10 Questions with ... Lauren ‘Shmitty’ Smith

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I have been unbelievably lucky to have worked in the Grand Rapids market for the entire 13 going on 14 years of this awesome gig. I started interning with Star 105.7 in 2007 & was lucky to land the morning show producer job for our News/Talk Newsradio WOOD 1300 & 106.9 a few months after graduation in 2009. In 2014 I got the opportunity to co-host mornings on 104.5SNX our CHR before moving to our AC station Star 105.7 where I started mornings just over 2 years ago. Like I said, very lucky to do my moving across the hall rather than all over the country. Major respect to colleagues that have been hustling all over!

1. How would you describe your first radio gig?

I didn’t even want to sleep between events because I felt like I was missing out. It’s no joke, you learn so much. You work so much. And looking back I’m thrilled my first taste of radio was a mix of promotions and programming. Priceless knowledge because so much of it was hands on and priceless stories that I like to think about when I want to remember that I used to be somewhat cool.

2. What led you to a career in radio?

I started college thinking I’d do broadcast television, but it came down to fun. I had SO much fun those first few months interning and I loved how ‘personal you got to be with the audience--I was hooked.

3. How does the Mac & Shmitty morning show set the table for the rest of the day on Star 105.7?

We want you for your workday. And we know that means we have to grab you right when you get up! We’re intensely local and we work to make you feel as informed and ready for the day as possible, while you’re shuffling kids out the door, hoping you’re on time for school, etc. We have a commercial free hour every morning leading into your workday where we love shouting out requests from local offices. We work to give off that “we’re gonna make it” vibe. No one loves waking up and warming up the car for the drive into work, but maybe we can make it suck a little less.

4. “Local local local” has always been radio’s mantra. How do you keep your show visible and involved in the community?

We are extremely involved with our local children’s hospital, the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Besides our December Radiothon which do annually, we’ve teamed up for Project Night Lights. On the second Tuesday of every month we invite the whole community out to shine flashlights up at the hospital windows and say goodnight to the kids. As a mom with personal experience at the hospital with my son, I am so proud of this event. And it’s to the point where families now mark it monthly in their calendar and it gets bigger each time!

5. Which social media platforms are you finding best to engage your listeners on these days?

That’s interesting because it’s dependent on the station! Our News/Talk and AC audiences are still pretty active on Facebook, Instagram is growing. But on our CHR, it’s all Instagram and SnapChat with some Twitter arguments in there occasionally.

6. You also wear some other hats in the building. What else do you have going on?

You’re probably noticed I’ve referenced 3 different stations throughout this! I actually do 2 morning shows at the same time on our News/Talk and AC (literally run back and forth, fortunately they’re only 2 studios apart!) and then handle middays on our CHR. I love it, though. Maybe a bit “split personality” for one person, but I get to dig into a different passion and different part of me for each different show. It’s awesome.

7. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

The people you think are trying to help you are actually trying to help you.

8. What advice would you give people new to the business?

Find your go-to “person.” If that’s a best friend, great. Your significant other? Perfect. This job is certainly not easy and it helps immensely to find someone who will jump in and ride shotgun for this crazy ride and help you enjoy the ups and handle the downs. And understand this can be a tough job on your “person” too.

9. What was your favorite station when you were a kid? Jock?

94.1 The Edge which was such a solid Alt station and I loved 88.9 The Impact which was the campus station at Michigan State! (Grew up in Lansing--Go Green!)

10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?

Actually, I’m still working with my biggest mentor, our News/Talk host Steve Kelly. The man has listened to way more than he needed to and has given me some of the most sound advice in lots of different aspects of this world. Who has influenced my career the most? Loaded question (ha which I know is your whole job) but I don’t think I could narrow it to one person. Really? It’s anyone who has had the guts to try or go somewhere new for this business that we have chosen. And the people who decide to take a break from it. Reminds me to stay grateful for the opportunity and constantly push myself to do EVERYTHING. Versatility is the one thing I feel I can be in control of and to know you have so many talents including your ability to crack a mic is important.

What was the first, best and last concert that you attended?

First Concert: Panic! At The Disco. Somehow I was in a mosh pit?
Best Concert: Foo Fighters. Unbelievably stoked for the 25th Anniversary tour!
Last Concert: Elton John. Who I would see *again* in a hot second.