10 Questions with ... Scott Smith & Kelli Caldwell

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

SCOTT: There have been so many, but one of the most memorable was a day that a man named Eric called after standing on the Golden Gate bridge ready to take his life. He felt God tell him to get back in his car and turn on the radio, he did and his station was miraculously tuned to K-LOVE, through a break on the air and a JJ Heller song, he called our show to ask for prayer and through that experience, he accepted Christ. The rest of his story is no less amazing, God used that moment to completely change his life.

KELLI: Right before I cracked open the mic on KLOVE, a coworker leaned over and whispered “Don’t blow it!” What?! I was terrified! But seriously, God gave me the words in that moment and has done so in every moment since. [Text Wrapping Break]

2. If you weren’t working in radio what else do you think you’d do?

SCOTT: Most certainly serving somewhere! Whether it was in a pastoral role (which I have done, ordained even), teaching high school and coaching football or baseball (which I have done for years) or working for an NGO; I would want to work somewhere that I could serve and impact others. Maybe even public office, LOL!

KELLI: I always wanted to be Amy Grant! Ha! One of my favorite moments was getting to sing “Baby, Baby” with her on KLOVE. ☺

3. Some great advice you've received is…

SCOTT: I have had some great coaches and mentors over the years, guys like Tommy Kramer, Tracy Johnson, Randy Lane, John Frost and Alan Mason… And I have learned so many nuances from them, tools that have helped me improve over the years. It’s more than just one thing, it’s been a collection of lots of little things that add layers to what you do to deliver an experience for your listener; but what I have found is most important is being authentic, true to who you are; ‘you’ are doing your show, don’t try to be someone else, and never stop improving. Never settle for good enough!

KELLI: Don’t let the good or bad feedback from listeners hit too deeply in your heart. You’ll always get a mix of both. My prayer is that I’ll be thick-skinned, but tender-hearted.[Text Wrapping Break]

4. How do you continue learning and growing?

SCOTT: Get a coach, even the best of the best have a coach. You need to have someone who can both encourage you do to what’s right, and challenge you to push yourself to the next level. Air check, air check air check and listen like your listener does. Connect with other great pros that you respect and lean in, learn from them and don’t be afraid to ask for help. I also believe that being well read is important, not just books, but articles, socials; anywhere you can find material that helps your grow.[Text Wrapping Break]

KELLI: I don’t want to stop learning and growing until I’m dead! I try to remain humble and open to growth and correction. I don’t ever want to “rest” on what I’ve just done, but to make it a little bit better tomorrow. This means working with coaches, listening to other DJ’s and trying to stay in touch with what’s going on in the world every day.[Text Wrapping Break]

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

SCOTT: People will always come up to you and tell you, “Oh! you don’t look like what I thought you would!” I still don’t know how to respond, LOL!

KELLI: That I would make deep, life-long friendships with listeners! We have connected so deeply with some of our listeners that we recognize their voices when they call and consider them “real” friends. [Text Wrapping Break]

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

SCOTT: I am not going to narrow this down to a who, but a what. I respect people who are authentic leaders who both build you up and make you want to strive to achieve more. Leadership isn’t defined by a title or position, but by people’s willingness to follow your lead. I have met many people that I admire, some I’ve told and others I have just admired from afar, some are high profile, some are people who work way behind the scenes, but the common denominator is that they are all leaders, who lead by example, and make others better.

KELLI: I know it sounds a bit cheesy, but it’s my husband. He was my first date in college and I’m SO glad I said “yes!” He’s one of the most solid, steady people I know. He has weathered career changes, income changes, church moves, raising two boys and a DJ for a wife (!), and he’s done it all with a deep trust in God. [Text Wrapping Break]

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

SCOTT: I am a pretty open book, so I can’t imagine there’s a lot that people who know me, don’t already know. If there’s something you want to know, just ask.

KELLI: I’m actually a bit more of an introvert than one would think. I love people and learning their stories, but I need to hibernate to refuel after a day that’s extra “peopley.”[Text Wrapping Break]

8. What’s your favorite room at home and why?

SCOTT: Oh this might be the hardest question of the whole thing, as much as I love watching sports, movies and playing playing games, it’s not the Man Cave, surprisingly. I love to cook and smoke meat, so the kitchen and outdoor kitchen are the heart of the home, as often as you have people over, it’s always the place where people gather and hang out.

KELLI: My bedroom. I love turning the electric blanket on high and snuggling in with a good book or movie![Text Wrapping Break]

9. Finish this sentence: My day doesn’t start properly until…

SCOTT: Read my devotional and Bible and spend time praying, it sets the course for the day.

KELLI: Coffee. Nothing (I DO mean nothing…no walking around and talking!) happens without it![Text Wrapping Break]

10. What do you to unwind and chill?

SCOTT: There are a lot of things that I find interesting and relaxing, it depends on the mood, it could be simply listening to music or watching sports or a movie, or as adventurous as kayaking or camping with my wife, hunting, fishing, shooting, taking the dogs for a walk, playing video games, hitting the gym, working on the house or reading a book.

KELLI: It depends on the mood, it could be simply listening to music or watching sports or a movie, or as adventurous as kayaking or camping with my wife, hunting, fishing, shooting, taking the dogs for a walk, playing video games, hitting the gym, working on the house or reading a book. I’m a voracious reader…everything from Crime Drama to Fiction. I love it all! Also, I am a musician and I get fueled by singing with my Pops Chorale and R & B/Jazz band.