10 Questions with ... Amanda Carroll

1. Please tell us about your career journey?

I went to broadcast journalism school at Indiana University with the goal of becoming the next anchor of the Today Show so I could emcee The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. My first job at a TV News station in Peoria, IL however showed me I did not want to be a part of telling people the worst news of the day. I want to make people's day better. So, I moved to Houston, and ended up in the office of the News Director at 89.3 KSBJ in 1999. He was a guy by the name of Brant Hanson. He hired me to be his fill in. I filled in for him and did the morning news from 4am-9am, then worked at a furniture store from 9am-6pm just to get a foot in the door. I ended up landing the afternoon co-host gig for 8 years and was partnered with Jon Hull, and Chuck Pryor. Moved onto to WGTS in Washington D.C. for the Morning Show, then middays at K-LOVE. After that I wanted to stay in Sacramento to raise my 3 kids. I am now the Morning Show Host for 103.9 The Fish Sacramento and have a syndicated show for Salem, and have created my own online platform to inspire women to live a strong and courageous life at www.getyourbraveon.info. It's been a wild beautiful journey!

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

"I'm Not Who I Was". Chuck Pryor and I were co-hosting the afternoon show on 89.3 KSBJ when Brandon Health's song "I'm Not Who I Was" was released. We took his viral video of people sharing their stories of changed lives with sings and created audio montage that lasted hours. We opened the phone lines to the amazing Houston listeners and asked them to share how Jesus had changed their lives. We had stories like, "I was depressed, now I'm filled with joy"; "I was addicted, now I'm free", "I was suicidal, now I'm living my best life." We produced every call, honored every story. It was the most impactful live show I've ever had the honor to be a part of. I can gladly say, "I'm Not Who I Was"

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

"Be with the one you GET to be with, not the one you NEED to be with." This came from an amazing woman and financial supporter to Christian radio. She meant it as advice from one single mom to another in picking a mate, however, I have applied it too so much more. When choosing a partner in life, and a partner in ministry, or a job, picking one that you GET to be with has always been more fruitful, then having to choose out of necessity.

4. How do you continue learning and growing?

I read everything, listen to everything, and am a constant communicator. I love talking shop with fellow industry professionals on how they are growing their brands. I love to surround myself with people that are okay with me asking "why" so I can learn. I am also a huge fan of Michael Hyatt's "Full Focus" system on goal setting and productivity. Paul Goldsmith introduced me to his system of setting goals and his process of achieving them. It has helped me go from just an air talent to a brand. I am a nerd when it comes to tech. I bult my own website community, online course, and podcast. I learn by doing. Now, I'm trying to make Tik Tok videos that my kids don't call "cringy".

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

Save. Save. Save. Side Gig. Side Gig Side Gigl I wish I would have known yow fickle this business can become and how important it is to set yourself up with an emergency fund and additional streams of revenue. The name of the game is to always have at least one full time gig, and 2 side gigs to make it! That way you won't give up on your dream when one station sells, changes leadership or direction.

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

Would it be okay if I chose Tom Brady? He has nothing to do with radio, but everything to do determination and longevity. I respect his work ethic, focus, and ability to defy the odds be reinventing what it takes to be a professional athlete, at the top of his game, while being old enough to be a father to a few of the rookies. He does everything with excellence. In my humble opinion, that is what those that have committed their lives to broadcasting the message of Jesus should be committed to as well. Excellence. Determination. Had Work. Resilience.

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

I'm a huge sports fan. Baseball is my JAM. I would love to be the announcer of the Chicago Cubs... or emcee The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It's a toss-up really.

8. What’s on your nightstand?

Reading glasses, a cup of tea, and "The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self Assurance--What Women Should Know" by Claire Shipman and Katty Kay.

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

spend 20 minutes in prayer/20 minutes of mediation/and 20 minutes of reading to feed my soul before I ever touch my phone. I believe in owning the first hour of your day with 20/20/20 rule.

Then, I must burn 500 plus calories at an Orange Theory class, make a big breakfast for my 3 kids, get them to school, and finally it's show time!

10.What do you to unwind and chill?

I love to sit at my son's baseball games and remind him not to get impatient and swing at that sneaky high and a little outside pitch. You gotta choose your pitch wisely in life. Wait for just the right opportunity and knock it out of the park. Never swing at high cheese.