Where are you from originally?
I was born in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
How did you get into radio? Tell us a bit about your career.
I was a college sophomore when I switched from business to communications. At Lincoln University in Jefferson City, I worked at the college radio station, wrote for the school newspaper, I had a weekend shift on a local country and western station and I did affiliate work for a Cardinals baseball radio satellite company. I graduated and moved to Kansas City where I worked part-time at a radio station, reading the news and sold advertising for an African-American focused phone book and magazine.
I began my career at the “Voice of St. Louis” in 1995 as an anchor, reporter and talk show host. Before that, I was once a campaign organizer, a recruiter for the U.S. Census Bureau, and even worked as a substitute teacher!
Tell us about your family. 
I am first and foremost a mother and wife. My husband Patrick and have been married for 25 years and are the proud parents of two sons, ages 19 and 23.
How do you juggle motherhood, marriage and a career all at once?
Not well. Something has to give at all times. As I answer these questions, I’m running late for a work party that I didn’t put on my calendar which means I didn’t tell my husband!!!! It was much more difficult when my sons were little. I tried to take them to as many events as I could when I was emcee’ing something. Both have been on stage with me many times. My youngest even sang the national anthem during a cruise when I had a meet and greet with the KMOX passengers.
What do you love about working in St. Louis? What don’t you like? What’s the hardest part?
Because we found a great church, New Life In Christ Interdenominational Church in O’Fallon, Illinois, that has made it all a much deeper, richer experience. I do love being close to my parents. My father retired from the Army at Fort Wood and they live just off base. Longevity has it’s place and working for the same radio station for 25 years has allowed me to get to know some amazing people, companies and organizations. I do have trouble with what comes across as narrow-mindedness. I have been the target of sexism and racism. I have received my share of anonymous racist letters and emails. Fortunately, I know who I am and who they are.
What do you see as St. Louis’ strength? And its weakness?
St. Louis is, like many communities, very giving but perhaps because of the history of segregation and the policies that built up some communities but left others to rot, St. Louis has suffered, as has the entire country, by not seeing all of it’s citizens become all that they can be.
What advice would you give to yourself as a young mother (ie, all young mothers) back in the beginning?
Give yourself a break!
How have you maintained your relationship with your child as they’ve grown?
It has certainly changed. We talk, text and spend time together. I ask alot of questions which may annoy them at times but I am curious about their lives. Watching our sons grow and leave home has been among the most difficult times of my life. I still miss them so much which is funny because they were messy and often smelly. They left dirty dishes and had to be threatened to clean their rooms but how I love them!!!!
What’s your favorite STL spot?
My backyard. I love the Central West End and our favorite spot (especially for our anniversary) used to be Scape on Maryland Plaza but it closed. They had the best patio!
Carol A. Daniel began her career at the “Voice of St. Louis” in 1995 as an anchor, reporter and talk show host.mThe 36-year veteran of broadcasting was once a campaign organizer, a recruiter for the U.S. Census Bureau, and even worked as a substitute teacher! In 2008, Carol helped launch the Emmy award-winning lifestyle television show on KMOV-TV, “Great Day St. Louis”
before moving on to her next career, author! Her first book, “All I Ever Wanted: Relationships, Marriage, Family,” was met with praise from her many fans. She also is an award-winning columnist, having spent nearly ten years writing for the St. Louis American Newspaper. She has received two National Newspaper Association awards for her column, “Carol’s Journal.” Her other honors have come from the Missouri Broadcaster’s Association, The Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists, the YWCA Women’s Leader Class. Most recently, Delux Magazine of St. Louis elected her to their Power 100 list and she was selected “Best Host” by her peers at STL TV, the city of St. Louis cable
access channel.Carol is in her third term as President of the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalist.
