Conversations with Lauren Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Smith.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born & raised in Lansing & found my way to Grand Valley State University for school (Laker for a lifetime!) Thankfully I got an internship at Clear Channel, as it was named at the time, and fell in love! After a part-time promotional job I was hired on after graduation to be the Executive Producer for WOOD Radio’s morning show, West Michigan’s Morning News! Despite waking up 5 days a week at 3:05AM (for some reason waking up on the 5’s makes me believe I’m getting more sleep?) I’ve been a part of the industry for 18 years! Which is wild, especially because I refuse to believe I’m old enough for that. I’ve been a part of WOOD almost the entire time with a brief hiatus from 2014-2018 when I was a morning show host on 104.5 WSNX. Then I was moved to mornings on STAR 105.7, while simultaneously doing mornings back on WOOD & took over Middays on WSNX! Three shows in one day may sound insane, but its a fun ride. I now do all 3 stations as well as Traffic for iHeartMedia W. Michigan (as we’re now known). I’m having a ton of fun co-hosting a podcast on our iHeartRadio App as well called “Buns & Banter” with my fabulous co-worker and friend, Aly Mac. the fact I’m STILL voluntarily waking up at an absurd hour should tell you how much I love doing this & working with the people that I do!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The path has not always been smooth, that’s been the biggest lesson. As anyone can probably guess, media in general can be somewhat volatile & unforgiving at moments. But you constantly have the chance to learn something new, teach yourself something different, continue to expand your versatility & it turns out to be ALOT of fun! My new mantra is try to say YES . Even if its scary. Like being approached to become the In-Arena announcer for our first ever professional women’s volleyball team, the Grand Rapids Rise? Terrifying. I’d never even touched a volleyball. But I said yes & it has been one of the most fun things I’ve ever gotten to do in this career! I’ve made it through lay-offs, I’ve watched talented people leave, but you keep the faith and hard work. There’s always a lesson!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Radio is the coolest. Its like an improv gig everyday! Our chance to be so open, vulnerable, honest & funny with our listeners has granted me the privilege to meet so many amazing people. I’m probably best known for being “Shmitty”. I’ve been in the Grand Rapids market for almost 2 decades & I’m very proud of the philanthropic work I’ve gotten to be a part of! Honestly, the thing that might most set me apart is the fact I’m a wife, mother of two & still find my way to hosting massive events and staying up way past my bedtime. I get the “can’t believe you can still hang like this!” a lot…and I’ll admit I’m proud of that. Keeps ya young when you’re surviving off 4-5 hours of sleep a night!

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I won’t speak for everyone in this line of work, but for many of us we are actually pretty anxious! I’d be lying if I didn’t say I have so many moments where I feel nervous for something, or terrified I won’t do well for an important event! The imposter syndrome can run deep, too. So that’s when I bring it up on a show. Talk it out, settle my mind a bit. Maybe connect with someone else feeling similarly. There’s a lot to be said for “fake it till you make it” and trust me, if you’re reading this right now, you are worth it. And you’re even more fantastic at whatever life throws your way than you think!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @shmitinthemitt
• Facebook: @Shmitinthemitt
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-smith-056a05138?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shmit_inthemitt?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc