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10 Questions with ... Bekah Eaker
May 2, 2022
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1. Share a moment in your career that you’ll always remember.
I was fresh out of college, voicetracking a show for Shine.fm. I did my show for the Friday before Easter and was pretty proud of my work when I received a text from my then program director, the late Carl Fletcher, that just said, “Black Friday….?”
I had confused Black Friday and Good Friday. I did an entire break on why we called it Black Friday….because everything seemed black and bleak before Jesus came back to life. I still cringe thinking about it, but I’ve learned to laugh at myself. I even did a break on it this year for (thinks about it for a second) Good Friday.
2. If you weren’t working in radio what else do you think you’d do?
My husband has a pretty severe chronic illness, so I could definitely see myself working in healthcare. I couldn’t necessarily cut it as a doctor or a nurse, but I’ve become passionate about patient advocacy.
3. Some great advice you've received is…
Wally used to always say, “That break was neither as good as or as bad as you think.” I’m not sure if that’s a Wally original or something he picked up from one of his mentors, but it’s so true. The minute you get a big head is when the wheels fall off the bus. It’s also helped me bounce back faster from disastrous-feeling breaks.
4. How do you continue learning and growing?
I’ve been working hard on flexing my empathy muscle. Even when someone cuts me off in traffic, I’m trying to be less frustrated in my initial reaction and instead make up a backstory of why they might have needed to do that. That practice helps me create more “camera angles” for content, and I believe it’s making me a better storyteller.
It’s also helpful for me to continually try new mediums. I got into TikTok in 2020, and it’s become a great resource for testing content. Sometimes, it helps to have the internet tell you you’re not the only one before you turn it into a break.
5. What’s one thing you wish you’d known about radio when you first started?
I wish I had had more confidence. When I first interned on the Wally Show, I made myself a “self-esteem” playlist because I was so afraid of criticism. I also remember being physically ill before my first coaching session. I would’ve been better off if I had let go of my perfectionism a bit earlier and embraced the ways that I needed to learn and grow.
6. Tell us about someone who you really respect and why?
This is the section where I could list some of the amazing programmers and talents in the world. I look up to so many of them, and I’ve been really blessed to work with several of them as well.
But my honest answer is our WayFM office manager Ruth Hartman. She is the most caring person I know and just exudes Jesus’ love. The way she makes me feel when I walk into the building every day is exactly how I want everyone to feel when they encounter me—in person or through their speakers.
7. What’s something about you that would surprise most people?
In high school, I received a college scholarship for puppetry. Obviously, I was one of the cool kids.
8. What’s your favorite room at home and why?
Probably the kitchen. My favorite moments with my family are the times my husband and I turn on some music and cook a meal together.
9. Finish this sentence: My day doesn’t start properly until I...
Play wordle. It can lead to a frustrating start to the day. I should probably change that habit….
10. What do you to unwind and chill?
Watching reality tv with my family. It’s the only way I’m able to turn my brain off.
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