J Bo Marie Interview

J Bo Marie
On-air Personality|Social Media Strategist
KPVR Boost 101.9
St Louis

Career Capsule: I’m new to the game but I’m a quick learner. I started my radio career at Z88.3 in Orlando, FL. I had the opportunity to work in various roles while I was there: Volunteer Coordinator, Promotions Assistant, Social Media Assistant and On-air and I learned a lot because of it. In 2014 I traded in yearlong Summers for four seasons and moved to St. Louis to take on the role as Social Media Director and host my very own Night Show on Boost 101.9. In 2018 Boss Man Mike Couchman thought it was a good idea to pair me up with my cohost Yoshi and have us host the BOOST Morning Show. We have fun hanging out every morning! People say we’re funny but really, we’re just sleep deprived. ?

J Bo, tell us what’s new at Boost 101.9… news, changes, & with YOU… etc?

Oh man! There are so many good things in store for BOOST come 2020. We’re currently plotting and planning world domination! Just kidding! I tend to get ahead of myself. We’re rolling out new branding at the beginning of the year along with a new website. Our new Digital Content Director is killing it in video production, and we’re really looking forward to taking our digital platforms to another level. Syndication has been in the works for some time now and we’re excited for the opportunities we’ve been given to work with some affiliates at the beginning of 2020. God’s faithful, we just had to be patient!

Christian Radio has become very competitive… what do you do to stand out from the crowd?

In order to stand out you must be willing to do what others aren’t. Mike (Boost P.D.) and Sandi (General Manager) are not afraid to take chances on people, things and opportunities. I believe Boost is a testament of that. Now, they’re not irrational when it comes to making decisions that affect Boost’s future but they’re not fearful either. I’ve learned a lot by watching them lead. I’ve learned to take risks, to take chances on content that’s relevant, to ask God for wisdom and wait for a response – which isn’t easy in a go-go-go kind of world. To be ready to move when God speaks and to boldly be who God has created me to be.

What is the best programming/show advice you’ve been given? The worst?

1) Be a duck. When you make a mistake let it go; like water off a duck’s back. 2) If you’re going to get upset after each mistake you make on-air you shouldn’t work in radio.

I won’t tell you who told me that but after giving it much thought I realize they were right. You’re going to make mistakes on-air, whatcha gonna do quit?

I don’t remember getting any bad advice, which is a good thing.

Some say more Christian stations in a market the better, do you agree with that, why or why not?

I’m all for more! Drive around your neighborhood and see how many churches you pass. Just like radio they’re all different with their own flavor but the end goal is the same; sharing the clear, life-changing message of Jesus with the world.

How would you describe the Boost 101.9 audience?

It’s a lifestyle. You can’t pigeon hole our audience.

In what area do you believe Christian Radio needs to improve most?

Digital. We need to start viewing ourselves as content creators. It’s more than just a few radio breaks and show up to events. We need to be where our listeners are and that’s on social. On video, audio, written platforms. Computers and phones (which are practically computers) run our lives. We’re on them every minute of every day, our listeners are no different. You might feel inclined to wait until you have thousands of dollars of equipment to create content but if you spend some time on YouTube and Instagram, you’ll find content creators with nothing to say putting out content with their iPhones, a clip-on mic and a clip-on selfie light. I’m not saying you shouldn’t produce excellence, I’m saying we must start somewhere or we’re going to get left behind. Disney Plus launched with a few glitches but people are sticking around. Why? Great content.

Generally speaking to the industry what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian radio?

See question number 6. Haha! Along with the deadly phrase, “we’ve always done it like this”.  Being open to new ways of doing things can really help maneuver whatever obstacle your ministry is facing.

Who are your radio heroes and influences? and why?

Influencers. Hmmm. I have a lot of those. My friends Melony McKaye, Carol Ellingson, Suzanne, Lisa Williams, Dorian, my coach Tate Luck, my PD Mike Couchman, my coworkers Yoshi, Tabi, Brandi, Neal, Nick, Justin and NTeg and the best supporters in the world, my husband and my mom.