Jenn Pooler Interview – Sponsored by Curb Word

Jenn Pooler
Program Director/Midday Host
KNWS / Life 101.9
Waterloo/Cedar Rapids

Career Capsule: I started off in radio as in intern at a country station in Salina, KS (KSKG) Then got hired on part-time there. Immediately after graduating college I started full-time in Top 40 (Power Hits 97.5 KJCK) in Manhattan, KS. I did a Top 40 Morning Show for 5 years while doing a midday show on our AC station (Q103.5 KQLA). Switched to Christian radio after that and worked at KJIL/KJRL (105.7 KJIL) in Abilene, KS doing production and afternoons. God called me to Iowa in 2015 to Life 101.9 (KNWS) working with Northwestern Media. I started on Mornings and Listener Engagement Director. Then switched to Middays. In 2020 I became the Assistant Program Director and shortly after that in 2021 I was promoted to Program Director. I also still do Middays here at Life 101.9 Waterloo/Cedar Rapids plus evenings for Life 97.3 in Duluth and nights for Life 88.5 in Kansas City.

Jenn, tell us what’s new at KNWS… any news, changes etc… and what’s new with YOU?

In the last few years and even few months we’ve added some new people to our staff. We continue to take this talented team and grow it in big ways! Personally, I just went through a big season of learning. Over the summer I had to learn 3 different new pieces of software that are vital to my job.  Talk about a season of growing! I keep learning more and more and get more passionate about my job each day.

How do you balance work & family, how important is it for someone in Christian Radio to ‘have a life”?

I’m not a great person to ask about setting boundaries and “having a life” that’s something I’m currently working on learning. I know its healthy and important I just am not great at it. I get passionate about what I’m working on and wind up working way past when I planned to go home. Or coming in to work on something I’m excited about on a weekend. There needs to be a line… I just don’t have that mastered yet.

Overall, what is the best show/programming advice you’ve been given? The worst?

Best? Evaluate why we do what we do.  And why do we do it that way.  Don’t just do something we’ve always done because that’s what we’ve always done.  Really dig in and discover why or adjust it.

Worst? I try to forget the bad and just move forward with the good.

What’s something you’ve learned due to the pandemic, about Christian Radio, that you didn’t know before?

“You’re on mute.” No in all seriousness I feel like we’ve all learned how to adapt and adjust with changes in new ways.  Plus how much radio really helps people feel less alone.

What are your thoughts on podcasting, should all Christian broadcasters have a podcast?

Podcasting is great.  I think its important to have a clear message to share.  I don’t believe all Christian broadcasters should have a podcast.  It takes a lot of work and a lot of passion to do it well.

Where will new up and coming air talent for Christian Radio come from?

Others have said it before and I’ve witnessed it with some of our current staff.  Local.  There are people right in your community that love your community and love God and with the right coaching can really add a lot to your station.  I also believe there are some great college students bringing up a new generation of air talent that will bring new and exciting things to the table.

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

There are many. Top of head right now that I’m cautious of are burn out and becoming complacent.

Who are your radio heroes and influences? and why?

Heroes isn’t something I’d say.  But there are many influences and people I highly respect.  So very many people in our industry.  All of my GRGs, a ton of folks with Northwestern Media and a handful of amazingly talented people from all over.  Off the top of my head the people I watch closely and go to for advice are Melony McKaye, Dave St. John, Lisa Williams, Meridith Foster, Jess Hart, Suzanne Happs and Matt Deane. There are so many others I respect and have some much appreciation for.  Really anyone who’s chasing their passion of sharing Jesus through radio.