Forty years ago, LoveTalk Network began with a simple mission: to share the love of Jesus and encourage listeners to courageously embrace the best life he has for them. Growing up surrounded by secular radio, Austin resident Evelyn Davison founded LoveTalk to bring “God’s love message to a world thirsty for the truth of the gospel.”
After starting the LoveTalk radio program, Evelyn helped lead annual observances of the National Day of Prayer in Texas and was named America’s Honorary Prayer Coordinator by former president George W. Bush. She also wrote countless magazine and newspaper articles and several books, and served as publisher of the Good News Journal. She began LoveTalk Network as a solo endeavor before realizing the value of adding another perspective via a co-host. Although not the first to work with Evelyn on the program, Cathy Endebrock eventually joined Evelyn as a co-host, a position she has held for over 12 years. Within a couple of years, Kerri Brinkoeter also joined as a co-host and when Evelyn retired, Marlene McMichael came on board to round out this diverse group of dynamic women. Together, they continue to carry on Evelyn’s legacy of spreading faith, hope, and encouragement to listeners all over Texas.
THREE VOICES, ONE MISSION
Cathy, Kerri, and Marlene all bring unique perspectives to LoveTalk Network. A former women’s ministry director for her church, current director of Let’s Pray Today Ministries, and author of prayer devotional book My Voice, His Heart, Cathy is passionate about helping Christians grow in their relationships with God and equipping them to fulfill their spiritual callings.
Affectionately known as Coach Kerri for her time coaching women’s basketball at Texas A&M University, Blinn College, Southwestern University, and Grace Academy in Georgetown — Kerri brings a vibrant energy to the show. She also enjoys coaching people with movement disorders (Parkinson’s disease) at a fitness gym in Georgetown. “She’s the joy and light of the program that pumps you up,” Cathy says.
Two-and-a-half years ago, they welcomed Marlene, who has held senior positions with multiple lawmakers at the Capitol and started her own consulting firm specializing in governmental affairs and community relations. “We love Marlene, not just her wisdom and genuine friendship but also her background in politics, which is something we lack,” Cathy says. “She has spent so many years in the Capitol bringing people together on both sides of the aisle.”
While the LoveTalk program is recorded in an Austin studio, its hosts all live or have lived in Georgetown — Cathy now resides in Idaho but “will always be a Texas girl at heart.” Each week, the trio tackle various topics, offering faith-based insights into everyday challenges. They have welcomed many guests, from well-known Christian speakers like Nick Vujicic and Abby Johnson to local leaders making a difference in their communities. “We have had programs talking about everything from sadness and depression all the way to being joyful in times of strife,” Kerri says. “Some of my favorites have been series on women in the Bible, emotions, and all different kinds of health – mental, financial, physical.” The LoveTalk team is gearing up for its next thankfulness series in November that includes a post-election wrap-up focusing not on the winning candidate but on America’s next chapter.
The hosts make it clear that, while LoveTalk is faith-based, they are not biblical scholars. “We’re just regular people. We deal with issues just like everyone else,” Kerri says. Marlene adds, “We’re just real people with real stories.”
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS
As LoveTalk marks its 40th anniversary, Kerri reflects on the show’s impactful journey. “It’s an absolute honor to carry this through and celebrate the 40th anniversary. To be able to celebrate 40 is honestly unbelievable. Our station manager says we are the longest tenured female-hosted broadcast in the state of Texas, and maybe nationally.”
Their anniversary milestone drew the attention of the Texas House of Representatives, which issued an official proclamation in honor of LoveTalk’s anniversary. “We just appreciate that our leaders recognize the impact [LoveTalk] has on the people of Texas,” Cathy says. “It’s a voice for Texas values and what makes Texas great, and how people can make an impact right where they are, whether they have a small influence or a big one.”
Despite Evelyn’s passing last year, Cathy, Kerri, and Marlene are determined to continue the program with the help of the community. “We thought it would stop with her passing, but the support from our sponsors and the community has kept it going with a renewed spirit and purpose,” Cathy says.
WHAT’S NEXT
“When I joined as a co-host, I was stunned at how much effort goes into a single program. Our numbers for a locally based radio program are strong, and every life we impact is a blessing,” Marlene says. “Still, we all wondered if we could do more, so we began investigating options and next steps.” As a result of those next steps, LoveTalk Network is now incorporated and has been accepted into the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), the world’s largest association of Christian communicators. The broadcasts, which have been sound only, are also moving to a live format on YouTube this month.
“When we expanded into podcasting, we were excited to learn we had found favor with an international audience, picking up listeners in Europe and the Middle East,” Cathy says. “Now, we are opening doors to reach more listeners nationally. Who knew three women from Georgetown, Texas, could reach that kind of audience?”
HOW TO TUNE IN
Listeners can catch LoveTalk Network Saturdays at 10am and Sundays at 8pm on The Bridge Austin by tuning in at 101.1FM and 1120AM or by livestream at thebridgeaustin.com.
For podcast listeners, a decade of LoveTalk programs is available on all major platforms, as well as the most popular programs now being added to YouTube. To learn more about LoveTalk, visit lovetalknetwork.com and check out the upcoming program highlights on Instagram and Facebook.