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10 Questions with ... Kristen James
June 19, 2023
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1. How in the world did you even get into radio?
While I was studying broadcast journalism at Rutgers, I needed to do an internship. My mom's friend kept telling me about a Christian radio station, Star 99.1, and how I should apply to intern there – she would literally not leave it alone, so I applied. I got the internship! When I was in my last semester, Star hired me part time in promotions, then full time and the rest is (11 years of) history!
2. What's one thing you wish you had known about radio when you first started?
This job is 90% thinking and 10% talking! I had no idea how much brain power it would take and what an art form it really is. We are really master story crafters and that's amazing. I remember thinking it would be so easy because you just "talk for a few hours" but it's so much more than that!
3. How has God pulled you out of your comfort zone?
The way God made me uncomfortable in the past year is with the beautiful blessing of my son, Noah. I've spent my adult life being a great employee but now I've had to learn how to keep doing what I love with excellence while learning a new job that changes every time, I think I've got it figured out! Ha! The work-life balance has taken some getting used to, but God is so faithful in giving us the peace and brain power we need.
4. Some great advice you recently received is…
I read this online recently and loved it! "Just because you did something wrong in the past doesn't mean you can't advocate against it now. It doesn't make you a hypocrite – you grew." Your past doesn't define who you are now.
5. Tell us about someone who you really respect and why?
This is such a hard choice! There are so many amazing people in my life. At the risk of sounding sappy, I'm going to choose my husband, Mike, here. We've technically known each other since we were 14 and I've watched this man overcome ever obstacle in his life with poise. He lost both of his parents at young ages, his brother too, he fought through homelessness and literally fought for our country as an infantryman in Iraq. He went back to school as a veteran, graduated with honors and got a great job. I think he's proof that your circumstances don't define you. And God can work things together for your good.
6. What's one thing you try to do when life gets hard?
I count my blessings. Literally start writing them down. When you pay attention and go out of your way to note the good things that are still happening around you and for you even in chaos, you trust that God is going to work things out.
7. What's something about you that would surprise most people?
I had a flying squirrel as a pet when I was younger! Her name was Christine and I carried her around in a pouch on my shirt when she was a baby. When she got older, we would play with her by letting her "fly" from pillow to pillow around the house.
8. What's your go to song when the windows are down and you're driving on the highway?
It changes all the time! But right now, it's "Running Home" by Cochren & Co! I wish I could play the drums just so I could legitimately play along on my steering wheel!
9. In three words describe your ideal vacation.
Beach. Relaxation. Exploring.
10. Tell us one thing that you bought recently that WASN'T on your grocery list.
UGH! The gummy candies keep foiling my plans. I've been trying to quit them, but I'm addicted, I'll admit it. So, I thought I made it through the store without them and then there at the checkout, I tried to avoid eye contact, but they were calling my name! So, I ended up with some Albanese gummy bears (highly recommend), Twizzlers Nibs and Peach Rings?!! I have no regrets, but my dentist might.
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