Shirley Wolstenholme Interview
Shirley Wolstenholme
Morning co-host
CJLF – Life 100.3
Barrie, ONT
Career Capsule: From a little girl listening to the radio, I knew I wanted to be on the air. I graduated college in Radio Broadcasting. I am now co-hosting the Get Up and go Show on Life 100.3FM and I am part of their sales team as well. I absolutely love combining my beliefs, my love for helping people in sales and having a blast with my co hosts on the morning show. My official title is Announcer/Media Rep.
Shirley, tell us what’s new at Life 100.3 … any news, changes etc… and what’s new with YOU?
God has really blessed me this passed year. I am finishing up Bible College and going to be ordained in a few months. I also moved to a new house! My daughter got married, I started co hosting the morning show at Life and I’m going to be a Gramma for the first time! God is good ALL the time!
How do you balance work & family, how important is it for someone in Christian Radio to ‘have a life”?
I used to be a bit of a work horse and what ever I see that needs to be done, I will jump in and do it. I also tend to put in more hours to see something finished rather than to have it to do tomorrow. I had to pivot this mentality when I started co hosting the Get Up and Go Show. Getting up at 3am every day isn’t easy, but the reason makes it fun! I am also in the sales department as well and I had to find a balance between the two jobs, life and ministry, or burn out. The latter, was NOT an option. I could no longer look at life as pouring myself entirely into 2 jobs, ministry and family life. There just isn’t enough of me to go around. It is imperative that you find balance not in just your work life, but in doing things you love as well. We cannot only do things that spend our energy, we must do things that fill our cups as well. I find when I serve others, my cup over flows.
What adjustments (personal or otherwise) did you make when joining the morning show?
I had to become really strict with myself and making sure I get enough sleep. Going to bed early on a “School Night” is a must. I always want to be refreshed and ready to serve God. I also make sure that I prepare for the next day, get lunches ready the night before and make sure coffee is set to perk in the morning. Having a routine so nothing gets missed.
What’s something you’ve learned due to the pandemic, about Christian Radio, that you didn’t know before?
Christian Radio has been a bridge of sorts during the pandemic. We have seen a lot of people have different kinds of struggles and being able to pray for them and serve listeners and clients in a Godly way has been such a blessing.
What are some of the biggest differences in Canadian Christian radio from the U.S.?
Being on the morning show doesn’t allow me the opportunity to really listen to American Christian radio.
Where will new up and coming air talent for Christian Radio come from?
Hopefully the new up and coming air talent for Christian Radio will come from people who want to serve God in a different way and use their God given talents to serve others.
Generally speaking to the industry what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian air talent?
Staying real in Who you are and Who’s you are. Society tells us to be one way and God asks us to be another. God made you in His image. He never makes mistakes. Allow God to lead you and refresh you and help you to find balance before you burn out and give up.
Who are your radio heroes and influences? and why?
Tom Rivers was the first DJ I remember hearing on the radio as a young girl. He started in radio in the U.S but moved to Canada to the Toronto area to work at CHUM and CFTR. He was funny and real and edgy. He was one of the greatest Rock n Roll DJ’s. He had a larger than life personality and delivery and a wonderful voice. I try to bring his excitement and passion for life and radio into my career.