Staff Spotlight: Phil Arlinghaus
You may not always hear his voice, but you’ll definitely hear the results of his work. Phil Arlinhaus is Joy 620 WRJZ Director of Operations, which means if something needs to be fixed, scheduled, produced, or patched up, he’s probably the one making it happen.
“I spend my days making sure we are humming along,” Phil says. “That means keeping us on the air by maintaining equipment, working with the talent, and making sure we are compliant with the FCC.”
A College Assignment That Changed Everything
Phil got his start at WRJZ about 10 years ago, thanks to a college professor at Johnson University. One day in class, the professor mentioned that a local radio host, our own Bob Bell, was looking for students to come on the air and talk about church. Phil decided to show up.
“That led to me coming on regularly until John Adams, the general manager, asked me if I wanted a job as the afternoon producer,” Phil explains. “Since then I’ve worked with three different radio groups, but WRJZ is home.”
He’s seen the inside of stations both bigger and smaller, but WRJZ stands out.
“I love everyone I’ve ever worked with, but WRJZ is special. I really feel that we do our best to walk the walk and talk the talk.”
A Lifelong Love for Faith and Story
Phil was adopted at birth and raised in Seymour, Tennessee. He says he was in church more often than the pastor’s kid. He gave his life to Christ around age eight and fully surrendered to God’s will at a summer retreat before college.
“I walked into the auditorium and bam, the word REPENT was in bold neon lights on stage,” he says. “I prayed the entire weekend. I surrendered to Christ fully, to His Lordship, and to follow Him on the path that He laid before me.”
That spiritual surrender happened on June 19, 2010. He was 18 years old.
From Quiet Guest to Radio Regular
Years after that pivotal retreat came the day when Phil found himself walking into WRJZ for the first time. He was nervous and unsure of what to say. But radio doesn’t wait.
“This host guy was talking and talking, and I didn’t know what to say. During the break, he told me ‘We can’t have dead air, so just start talking.’ The rest of the two hours were a blur.”
He has worn many hats and filled many roles at the radio station, eventually rising through the ranks to management.
Life Outside the Studio
When he’s not working at the radio station, Phil is a filmmaker and podcaster. He’s also a dedicated husband and father.
Phil and his wife Hannah were born on the same day, seemingly a divine appointment to be together. He and his wife Hannah have two children: Lorelai, age six, and baby Winston. Expanding his family ties even more, he recently reconnected with his birth family.
Phil loves to read, and says the Bible is the greatest adventure story ever told. He’s an avid Elvis Presley fan and loves to golf.
But his favorite pastime?
“Dreaming. Dream of anything and everything. It’s my favorite thing to do.”
A Final Word (or Two)
In addition to his tireless work, Phil is known around the radio station for his good humor and friendly sarcasm.
He likes to say, “Teamwork makes the nightmare work,” and “If you want it done right, do it yourself.”
But when asked what he really wants others to remember, he gets serious and keeps it simple.
Never miss an opportunity.
We’re grateful Phil didn’t miss his, and that he’s part of the WRJZ family.
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Phil,
Nice piece on your career and life.
I’m doing a book signing at Cedar Springs Christian Bookstore on July 19th.
I would like to appear on your station to do an interview with your host you think would work best.
The book is ‘Unhindered’ on the life of Paul the Apostle. It’s a first person narrative of him discussing what he was going through at the time. It is 100% biblical accurate.
Look forward to being on your station.
wiltustin@gmail.com
wiltustin.com