Director and Morning Show Host at “Christian Family Radio” in Appleton, WI, now known as “The Family”. I left in 2018 to accept an offer of radio ministry at “The Prayz Network” here in Northwest Wisconsin.

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

It’s difficult to come up with one moment, but in thinking about the many artists who I deeply respect in the industry that I’ve been able to interview, I have one memory from my time at The Fish. I had just come back from lunch, and we had a phone interview scheduled with Rebecca St. James and the person scheduled to interview her was not able to do it, so our Program Director, Danny Clayton, grabbed me and said, “You’re on. Interview Rebecca!!” I had no preparation!! It went well! I remember her being so gracious! I will say she was the only artist I’ve interviewed that asked to pray before the interview!

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

Less is more.

4. How do you continue learning and growing?

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?

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

I wish I would’ve known that you don’t have to be a “DJ.” I recently listened to some of my old “air checks” and found it interesting how much I sounded like a DJ. I never had schooling in broadcasting before my first job in radio. I was just always fascinated with the art of radio and listened to many “personalities” growing up, but they all had the “big voice.” I remember Danny Clayton telling me at “The Fish” that “…we’re not preachers, and we’re not DJ’s. We’re just regular people talking about Jesus.” I got that, and it changed everything.

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

Next to Jesus, I will have to say Rich Mullins. I respect him as a musician and songwriter. There will never be anybody like him in this industry. I’m also inspired by his decision to no longer receive his music royalties and give his life away as a missionary at a Navajo Reservation teaching music to kids.

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

I enjoy watching The Lawrence Welk Show and have several of his albums! But don’t tell anybody!

8. What’s on your nightstand?

Next to “My Utmost For His Highest” by Oswald Chambers, I do have a stuffed Snoopy that I’ve had since I was kid!!

9. Finish this sentence: My day doesn’t start properly before I __________have my first cup of coffee_________________.

10. What do you do to unwind and chill?

I am a fan of “classic” “old-school” television from the 50’s through the 80’s. It can really relax me. whether it’s a good quality sit-com or a moving drama.