Look out, Dr. Laura! Move over, Ann Landers! Here comes the “Teen Talk Live” radio broadcast – Alabama’s answer to teenage advice with a Christian twist.
The Sunday night (9-11 p.m.) Christian radio talk show is geared toward the teenage market and is hosted by two zany personalities, who, in addition to their disc jockey duties, also serve as full-time youth pastors.
The duo, who also happen to be brothers, are Ernie Willis, youth minister at Clearview Baptist Church, Pinson, and Brad Willis, youth minister at First Baptist Church, Pelham.
The two interact throughout the two-hour show with comic sidekick Davie Kennemore, affectionately referred to as “Monkey Boy.” Twenty-one-year-old Kennemore also works with the youth at First, Pelham, and is currently pursuing a theology degree at Southeastern Bible College.
Call-in format
According to Brad Willis, the show’s format centers around live call-ins from teens about issues they deal with in their lives. The show also features special guests dealing with topics relevant to teens as well as comedy sketches, music and theme topics.
“Teen Talk Live” was the youth ministers’ dream that was birthed in 1997 and although it aired for eight months, it had to shut down due to financial difficulties.
“Our original show of three years ago had a good foundation on WDJC and we developed a loyal listening audience of teens from all over central Alabama,” Ernie Willis said. “The show featured comedy sketches and popular segments such as a ‘Top 10 List’ and ‘Points to Ponder.’ We had live call-in advice on topics ranging from teen suicide to Christian music,” he added, explaining that their new show follows the same format.
Not letting their vision dim, the trio continued to pursue their broadcasting goal until it once again became a reality Sept. 3 with the successful launching on Birmingham’s AM station, WYDE-850.
“The show’s air wave frequency will reach from Gardendale to Clanton,” said the show’s marketing director Lisa Willis.
“We feel so fortunate to follow the popular national radio talk show host, Dawson McAlister, whose Christian format is geared to teens who call in with questions, issues and concerns,” she said, referring to the 9-11 p.m. slot. “Teens will already be tuned into the station,” she added.
Interactive Web site
This show is geared toward meeting the spiritual needs of today’s youth by utilizing 21st century technology,” said Brad Willis.
“Teen Talk Live” now hosts its own Web site. According to Kennemore, the site features e-mail and a live chat room where listeners can interact with the hosts during the show. “We’re working on an audio feed to the Web site,” he said. The Web address is www.theyouthproject.com. Teens can call 205-942-8585 to participate in the show.
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