Off-Mic with Van Harden, inventor of the ‘2:45 a.m. prayer’ and lover of life!
No regrets. It’s a great way to live.
Van Harden knows from personal experience.
The 50-year broadcast veteran and Marconi (no, it’s not a noodle!) Award recipient recently retired after a distinguished career, including 35 years behind the mic at the 50,000-watt WHO Radio (Des Moines).
I’m a big fan of Van Harden. Always have been since moving to central Iowa from Cedar Falls (Panther… Class of ’93) shortly after graduation. Media relations was a big part of my work, and I connected right away with Van as a member of the Iowa Farm Bureau communications team. The connection was an easy one. If you want central Iowans to know something about farming, you better get to know the hosts of the most-listened to morning radio show located in the state’s most populous city.
We got to know each other well quite well over the next two decades as I pitched numerous stories. I’ve had the honor of serving as a “Guest Van” on the Van & Bonnie Show. He even announced the birth of all three of my children and was one of the first I called upon for helpful insights on becoming a published author.
But most importantly, I’m drawn to Van because of his optimism, faith, creativity, and work ethic. He also has fun, doesn’t cut corners and is OK with failing. He lives life to the fullest, is a serial entrepreneur and absolutely loves Iowa and Iowans. He’s also persevered through struggles and despair.
These are attributes that will take you far.
So, it was an absolute delight to sit down and chat with the Adel native and resident and inventor of cheese-crust pizza and at the Wahlburger’s in Waukee.
You’re invited (and encouraged) to eavesdrop…
What do you miss about being on air, Van?
The people and the dedicated listeners who tuned in to what I had to say for more than 50 years. But I don’t regret the decision to retire. I always had a 3-page to-do list while working full-time at the station. Now it’s down to two-thirds of a page. I live in the oldest house in Adel (built in 1854) and it doesn’t take care of itself.
You mean, you don’t miss saying good morning to Iowans every weekday at 4:59 a.m.?
People often asked how I did that. I guess it’s a lot like those Nike commercials. You just do it. That said, looking back, I’m not sure how I pulled it off. I guess when you’re in the moment and loving what you do, things like early morning alarms and long hours become an afterthought.
Rumor is you don’t drink coffee?
It’s not a rumor. I’ve never been a coffee drinker, which most people find odd for an early-morning radio host.
And that you picked the call letters for KXNO Radio?
True again. While program director at WHO Radio, the parent company launched a sport-talk station. It needed a name, so I picked KXNO. It stuck. It’s had quite a run as the most-listened to sports station in Iowa.
What don’t you miss about your time at the 50,000-watt blow torch?
Getting up at 2:45 a.m. or sleeping at the station overnight because of a predicted blizzard.
You’re a man of faith who isn’t afraid to share it as an author and speaker. Why?
It was an honor to get the accolades as a broadcaster and station director. But my faith has always been the most important thing in my life. It’s my foundation. Many years ago, I began saying a simple prayer each day when I awoke: "Show me. Tell me. Send me. Show me what You have for me. Tell me what to do. And send me out to do it." I continue to recite that prayer each morning. It’s reassuring and also a call to action.
Has the 2:45 a.m. prayer been answered?
Early in my faith journey, I’d moan and groan after saying it because I didn’t hear the voice of God speaking back to me. I expected that he’d tell me exactly what to do. What I didn’t realize is that God spoke to me in the form of answering my prayer. I’ve wound up in some of the most unbelievable situations because of prayer, like helping establish a church in Zimbabwe.
Van Harden during mission trip to Zimbabwe. The country of roughly 15 million people is located in southeast Africa.
Any other examples?
There was also the time I came to know a teenage listener of my show that had cancer. He was in hospice at home, and I called on him to minister to him. His parents also visited, but separately as they were going through a bitter divorce. I recall asking myself, “Now how did I get in the middle of this? Oh, yeh, that’s right… the 2:45 a.m. prayer!” The teenager ultimately beat cancer and became involved in Pinky Swear.
What have these events taught you?
Don’t pray unless you’re ready for them to be answered because God has a big, big sleeve and you never know what’s up it!
What else?
That people don’t think or talk enough about God. I recently posed a question to an audience of pastors. It went something like, “We don’t know when Jesus returns. But let’s say that for the sake of conversation, that Jesus is coming Monday. What is your sermon on Sunday?” It would be worthwhile if we approach each sermon – each day – by asking that question.
In addition to prayer, how do we make positive change happen?
By creating a to-do list and committing to it. I’ve got mine. I look forward to making checkmarks after accomplishing something that’s on it. It’s a great feeling when you do that and the list begins to shorten.
If you could have a professional do-over, what would it be?
To have done more writing. My major was radio/tv journalism. I always enjoyed writing, but I spent most of my time behind the microphone. Yet I’ve discovered that writing is just another form of talking. Oddly, though, I enjoy writing with a pencil more than the computer.
What do you think people say about you behind your back?
Probably all kinds of things! Although I’ve learned through the grapevine that I’m someone who treats all people the same. That’s the ultimate compliment.
Best advice you’ve received and from who?
I haven’t always been the best listener, but I’ve always been a good observer. This includes people and ways of doing things that I don’t want to emulate. During my time broadcasting at “Brand-X”, the program and advertising managers would use different halls and walkways because they hated each other. I mean, hated each other with a passion. They didn’t even want to see each other, let alone have to talk to each other. I told myself I’d never be like that because both departments are critically important to each other and the station’s success. It’s like asking what’s more important, your heart or your lungs? You need both!
A word of advice to students starting college this fall
Don’t ignore your creativity. Welcome it and act on it because your creativity can make life fun. Most people are far more creative than they think! Put it to use and make your life and the lives of others more fruitful and satisfying.
And to the recent college graduate?
Seek out employers that will give you enough rope to explore. I was grateful for the opportunity to try all kinds of crazy on-air things, like hosting a leisure suit convention, journeying to the center of the Earth, and firing off pumpkin cannons. Never tire of trying new things.
How do you manage adversity?
By making it through the day and reminding myself that it doesn’t and won’t always have to be this way. You can’t expect that everything will be perfect. Live long enough and bad things will happen. Learn from them, especially as those circumstances get further behind you. You’ll understand bad things make you stronger. And if they happen again, know you’ve been there before and can get through it again.
Who modeled strength over adversity for you?
My mother, Grace. People often called her “Amazing Grace” because she was such a woman of faith. It didn’t matter what she was going through. You knew she was going to make it through. She also didn’t like the term “self-esteem;” said it came across as needing to go about finding reasons to like yourself. It was God’s idea to create you… not you! You should feel good about that because God doesn’t make junk. I like to call it “God Esteem!”
Oh, and back to your to-do list… what’s on it?
To visit the Holy Lands! And probably fix a few more things around the house. Did I mention it was built in 1854?
From left: Van Harden with Emily Putze and Aaron Putze at the Summer Iowa Games, Ames Iowa; Gov. Kim Reynolds proclaims Van Harden Day in Iowa on the broadcaster’s last day at WHO Radio Des Moines; Surprise birthday party with family!