Beth Bacall
Afternoon Host, WFSH / Atlanta & Talent Coach
ON-AIR

Your Listener: How She Has Changed Over The Years

Many things have changed in the lives of our listeners over the past 5 years. Let’s take a deep dive into those changes and how Christian music radio can best adjust to meet her needs and be relevant.

Beth Bacall is an encourager, on and off the air. This award winning industry veteran has worked on radio and television for over 30 years in New York City, San Francisco, Minneapolis, and currently in Atlanta. Making sure her listener is having one of the best days of their life, or being that shoulder through life’s challenges is her goal. She’s always there with that sweet reminder that God is for you!

Dave Barnes
Singer-Songwriter, Podcast Host
CREATIVE

For Dave Barnes, being a musician is like being the author of a Choose Your Own Adventure book. There’s no set path, so instead the singer-songwriter follows his instinct, often veering away from the well-trodden trail for somewhere more unlikely. Whether he’s recording his own songs, writing for other artists or channeling his creative skills elsewhere, Dave likes to keep things a little left of center. 

Although born in South Carolina, Dave spent most of his childhood in Mississippi, where he formed an early attachment to all genres of music. Since moving to Nashville in 2001, Dave has released 12 albums and numerous EPs, including 2021’s Notes From Paris and several holiday albums. His latest effort, Remembering: Greatest Hits Acoustic, brings him full circle as he revisits his classic songs. The album, created over three days, was recorded with the intention to strip back the songs to the way they were written and how Dave has so often played them on tour. 

Dave has always primarily written for himself, but in 2011 Blake Shelton released a version of Dave’s song “God Gave Me You” and the musician found himself in demand as a songwriter for others (and earned a Grammy nomination in the process). He’s penned tracks for numerous artists, including Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett and Maren Morris, Ingrid Michaelson, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Lady A, Chris Tomlin, and Dan and Shay.

The artist’s self-expression comes through in his other creative endeavors, as well. He hosts two podcasts, “Dave’s Five Hot Takes” and “Dadville,” a collaboration with Jon McLaughlin, which has welcomed everyone from Ted Danson to Matthew McConaughey to discuss the plight of being a dad. Dave also dabbles in stand-up comedy and in 2021, he released his debut comedy album, It’s Hard Being an Idiot: A Stand-up Comedy Special. “My career has always been a little unconventional, but that’s what keeps it interesting,” Dave notes. “I like trying new things and seeing what else I can create.”

Lisa Barry
On-Air Host, Lisa Barry Media
ON-AIR

How to Increase Your Show Prep by 500%

Show prep can be exhausting! Especially if you keep using the same prep sources and the same types of content. Learn how to increase your show prep content by 500% or more by learning a few new strategies to help you work smarter, not harder! Not only will you find daily prep, but have enough left over to plan weeks in advance!

Lisa is a network radio host doing afternoons for Christian FM’s SmartRadioSuite with 20 stations, middays for 98.5 KTIS and evenings for 88.7 The Bridge in Delaware. Lisa’s 25 years in radio includes several #1 and #2 ratings in target demo in major markets and consistently top 10, radio imaging, copywriting, commercials (clients include Target, 3M, Thrivent and Brightpeak Financial).  She was also the announcer for Elisabeth Elliot’s Gateway to Joy radio show heard on 375 stations worldwide for 9 years. If you’d like to discuss a Voice-tracking opportunity on your station, contact Lisa at lisa@lisabarrymedia.com or Paul Tipton at paul@smartradiosuite.com

Bobby Bones
Radio & TV Personality
ON-AIR

Engagement is critical for on-air talent, yet it can be challenging due to the demands. We’ll hear from Bobby Bones about how he keeps his content fresh and captivating for the listener.

Bobby Bones “has carved out a place for himself in nearly every corner of the entertainment world” (American Profile). He is the host of the nationally syndicated iHeartRadio program “The Bobby Bones Show,” which broadcasts to over 185 stations and is the No. 1 Country morning show with millions of monthly listeners. The award-winning show is a 2x CMA Award winner, 4x ACM Award winner and earned Bones the title of youngest-ever inductee into the prestigious National Radio Hall of Fame. His experience extends to television as he currently serves as the host of USA Network’s new thrilling competition series, “Snake In The Grass.” Prior to “Snake In The Grass,” Bones starred in breakout TV series for National Geographic, “Breaking Bobby Bones,” now streaming on Disney+. He also served as the official in-house mentor on ABC’s “American Idol,” won season 27 of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” and is the host and executive producer of  Circle Network’s “Opry.” Additionally, the “media multitasker’s” (Billboard) fan-favorite podcast, “BobbyCast,” which features candid long-form interviews with top artists and industry figures has been downloaded nearly 20 million times.  Bones is the two-time #1 New York Times bestselling author of Bare Bones: I’m Not Lonely If You’re Reading This Book and Fail Until You Don’t: Fight Grind Repeat, and recently released his first children’s book, Stanley The Dog: The First Day of School. For more information, visit BobbyBones.com.

Carmen Brown
Mornings & VP of Programming and Content, Radio Training Network
CREATIVE

Carmen began her radio career in Tampa at Q105.  She started out as a producer for the Cooper and Ritter Morning Show shortly after graduating from The University of South Alabama.  Quickly, she became a third leg of the morning show, and the threesome had a very popular, family-friendly morning show in the Tampa market for many years.  After a format “tweak,” Carmen left Q105 in 2004.  A few months later she joined The JOY FM as Promotions Director.  While serving in that capacity, she joined The Morning Cruise with Dave Cruse and Bill Martin, now heard in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Carmen became Program Director for The JOY FM in 2006, and became General Manager in 2019. Carmen was named VP of Programming and Content for Radio Training Network in May of this year. She is still one third of The Morning Cruise, currently the top-ranked morning show in the Tampa Bay market. Together, Dave, Bill & Carmen recently celebrated sixteen years as a morning show!

Sandi Brown
Founder, President, Gateway Creative Broadcasting
ON-AIR

On-Air Talent’s Biggest Fan

The relationship between a PD and their talent is crucial to what comes out of the speakers. In the end, the PD should be their biggest fan. We’ll hear from a top PD in the country world and his air talent to see what lessons can be learned for Christian music radio.

Sandi Brown is the founder and President of Gateway Creative Broadcasting in St. Louis, MO. Sandi leads two radio stations, 99.1 JOY FM, a top 5 rated radio station in St. Louis that features Contemporary Christian Music and BOOST Radio, featuring Pop Hip Hop and Hope. BOOST is heard on 95.5 fm in St. Louis and in a growing number of other cities like Chicago, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Pittsburgh and Portland, Oregon.  The combined reach of both stations is over a half million people each week. 

Sandi is co-host of the JOY FM Morning Show and has written 3 books, the most recent of which is “Healing Out Loud: How To Embrace God’s Love When You Don’t Like Yourself.” Sandi currently serves as Chairperson for Christian Music Broadcasters. She worked as a Creative Writer and Producer for Focus on the Family and is a graduate of Maryville University, St. Louis with a B.A. in Communications. 

Sandi was the “girl next door” when she introduced herself to Mike. They have been married for 34 years. They have 3 children: Danelle, Nathan and Miguel. Two little redheaded boys call Sandi by her preferred name, “Nana.” Sandi loves to spend time with her family, go on walks and laugh, or “cackle” as her friends and co-workers call it.

Phil Cooke
Writer, Media Producer, Co-founder, Cooke Media Group
CREATIVE

Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock is Ticking

One of the most destructive myths about creativity is the idea that we need to wait for inspiration. But as artist Chuck Close said, “Inspiration is for amateurs—the rest of us just show up and get to work.” We’ll discuss how to “prime the pump” of your creativity, overcome the blocks, and deliver great ideas when you need them the most.

Helping creative leaders navigate their career and calling in today’s distracted media-driven culture, Phil Cooke, Ph.D. is co-founder and CEO of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles. Phil has produced media programming in nearly 70 countries, and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history with a client list that includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the most respected churches and ministries in the world. His latest book is: “Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock Is Ticking.” He’s been called “one of the most innovative communicators of our generation.” Find out more at philcooke.com.

Rob Dempsey
Station Manager & Morning Show Host, HIS Radio
CREATIVE • DEEPER DIVE PANEL

Rob Dempsey’s start in radio began as a homeless teenager, addicted to drugs and alcohol. A youth pastor who reached out to Rob during this time introduced him to WCIE in Lakeland, Fl. One night while leaving a bar, WCIE was on the radio. Rob had given up on life. Dave Stewart reached out over the radio. It was as if Dave was speaking to him. “God loves you,” he said.  “He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Dave prayed the sinner’s prayer, and at that moment Rob rededicated his life to Christ. Then Rob prayed another prayer. “God, I want to do what that guy on the radio is doing.” Rob never believed that that prayer would be answered. However, it was. One year later he became a volunteer DJ at WLPJ in North Tampa. God was using him to help others the same way WCIE helped him. Easter Sunday 1988, Rob began a part-time shift at The Joy FM in Sarasota, Florida. It was here that he learned how to do radio. By January 1989, he became the full-time overnight announcer. In the years to come, he became well-versed in radio. The job duties he performed were Traffic Manager, Production Director, Program Director, Operations Director, and now Station Manager and a morning personality for HIS Radio in the Carolinas and Georgia.

Peter Durand
Artist, Educator, Graphic Facilitator, Founder / Alphachimp, LLC
CREATIVE

Thanks to an adventurous and encouraging family, Peter was born in Kenya, grew up in the green hills of East Tennessee, and studied art and design in the US, France, and Poland. Because of this, he cannot imagine a life without traveling, learning, and creating with others. He strives to share the skills for making ideas visual, especially with those who work in healthcare, social enterprise, and radical innovation. More importantly, he feels blessed by fatherhood and will happily bounce on a trampoline when the opportunity presents itself. More details at Alphachimp.com and LinkedIn.

Jason Dyba
Writer, Producer, Passion Movement
CREATIVE

A Culture of Creativity

It’s important for creative individuals to discover ways to amplify their own inspiration, ideation, process, and productivity. But for those who work within an organization, it’s equally important to invest in the culture of creativity. The way we collectively present, discuss, collaborate, and refine our ideas can have a major impact on the quality of our creations.

Jason Dyba is a writer and producer.

In the last year his clients have included John Maxwell, Louie Giglio, Chick-fil-A, The Home Depot, Passion Conference, and the Global Leadership Summit. He’s written songs for Chris Tomlin and Sean Curran; speaks regularly on creativity; and has directed pieces with Matthew McConaughey and Malcolm Gladwell. 

Previously, Jason was a full-time creative in the Church for 15 years, the latter 6 at Passion City Church. Jason and his family reside in Atlanta, GA.

EJ Gaines
Senior VP of Marketing at Capitol CMG & Co-Executive Director of Motown Gospel
ON-AIR SUMMIT • DEVOTION

EJ Gaines is Senior Vice President of Marketing at Capitol CMG and Co-Executive Director of Motown Gospel, divisions of Capitol Records/Universal Music Group. An entertainment lawyer and former artist manager with 20 years of experience in the music business, EJ Gaines has guided the careers of GRAMMY® Award-winning recording artists, producers and songwriters, as well as producers and talent in film, TV and other forms of media and content.

EJ Gaines serves as a National Trustee for the Recording Academy, and sits on the Board of Directors for several organizations, including Music Health Alliance, the Gospel Music Trust Fund, and the Gospel Music Association. In 2021, EJ was named a Change Agent by Billboard and, most recently, was appointed Chairman of the U.S. Board of Hope for Justice, a global nonprofit organization which aims to end human trafficking and modern slavery.

EJ Gaines currently resides in Franklin, TN with his wife, recording artist and public speaker Janice Gaines, and their two sons.

Denise Harper
Mornings & PD, 88.7 The Bridge
ON-AIR

Your Listener: How She Has Changed Over The Years

Many things have changed in the lives of our listeners over the past 5 years. Let’s take a deep dive into those changes and how Christian music radio can best adjust to meet her needs and be relevant.

It’s been said the two most important days in a person’s life are the day they are born and the day they discover why. Denise began her radio career in March 1991 and it wasn’t long after that she discovered that she was born for this! She’s been half of the award winning, top-rated morning show for more than 20 years, and has been programming The Bridge in the Mid-Atlantic states since 2018. She hosts a Saturday show for the Christian FM Network. She hosts a podcast for women called “Over The Rims of Mugs” and writes a daily blog for “Treasured Inside” that is also a daily devotion audio feature on The Morning Show called Devotions with Denise. 

That’s what she does. Who she is, is just a girl who loves Jesus and people. Sharing hope and encouragement and helping others to really get that they are known and loved is her passion.

Gator Harrison
Senior Vice President, Programming, iHeartMedia Nashville
Brand Coordinator, iHeartCountry
ON-AIR

On-Air Talent’s Biggest Fan

The relationship between a PD and their talent is crucial to what comes out of the speakers. In the end, the PD should be their biggest fan. We’ll hear from a top PD in the country world and his air talent to see what lessons can be learned for Christian music radio.

Gator Harrison is the Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia’s Nashville market, where he works closely with program directors, on-air personalities and sales to oversee on-air, digital and music programming for iHeartMedia Nashville’s six iconic brands and their local events. He also leads programming for The BIG 98, Nashville’s #1 For New Country, which was named CRB/AIRCHECK Radio Station of the Year in 2017, ACM Radio Station of the Year in 2018 and CMA Radio Station of the Year in 2019.

Gator also serves as Brand Coordinator for iHeartMedia’s Nashville-based iHeartCountry team, which has 150 Country broadcast stations across the United States. iHeartMedia’s Country stations reach more than 110 million Country music listeners per month, making it the largest Country broadcast radio group in America. As Brand Coordinator, Gator uses his more than thirty years of programming and on-air experience to provide iHeartMedia’s Country brands with strategic guidance and product leadership. He also works on the iHeartCountry Festival annual mega-concert that brings the biggest names in Country music to one stage for one incredible night.

Prior to joining iHeartMedia Nashville as SVPP in 2016, Gator served as the Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Chattanooga, where he oversaw all aspects of on-air and online programming for the market’s five radio station brands. The Sparta, Tennessee native began his radio career in 1986 at his hometown’s WSMT-FM, where he was eventually named Program Director and Morning Drive host. In 1990, Gator moved to WYHY- FM in Nashville and spent 6 years at the brand including working as the Afternoon Drive host and Music Director. While there, he was nominated for a Billboard Magazine Air Personality of the Year award in 1996. Gator moved to Country music station WGSQ-FM that same year to work as program Director and on-air personality. Over the next 14 years, his morning show was ranked #1 locally and in the Top 10 for radio morning shows nationwide, including being the highest rated morning show in America in 2005. 

Throughout his career, Gator has received more than 35 national broadcast awards recognizing his excellence in broadcasting from national organizations including the Academy of Country Music Awards, Country Music Association Awards, CRB-Country Aircheck Awards and more. He lives with his wife, Tennille, and two children in Nashville.

Amanda Henry
Morning Host & Music Director, WCSG / Grand Rapids
ON-AIR • DEEPER DIVE PANEL

Amanda Henry has been at WCSG since 1999 and has been a part of the morning show since 2012.  She is also the music director for the station.  In addition to her role at WCSG, she can also be heard on SOS Radio, Family Life, Pulse 101.7 and Joy Worship, a part of The JoyFM.  When she’s not working, she stays busy trying to keep up with her kids’ activities – soccer, basketball, football, baseball, choir, band, musicals, and esports (it’s a real thing).

Scott Herrold
Mornings & PD, SOS Radio Network
ON-AIR

Your Listener: How She Has Changed Over The Years

Many things have changed in the lives of our listeners over the past 5 years. Let’s take a deep dive into those changes and how Christian music radio can best adjust to meet her needs and be relevant.

Scott Herrold is the Program Director & Morning Show Host for SOS Radio. (It’s network of 35+ radio stations)  He was named one of “Radio’s Best Program Directors” by Radio Ink. Edison Media Research also listed Scott as one of “Radio’s 30 Under 30 Shining Stars” two different times. In addition, Scott has had the #1 morning radio show in  Las Vegas according to Nielsen and was inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2021. Scott is a dynamic personality who’s always looking to challenge the creative. He’s worked in both mainstream & Christian radio, so he knows what it takes to put together a compelling show and connect it to new media. (96.3 WDVD/ Detroit, 93.1 DRQ/Detroit, 106.9 K-Hits/Tulsa, 102.5 WIOG/Saginaw, 100.3 The Kross/Tulsa, SOS Radio/Las Vegas to name a few)  Scott is also a Cum Laude graduate of Eastern Michigan University’s business school & founder of CreativeCardio.com showprep.

Mike Kankelfritz
Mornings & Chief Broadcast Engagement Officer, Family Life Communications
ON-AIR

Your Listener: How She Has Changed Over The Years

Many things have changed in the lives of our listeners over the past 5 years. Let’s take a deep dive into those changes and how Christian music radio can best adjust to meet her needs and be relevant.

Mike Kankelfritz is the Chief Broadcast Engagement Officer and Morning Show Host for The Family Life Radio Network, based in Tucson, Arizona.  Mike got his start at his high school radio station in Seattle, Washington, and has been in radio for over 30 years.  Along the way he has gained a wealth of experience as a former General Manager, Program Director, Production Director, Imaging Director, and Morning Show Host in Country, Top 40, and at AC radio stations.  For the past 22 years Mike has been in CCM radio including time at KXOJ in Tulsa, KSBJ in Houston, and the K-LOVE Morning Show.  Mike was nominated for R & R Personality of the Year for 2006, 2007, and 2008, and won the Radio Personality of the Year for programdirector.net for 2009.  Mike also helps stations with voice-tracking and talent coaching.   Mike and his wife Becky have been married for 24 years, and they have a 13-year-old son, and 19-year-old daughter diagnosed with multiple disabilities and medical needs.

Lori Lewis
Content Coach, Lori Lewis Media
ON-AIR

Having a More Meaningful & Memorable Social Media Presence

Unlike “social media influencers,” we’re not pitching products on the promise to make lives better. Rather we’re serving God to serve others. Lori will share seven content traits and tactics that not only guarantee increased awareness and growth but transcends from social media to on-air.  She will help you make social media more purposeful – giving everyone, believers and non-believers, the relatability and belonging they crave.

Lori Lewis has an extensive background in broadcasting, starting out on-air and evolving into an award-winning Program Director. In 2008, Lori left day-to-day programming and began leading the way to help brands understand how to leverage social media for greater awareness & growth. 

Lori framed the role of VP/Social Media with companies like Midwest Communications, Jacobs Media, Cumulus Media, Westwood One, and more until going out on her own in 2019. Lori now leads Lori Lewis Media, a social media management & content coaching firm.

Corey Mann
Morning Show Host & OM, Pulse FM / WHPZ
CREATIVE • DEEPER DIVE PANEL

Corey Mann started in mainstream radio in 1988.  His radio origin started in Benton Harbor, MI,  but he moved to South Bend, IN, in 1991.  In 1994,  Debbie and he were married and they live in Granger, IN.  Corey started at Pulse FM (WHPZ) in January 2009.  Alongside waking up early for the morning show on Pulse FM in South Bend, he published his first kid’s book in 2016.  He also hosts “What Else with Corey Mann” podcast.

Carder Price
Morning Show Host, KSBJ
ON-AIR • DEEPER DIVE PANEL

Carder Price has been a part of the KSBJ Morning show for 6 years, and previously was at NGEN and The House FM. He is now also hosting middays on WayFM. Kelsey is his wife, Ezra is his son and his other love in life is assorted smoked meats. Especially brisket.

Ann Sorenson
Media Professor, University of Northwestern
ON-AIR

Telling the Story

Why do we tell the stories of what God has done for us? Because God commands us to do so. The telling of our stories bears witness to something larger than ourselves. Sharing our “Wow, God” stories builds faith in others, strengthens our own, and builds community where we serve.

Ann Sorenson is the program director for the five16 film festival and serves as a film and media professor at the University of Northwestern- St. Paul. Her love and appreciation of stories propelled her professional life, beginning in television production, then directing theater productions and now directing film and teaching visual storytelling.

Johnny Stone
Afternoon Co-Host, WGTS / Washington, D.C.
ON-AIR • DEEPER DIVE PANEL

Johnny Stone is a 22-year veteran of Christian radio and the afternoon show host along with his wife, Stacey, at WGTS 91.9 in Washington, D.C. Johnny is also the owner of StoneStudiosLLC which produces production needs for radio and television stations.

Sterling Tarrant
Vice President, Radio Creative, Hope Media Group
CREATIVE

What’s the Word?

Many will choose one word to live by as they go into a new year. What could the word (or words) be for your ministry next year? Sterling will tell the story of how a road trip led to Hope Media Group changing the way they focus their on-air messages – not just based on connection or promotions, but based on community involvement and ministry.

Sterling must be doing something right because CMB keeps asking him back. While most people in the industry straddle between music, programming, and/or management, Sterling loves to walk the line between words and emotions and connecting with the listener. He lets everyone else focus on the science and numbers, because his love is squarely in the heart and the art of words and audio together. He’s specialized in this one thing for over 16,000 days, and while he’s never written a book, he’s probably written over 10,000 radio spots. At 90 to 180 words each, that’s between 900,000 and 1,800,000 words. (A book is about 60,000, but like he said, he doesn’t focus on the numbers). Sterling is currently Vice President of Radio Creative for Hope Media Group that includes KSBJ and WayFM.

Brooke Taylor
On-Air Personality, Influencer / iHeartCountry
ON-AIR

On-Air Talent’s Biggest Fan

The relationship between a PD and their talent is crucial to what comes out of the speakers. In the end, the PD should be their biggest fan. We’ll hear from a top PD in the country world and his air talent to see what lessons can be learned for Christian music radio.

Brooke Taylor can be heard nationally on iHeartCountry. She’s the star midday personality on the Big 98 in Nashville, TN along with being a lifestyle influencer with a passion for motherhood, fashion, positivity and faith. Throughout her career you may have seen her on Disney Channel, ESPN2 and red carpets.

Michael Tedesco
GM & Western Regional Director of Business Development, Hope Media Group
CREATIVE • DEEPER DIVE PANEL

Prior to working in Christian Radio, Michael worked for the L.A. Olympic Organizing Committee, The Rose Bowl, Walt Disney Company and Boeing. He began his Christian Radio career at KCMS (Spirit 105.3) in Seattle where he wore almost every hat in the building. Starting in sales but quickly moving to Promotions and Marketing Director. Then adding website, concert promotions, on-air, and community relations to his responsibilities. 10 years later he left to serve at K-LOVE/Air 1 where he was Network Promotions Director and then Director of Business Development. After 10 years there, restructuring prompted a move to Star 99.1 as Sales and Promotions Manager. 2 years later his daughter had a baby and that inspired a move back to the west coast and WayFM (now Hope Media Group) where he is General Manager for Portland and Director of Business Development for the Western Region. In his spare time he serves as an Adjunct Professor at Multnomah University where this spring he taught Global Business to college seniors and he is currently completing his MBA at Colorado Christian University.

Wednesday Night Evening Event presented by Integrity Music

Thursday Night Evening Event presented by Provident Entertainment