Sean Sawatzky

Sean Sawatzky is responsible for overseeing the overall operation of KLRC. He does a little bit of everything, but his duties include team leadership, fundraising, budgeting, and legal compliance.

90.9 Questions with Sean

What three words would your loved ones use to describe you?

Our staff shares a couple of words that describe a teammate on their birthday card each year. Witty, Patient and Wise were the top three words in this year’s card.

Finish this sentence: "When I was five, I was pretty sure I'd be __________ when I grew up."

Honestly, for as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be in broadcasting. I think I was 8 when I my parents bought a little Radio Shack mixer so I could have my first “home studio.” Before that, I’m pretty sure I wanted to either be a motorcycle cop (think Chips here… lol) or the guy on Knight Rider. I mean, Kitt was cool - that digital dashboard, a car that talked to you and drove itself, what’s not to like? That was my backup plan if radio didn’t work out.

What could we probably find you doing when you're not at the station?

Definitely spending time with my wife, Kim, enjoying great local restaurants with friends or exploring the beauty of NWA on my motorcycle.

What is your most used emoji?

Definitely 😂. Or 😲… because it’s just kind of fun.

If you wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?

Let’s be honest – this is going to be an audio book. I’m thinking the title would be: Grateful

What is your favorite quote?

Can I have two? 

“There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit.” Ronald Reagan
“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Frederick Buechner

How would you describe your job to an alien who had no idea what you were talking about?

I get work every day with some of the very best, most talented people I know. Through music and messages, we get to share about the greatest gift ever given with anyone around the world who might choose to listen (though, aliens are also welcome here). And, we have a lot of laughs and fun in the process.

What's a song on KLRC that everyone should hear and why?

If I can only pick one, it’s “Living Hope” by Phil Whickham. It’s just a super clear message of the gospel and has such an appropriately worshipful tone to it in praising God for the hope He made available to each of us through Jesus. I also really like the lyrics to “Who Am I” from Needtobreathe. It’s an incredibly honest / vulnerable acknowledgement for anyone who ever struggles with truly feeling worthy of being loved that the greatest love of all meets us right where we are and requires nothing in return.

What is one of your favorite memories involving the station or team?

This is so hard because there are so many memories from literally three decades here as a student and then staff member. Some of the accomplishments I’m so grateful I got to see God do include our move to our current facility in 2011. The building we’re in is such a gift and beyond what I had ever imagined would be possible for us. Another is the build-out and sign-on of the 90.9 signal. This was years in the making and without God’s hand in every step of the process, could have fallen apart so many different times through the process. Seeing Him guide us through every step of the process, through all the red tape and regulations, and provision for every expense was just like watching a miracle unfold slowly before our eyes.

Choosing my favorite listener story or memory is an even harder exercise because there are literally hundreds. One memory that comes to mind is a very special and holy moment that God orchestrated with a listener that was nearing the end of her life here on earth. David Crowder (her absolute favorite artist) recorded an incredibly special and personal video from his home studio just for her. He encouraged her, made some classic Crowder jokes and shared some music with her that he was recording at the time. It’s one of those things that most people would never know even happened, but just reminded me of the awesome hope that Jesus gives and the incredible impact of Christian music to share that hope. I love the unity that exists from the listeners to the team here to the artists we play. We’re all children of God and we’re all on the same journey, no matter what our specific role might be.