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10 Questions with ... Amanda Carroll
August 12, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- Midday host for the K-LOVE Radio Network, reaching 15 million listeners weekly on 420+ stations, 2011-2014
- Morning-show host at WGTS/ Washington D.C., 2008-2011
- Afternoon-drive host at KSBJ/Houston, 2000-2008
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I lift weights, run, and pray, pray, pray!
2) Some people get discouraged or enlightened with the business when they actually step out of it for a while. Tell us your observations from the outside.
I have not communicated with one program director who was a woman. It's crazy how few women leaders there are in radio. I want to be that woman.
3) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Volunteer and work your bootie off! I got my first position in radio by being willing to do ANYTHING! I filled in for news any chance I could get for Brant Hansen at KSBJ/Houston. I would wake up at 4a, write news, deliver news, then I'd drive like a bat out of hell through Houston traffic to make it to my sales job at a furniture store from 9a-6p. Then repeat.
4) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I'd like to obtain a position where I am a leader, where I can be free to be myself, to be vulnerable, to talk about life as a single mom, and to be a strong female host or co-host. Who says the guys get to have all the fun?
5) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?
I've been asked what shift I can do ... since I'm a "single mom" ... huh.
6) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
It's my personality, my writing. I can bring my own personal brand to a station that is already strong. I already have a following.
7) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
Yes. But, I'm listening to different formats. I'm in "fact finding" mode! I'd like to see what it's like in a different format than Contemporary Christian Radio. That's all I've known for 15 years.
8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
I've spearheaded creating special songs that have impacted people's lives tremendously. I had the idea to remix Brandon Heath's "I'm Not Who I Was" with listener reactions of their life-changing stories. It was the most impactful show I've ever done.
I also created a special Valentine's Day song filled with verses from the Bible about God's love. It became a day not about what love you have or what love you've lost, but a life changing day about the love of God. Best. Day. Ever.
9) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
I miss having a stage! I constantly come up with show prep from life, and then realize, "oh no I don't have a show to discuss this." Oh, I have so many stories from my 20-year-high school reunion ... I smell a blog!
I miss the least -- those crazy phoners....
10) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?
I regret not owning my own personal brand.
Bonus Questions
Uh oh ... now you're on your own for getting new music. If applicable, name your three most recent purchases since leaving the biz.
- "On Top of the World" - Imagine Dragons
- "Feet Don't Fail Me Now" - NeedtoBreathe
- "Try" - Colbie Caillat
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