10 Questions with ... Nikki Lane

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

MacDonald Broadcasting WHZZ/Lansing, MI, Entercom Rhythmic Top 40 WNVZ/Virginia Beach-Norfolk, VA, "Mornings with Brant" based out of West Palm Beach, FL

1. What was your first job in the industry? Did you have any mentors early on?

WHZZ/Lansing, MI was my first job. It was Top 40 at the time. I believe it's a Mike FM now. I started out pushing buttons on the AM station for the Michigan football games. One Saturday afternoon, the jock didn't show up and I was board op-ing the game in the other studio. All of a sudden they threw me on live. Yeah, that was a HORRIBLE show.

2. You're on in the mornings. Do you have a morning routine?

Well, let's see, first I wake up and wonder if this is the day I get fired because I just can't get myself out of bed before dawn. So far, I'm safe. When I get to work, I set up the studio and then spend most of the remainder of the time before the show prepping the news. I'm really trying to work on a conversational writing style and delivery with it. It's a work in progress.

3. What has been your favorite feature/spoof/promotion that you've done on the morning show?

Definitely "24 Theater." During the season of "24", Brant writes a script each week to recap the previous night's episode. And we do a video of it on the white board with stick figures and post it online. I can't do the scripts justice describing them here, but they're hysterical. And I can honestly say, though I've never seen an episode of 24, I look forward to it premiering just because of this.

4. Who is your favorite on-air personality, outside of Brant?

I will say I have seldom seen chemistry in a morning show like the Z Morning Zoo on Z104. I listened not just because I knew them as friends, but because they were ridiculously entertaining and creative. And from what I hear, they're still rockin' it.

5. What is your favorite part of your job and working with the morning show?

That we are (hopefully) breaking down some of the stereotypes of Christian radio. I am so thankful Brant came into this show with an agenda to open the minds of people to how exciting and freeing Jesus is, beyond what the church makes him out to be sometimes. And to help people see that it's not about having it all together and being a "good Christian." We talk about some stuff I've never heard people talk about on Christian radio before, real issues that sometimes we don't dare talk about in our circle of church friends. And we also engage in a lot of laughing and ridiculousness. That's how life is. It's been amazingly refreshing for me to be a part of. My mind and heart have been opened through it too, and I am thankful to work with Brant and Pablo for that very reason.

6. And your least favorite part?

We get AMAZING encouragement from our listeners. But in the Christian radio format, it also seems more common to get blasted for things. And I'm still learning to not take that too personally. I think this is one of the big roadblocks to compelling Christian radio for everyone whose trying to do it. It's just so refreshing when someone disagrees in a kind, respective way.

7. If you could have any other job outside radio, what would it be?

I realized while watching Holiday Inn over Christmas - that is what I would want to do. Open up my own Holiday Inn. I just don't know how to find my Fred Estaire and Bing Crosby!

8. Who inspires you personally, spiritually and/or professionally?

Personally, my mother. She's so strong and so selfless and so wise. I don't know what I'd do without her. Spiritually, probably C.S. Lewis. His journey from an atheist to a follower of Jesus is saturated with wisdom that blows me away. And his creativity with the Chronicles of Narnia? Gets me every time. Professionally, I'd have to say my PD at Z104, Michael Bryan (now PD at XL106.7 in Orlando). He's the one who took a chance on me as an APD and helped me develop my love for imaging and other aspects of radio that I'd never gotten to be a part of before.

9. What music currently has your ear? Any new artists that you can't get enough of?

There actually aren't many new artists that grab my ear as a collective thing. I more get into individual songs. I'm LOVING David Crowder Band's "Shadows." I'm also a techno junkie a bit and Brant recently introduced me to Andy Hunter's stuff. Love it. And I'll admit, there are a couple Lady Gaga tunes I dig.

10. Are you missing the cold and snow of Michigan?

In a word, no. Though I do miss Ann Arbor. Love that town! And I DO very much miss having seasons. Virginia had the best weather, I must say.

1. Do you read everything or nothing? Do you have any favorite magazines, books, or newspapers?

"Three" by Ted Dekker is an awesome book. And I'm also reading through Philip Yancey's "The Jesus I Never Knew." Churchgoer or atheist, I venture to say this book would rock your perception of Jesus.

2. Describe your favorite meal.

JB roll and shrimp tempura roll with edamame and miso soup. Mmmm, sushi!

3. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you and why?

Seems like matches would be good things to have. My iPod for sure. And maybe Shemar Moore? That wouldn't be so bad.