Hansen Inexplicably Promoted; Radio Industry Apparently in Final Throes

For most people, "Christian radio" isn't on the radar.  And, for most people who read this blog, "Christian radio" has an approval rating right up there with, say, polio.

But it's what I do, and I'm thankful for that.  I get to annoy, cajole, prod, anger, and -- mostly -- confuse people on a daily basis.  Best of all, I'm talking to a lot of Good Churchgoing Folk, so I get to talk about the Kingdom of God to an unreached people group.

I've also been a mainstream talk radio host, and could compare and contrast the two audiences, and maybe will someday, if you care.  Meantime, let's just say I do love the people who listen to Christian radio.  I know them.  I didn't just grow up with them, I grew up one of them.  They are my people.

MLK said you can't change that which you do not first love, and that works for me, because I love them, and yes, I've got an agenda for them.  I'm not trying to single-handedly "reach out", via mass-media, to a hip, postmod culture.  I'm trying to convince people who claim to be the church to actually be the church.  Trust me, if that happens, you'll think to yourself, what a wonderful world.

Anyway, our show is pretty dang honest.  It's not smooth.  I don't talk with my "radio voice".  It's like the Muppet Show, where you're pretty sure they're trying hard to do a "show", but the intrigue is the fumbling backstage. 

I talk about my struggles with depression, the time I just got busted for stealing (not joking) and my own self-esteem issues and why I find Good Christians so frustrating sometimes.  I'm not the only one doing this in Christian radio, and it's not heroic, but it's something.  Why am I allowed to do this?  I belong to an organization that really wants to accomplish the same things.

I'm not alone on the show.  My producer, Nikki, expertly plays Pam Beasley to my mix of Michael Scott-Dwight Schrute.  We don't do many artist interviews, and our goal, beyond making people consider following Jesus, is to leave people slack-jawed confused.  (Hence, today's "acoustic weather forecast", wherein Nikki delivers the weather, annoyed, over my enthusiastic, live, acoustic guitar folk stylings.)  If we leave half the audience saying, "Wha--?" -- mission accomplished.

So here's the news (this is called "burying the lede" in the biz):  Our show will be syndicated, starting in July, on 50 or so stations.  Technically, we'll be "coast-to-coast", since we're reaching Portland from South Florida, but mostly, it'll be concentrated in the Southeast, in cities like Tallahassee, Louisville, Charleston, and Nashville.

So, in July, listen, if you like.  You may hate it.  You may hate me.  But mark my words:  You WILL hate my accordion.

Comments

[greg]

i live in athens, GA and would love to hear your accordion, i mean, show. what time and channel would it come on?

[cool dad]

Congratulations, Brant! I love your show, though I've never heard it.

[Dr Chuck Pearson]

I KNEW I'D LIVE TO SEE THE DAY WHEN FAREWELL TO JULIET WAS FAMOUS!

Even if it's just famous for being that indie-prog-rock band that the dorky radio host played in.

[Alan]

So Brant, your show sounds great and all, but what are the chances of catching it in the midwest (specifically, say, Des Moines?).

And if that isn't in the cards, then what are the chances of a podcast version?

[Fred]

Will I be able to get it in Charlotte, NC?

[Trey]

I haven't had much interest in listening to Christian radio in recent years, but if they broadcast your show here in Tallahassee...I'm in.

[Brant]

I'll try to post some kind of map-thingy in the weeks ahead, before the "national" show debuts.

You'll be able to listen on-line, as well.

I've thought about doing longer-form podcasts, where we can dig into stuff a little deeper, but it's hard to find the time, to be honest. But that's still a reasonable goal, after we get the new show off the ground.

[Keith Giles]

Brant- Is it possible to listen to your radio show online? You know, via them "Internets" ?

If not, you should look into that. I'd love to listen in while I'm at work in Orange County, California.

-kg

[From Brant: Well, I, for one, think this "internet" thing is a flash-in-the-pan.

But yes, we're online. 6-9 eastern, which is 3-6 a.m. your time, which is exactly the time frame of your Personal Morning Prayer Vigil.]

[Nathan Bubna]

They're gonna let you on the air in Portland? Careful with that, them's crazy people out there. Er.. i meant, we's crazy people out here. Forgot where i was for a second.

[Sam]

Brant,
You really need to saturate the Dallas market and take on my good friend and talk show host Russ Martin who so desperately needs to repent. I tried to get him to years ago, but I was drunk at the time.
Also, does this mean that Kamp Krusty's Urban Institute Summer Session I is off and my children won't meet some of those "least of these" types on Miami's streets this July?
-Sam

[Just Matt]

The Beast has FINALLY been released! Beware world...Beware....

BTW: I think I shot coke out my nose when I read this:
"Best of all, I'm talking to a lot of Good Churchgoing Folk, so I get to talk about the Kingdom of God to an unreached people group."

Best line in a while man.

[Scott]

That's excellent. Congrats!

[Lucia]

I have *never* listened to Christian radio, but there's a first time for everything. I'm with Just Matt, great line... but what *would* the world look like if the professed church were the real church? Inquiring non-Christian minds want to know.

[From Brant: It's hard to imagine, but it looks real good from here. Try Jesus' teaching, "The Sermon on the Mount" in Matthew 5-7.

Imagine people actually living that way. It's completely revolutionary.]

[Lindsey]

Hi Brant! Just started reading. :)

Does all the way to "south florida" include the Joy FM? That's the only Christian radio I've got up in Gainesville, and I'd be more than excited for a little more variety!

[From Brant: Our nearest signal there will be Tallahassee, unfortunately. I live in Jupiter, Florida, and work in West Palm Beach.]

[Brady]

Never fear... I used to live in Cleveland and so I still have a special filtering device on my radio that filters out accordian music.

[chuck]

Cant wait to check it out in Nashville.

[Brian]

So does that mean "Jeff and Stace" will be no longer in Nashville? Or will you be competing with them...

[Sarah]

Hey, that's good news!

[Deb]

I understand the air quotes, I totally get the point of words typed ALLCAPS, I can decode BTW,HT,LOL,IMHO, I can use the Urban Dictionary to get down and get real with the slang, but, honestly, I'm begging someone to explain the use of astericks around words. Brant does it, Lucia does, I want to do it to! *maybe*

[Maria]

There seem to be an abundance of Christian radio stations in my new neighborhood... I never listen to them, but I might tune you in. Provided that you're not going to interrupt my devotions (um, sleep) during the 3-6 am time slot.

[Barry Pike]

Hey, what about getting some of them streaming internets...all the hep cats are doing that now...that way we could hear you out here in flyover country.

[Kurt Bock]

And to think you once hosted a call in show called "Coffee With the Plant Experts"!

I can now say that "I knew him before that accordian think really took off...."

Way to go, Brant!

[Steve]

Where can we hear it in Tallahassee? My wife is excited about this news!

[amy]

For the record, I laughed out loud at Acoustic Weather this morning.

[DT]

Careful there, Mr. H. I swore off Xn radio years ago when the cringe factor became unbearable. Your post is almost tempting me back.
Fortunately, there's not much chance you'll get picked up in Canada...is there?