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10 Questions with ... Summer Shepherd
May 30, 2023
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1. How in the world did you even get into radio?
Accidentally. Wait, that's not fair. Suffice it to say that it wasn't in MY plans. I was an actor, a storyteller, and a missionary. I was studying at Moody Bible Institute and needed a job. There was an admin position opening in the marketing department of Moody Radio and, God bless them, they hired me (administrative is NOT my strong suit). A few months in someone heard me on a call and asked me to read a script for them. Shortly after that I was invited to voice a 15-second underwriting spot. I had my family sitting by the radio to hear my "big break." In learning I had a theater background I was invited to start voicing spots for the network and became a regular on radio dramas put out by Moody. Eventually I was invited to train as a back up board op for afternoons and doors kept opening until I found myself doing afternoons in Chicago with Moody Radio permanently. From there doors opened to Northwestern Media and now to WGTS. It's been a ride, and never one I thought I'd be on.
2. What's one thing you wish you had known about radio when you first started?
Gone are the days of the big "announcer voice." What people want is you. They want someone who is authentic, and authentically seeking out Jesus. You don't have to have it all together. You don't need to be overly polished. You need to be real. There is such freedom in feeling like the person you hear on the radio gets your journey. In a small but significant way it helps God feel more accessible to you, when the Christian leaders on your radio share their struggles winsomely.
3. How has God pulled you out of your comfort zone?
Comfort? What is this thing you speak of? Our comfort zone becomes a memory when we first begin to share honestly into a microphone and disappears further when we stand in front of an audience at a concert, and it is long gone the first time we have to ask people for money. It's an exciting, humbling, and growing experience every day.
4. Some great advice you recently received is…
You're not expected to be perfect. Perfection is inaccessible. Be yourself and people will respond.
5. Tell us about someone who you really respect and why?
Without giving specific names, I have friends in this industry who are going through the ringer in their marriages, health, and circumstances. I often find myself marveling at the strength and courage in these individuals as they face the unknown and retain their trust in God. I marvel further when I hear how they share with vulnerability on air and allow themselves to be used by God in the midst of it. I like to think I'd do the same, but I've fallen short of my own expectations before, sooooo.
6. What's one thing you try to do when life gets hard?
Reach out. It's so easy to stuff it down and try to hide. It's easy to isolate and get despondent; we pull away from people, pull away from God. Man alive, it's so tempting. As soon as we admit we're struggling all pretenses are gone that we're perfect and perfectly in control. Because I'm sure people all thought we were the epitome of perfection before this *exaggerated eye roll*
7. What's something about you that would surprise most people?
I really love being alone. Not always. Not even a lot. But sometimes. I'm what is called an introverted extrovert. I love people and they energize me. Buuuut I also love being by myself and going for a hike or reading in my room with no expectations on me. During my husband's deployment and this season of separation while I wait for the family to join me in DC, I've learned to really enjoy my own company. I take myself on dates regularly and it's been really healing. It's evidence of growth and health when we can stand our own company.
8. What's your go to song when the windows are down and you're driving on the highway?
Windows down on the highway!? Bruh. Do you know what that would do to my hair? Do you know what that would do to my gas mileage? Let's be real. These days it's likely gonna be something by Barbie or Kidz Bop Kids. I got them millions kids and they have their bangers. If I'm by myself it'll probably be some Irish punk music, early 2000's pop punk (hey there… only God can judge me), or Future of Foresty. In format- "Next to Me" by Jordan Feliz turned all the way up, or pretty much anything by For King and Country.
9. In three words describe your ideal vacation.
Adults-only all-inclusive resort (hyphenated words count as single words. So there.)
10. Tell us one thing that you bought recently that WASN'T on your grocery list.
Grocery list. Hahahahahaha. I'm sorry, I don't mean to laugh, but like, hahaha. Oh goodness, oh goodness this question tickles me. Grocery lists. *wipes laughter tears away* I love that you think I'm responsible enough for those. I use Walmart delivery because I know I can't be trusted to walk down grocery aisles without supervision. Ok, real talk. Does anyone else struggle with impulse shopping in order to get that quick dopamine hit? Not a great habit, but life's been weird lately and I'm learning to art of showing myself grace. But I've also been trying to act more responsible, so I've been impulse buying boring stuff. Most recently I ordered dry erase markers. I know how to party.
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