-
10 Questions with ... Justin Paul & Kim Underwood
October 31, 2022
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
1. Share a moment in your career that you'll always remember.
JUSTIN: I was interviewing a popular worship artist and trying to ask a question about the difference in preparing for her first child and second child… which she recently had. I clearly didn't phrase the question well because her response was, "Are we talking about conception here?" I responded by saying, "Oh no," in every octave possible while turning as red as a solo cup.
KIM: In 2019, I was diagnosed with a rare cancer in my foot. As I was going through treatment, people would call in and encourage me. Justin Paul (my co-host) saved all those calls and made a montage with "Symphony" by Switch, one of the songs I kept on repeat during this time, and then played it back on the air. As you can imagine, I was in a heap! It was so precious and meaningful; I will never forget this.
2. If you weren't working in radio what else do you think you'd do?
JUSTIN: I've always loved music in every form. Prior to focusing on radio, I was a drummer in a few Christian bands. I still love live music and could see myself doing something in that space if my radio path ended.
KIM: I would either be a hair stylist or own a flower truck! Or maybe somehow combine the two?
3. Some great advice you've received is…
JUSTIN: "Just talk to me." - Tommy Kramer
That tip changed the approach to my on-air delivery and really helped me relax. I was so focused on "performing" on-air that I sounded like I was on Broadway in many ways. While there will always be an element of show or performance in what we do, up to that point, I had failed to learn the importance of companionship.
KIM: When I was going through cancer, my Pastor and friend Kevin, pulled me aside after church and said, "Kim, I know this will be hard to do, but you will need to learn to suffer the kindness of others." OUCH! Profound and a bit painful. He was right, I was in a place where I could not do very much for myself as I was going through treatment. It got easier the more I allowed people in and it brought me a lot of joy knowing that I wasn't denying my friends and family the opportunity to serve and use their gifts. It was life changing.
4. How do you continue learning and growing?
JUSTIN: Shoutout to Mike Couchman. I had to get that in here somewhere. Seriously though… one way that really pushes me is being around others who are really good at this thing. From Mike to my co-host Kim, to Sandi Brown, to current and former colleagues, to friends in the industry, and to those I've never met, the excellence you pour into your craft is inspiring and challenges me to keep growing.
KIM: Counseling changed my life. I've been very blessed with an amazing, Godly counselor who has helped me grow, embrace the tough stuff of life better, and be kinder to myself.
I'm also so thankful to work in a place with so many creative and talented people like Sandi Brown, my co-host Justin Paul, of course THE Mike Couchman, and the rest of the AMAZING staff at Joy FM and Boost Radio (shoutout to JBo and Neallytime), so I do my best to glean from them and rise to the challenges set before me. I've seen so much good cultivated in my life over the past 20 years, that I don't ever want to be stagnant. It can be uncomfortable, but it's always been worth it on the other side.
5. What's one thing you wish you'd known about radio when you first started?
JUSTIN: I guess you can say this about any industry but it's that hard work pays off, just not always how you envisioned it. So many times, I've thought, if I just do "this" then I can achieve "that." Eventually, the road will have an unexpected turn. However, that may be the very thing that propels you forward to what God has in store for you.
KIM: I wish I would have known how much FUN radio is. When you love going to your job, it changes everything!
6. Tell us about someone who you really respect and why?
JUSTIN: My first PD and dear friend, Roger Russell. I was a green, 17-year-old high school kid when I got my first paying job in radio at our local Christian station; nights on WJYF-FM, Valdosta, GA. We were a small station and as PD, Roger wore many hats. Looking back, he really didn't have time to invest in me but I'm grateful he found it. He was patient yet pushed me. I don't think I would have a career in this business if it weren't for Roger. However, I am even more grateful for the way Roger continues to invest in my life personally and spiritually. He's a constant encourager and, even through his own hardships, continues to find ways to guide me into a deeper relationship with Christ.
KIM: My Aunt Hilda. She is one amazing woman! Her husband passed away during a surgery leaving her with 4 small children. She worked and raised them on her own, and her faith was never shaken. She's in her 90's now, walks a mile+ just about every day and still keeps us all on our toes. She has been such an example of what an authentic woman who loves Jesus looks like. I love this woman so very much!
7. What's something about you that would surprise most people?
JUSTIN: I'm a black belt in Taekwondo. Although, my main motivation was to become a Power Ranger. I'm still holding onto that dream.
KIM: I used to be a National Anthem singer for the Chicago Bulls during the Jordan era. Also, my "sport of choice" was pageants. I did them from ages 6-19!
8. What's your favorite room at home and why?
JUSTIN: I know this isn't very original but it's the living room. My wife, Marisa, has done such an amazing job making it the coziest space. It's a highlight to chill with her there after a long day.
KIM: I love my living room…that's where people can come and feel at home. Fun and meaningful conversations happen there and it's a great place to relax.
9. Finish this sentence: My day doesn't start properly until I...
JUSTIN: …pick out what hat to wear.
KIM: There's a line from my favorite movie, "You've Got Mail" where Tom Hanks' character is talking about his girlfriend Patricia and he says, "Patricia makes coffee nervous" … she's a bit frantic and I feel that way about mornings. I don't feel calm until I'm in my car, having gotten out of the house with everything I need for the day! Bonus points if I do that on the first try!
10. What do you to unwind and chill?
JUSTIN: This may sound like the opposite but it's boxing. Wrap your hand up, put on some gloves, go hit a heavy bag as hard as you can, and watch all the stress leave your body.
KIM: I love to travel. I just got back from my "happy place". I'm originally from Whidbey Island, WA and the waterfront (Puget Sound) house that I lived in as a little girl is now an AirBNB. I rent that with my cousins every year. It's sunny and 65…lots of time pretending to read a book while hoping that a seal or a sea lion will pop up to say hello! VERY relaxing!
-
-