THE JUGGLE IS REAL.

seven weeks,” Jensen says. “It was seriously one of the highlights of my career so far, getting that opportunity. And it makes me wish that for all working moms —that they have a job they can go to where they can bring their baby with. And obviously that’s not practical for everybody. But it worked out well for my situation and I’m forever grateful.” The experience prompted regional news coverage and sparked a dialogue about the challenges of being a working mom that still continues when Jensen talks with listeners today.

After seven weeks, school resumed and the family settled into a routine that has since become the new normal. First up is that morning workout and maybe a coffee or two — her drink of choice is a Northern Lite hazelnut

The main goal whenever I open the microphone is, how is this going to relate to the person I’m talking to? Is it entertaining?

Is it compelling? Will it draw an emotional response?

WILL IT MAKE S OMEONE SMILE?

latte from Caribou Coffee. “Caribou is my jam, she laughs. “If they were open at 4 a.m., I’d be there.” Then Jensen swings back home to the family’s downtown Fargo abode for morning hugs, breakfast and the getting-ready rush.

Then “The Bigs” head to school with Nelson — a high school history teacher at Park Christian School in Moorhead, which is adjacent to the elementary school the oldest two children attend — and “The Littles” are off to daycare. By 7:30 a.m., Jensen is already across town at Big 98.7, where listeners hear her on the air from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. But her workday is actually much longer than her on-air shift.

“The biggest misconception is that we only work as long as we’re on the air,” she says. “Everybody says, ‘Well, your day is only five hours long.’” But there’s a lot going on behind the scenes that listeners never hear about. “It’s all those hours spent in client meetings or other meetings, or doing production and creating the commercials you hear, going to our remote broadcasts, doing our events, putting on pre-parties, all the charity stuff,” Jensen pauses to take a breath. “We’re really busy, actually.”

Not that she’d have it any other way. “Radio is the best job in the world. I enjoy myself and have fun every day and I wouldn’t change it for the world,” she says. Jensen loves connecting with her audience and considers herself lucky that her station’s demographic is comprised mostly of women like herself. That makes it easier to understand what her audience wants — and sometimes needs — to hear.

“The main goal whenever I open the microphone is, how is this going to relate to the person I’m talking to?” says Jensen. “Is it entertaining? Is it compelling? Will it draw an emotional response? Will it make someone smile?”

Radio also provides a creative outlet. “I really love doing commercials and putting together production for clients,” she says. “In a way, that’s my canvas, since I’m not talented at singing or painting or anything like that.”

In addition to her daily on-air shift and commercial production schedule, Jensen also makes time to give back to the community. She’s the president of The Big Christmas Wish, the station’s charity. The nonprofit organization grants wishes to community members during the holiday season and all year long. Community members, family and friends can nominate individuals in need to receive goods, services or financial contributions.

“There’s a lot of work that goes into it: the planning, the events that we put on, a lot of boring clerical stuff, “ Jensen explains. “But the reward is huge because you get to help people in need. You get to see the faces, you get to shake the hands, you get to give the hugs. I’ve also found what an amazing community we live in because of this program.” do that, but I think as a community member and as a good human being. I think it goes back to being an example for your kids. It’s not all about you. You’ve been given talents and gifts. What are you doing to share those? What are you doing to help others?”

The concept of reading by example really hit home when Jensen became a parent. Having four little pairs of eyes on her at all times has made her view her own life and choices differently. “I’m not one of those people who thinks you have to have kids to be complete,” she says. “But for me, I wasn’t complete until I had kids. I didn’t know that a heart could love so much. There’s just such purpose in my life right now.” When Jensen’s not working, working out or “just getting to be a girl” and enjoying a facial or getting her lashes done, it’s family time. Weekends find the family tromping through Fargo’s Island Park (their unofficial backyard), checking out stacks of books from the Fargo Public Library, and curling up with popcorn for their traditional Friday night movie night. And as anyone who follows Jensen on social media already knows, there’s definitely a family favorite.

“I’m sure people are like, ‘What in the world is it with this family and Star Wars?’ I married a super geek. I had no idea what I was getting into,” she says with a grin. “He introduced “The Bigs” to Star Wars and it was over. It was done.” So much so that the family poses for photos in full costume. It turns out that the willowy brunette looks great in everything, even a storm trooper uniform.

Despite the polished, relatable façade, Jensen laughs at the idea that her life is as smooth and easy as it seems online and on the air. “It’s not a perfect life we live,” she says empathetically. “Facebook and social media paint a different picture. Everybody is guilty of that. We post the pictures that are cute and fun. I’m not going to post the fight picture. But those happen. It’s real life. Nobody is perfect. Everybody has ups and downs.”

Giving back to her community is central to Jensen’s whole belief system. She’s a Christian — the family attends church at Bethel in south Fargo — and the idea of service is close to her heart. “I think it’s what we’re called to do,” Jensen says. “Not just if you’re a believer and if your faith calls you to

In a life full of ups and downs, Jensen says that her faith and her support system get her through the tough days. “I won the husband lottery,” Jensen says with a smile, the same one that colors her features whenever she talks about her partner. “He’s like the best dad in the world. My other inspiration is women. It’s my close relationships, my friendships, the people in my inner circle who know the real me.”

Whether its taking their toddlers on a stroll through the neighborhood or arranging walking dates at the mall — “It’s us and the geriatric crowd, pounding out the steps!” — support from female friends is critical. And that goes for women at work as well. Jensen doesn’t get riled up about much, but the idea of the mommy wars makes her eyes flash.

“It’s hard to see how hard women are on each other. We all want that to change,” she says. “I’m so annoyed with mom guilt and all of that. I shouldn’t feel guilty for wanting a full-time career, for wanting to give back, for wanting to work out, and also wanting a big family.”

Jensen says her advice to women in the radio industry, and in any industry, is simple. “If it’s your passion, show it by your availability,” she says. “If this is what you want to do, make this the priority. All the ‘yeses’ you give are going to open a door for you.”

This combination of passion and hard work has guided Jensen’s career since she left the tiny town of New Underwood, South Dakota, to get into the radio industry. It took her to Brown College in Minneapolis where she got her degree, then to a cluster of radio stations in northern Minnesota, and to a morning show gig in Rochester, Minnesota, where she met and married her husband. It’s served her well for nine years in the Fargo-Moorhead radio market. And she hopes it will guide her in the years to come.

“If I’m fortunate enough to have a job, I’m going to be in radio. I love it,” Jensen says, her face lighting up. “Over my eighteen years in this business I’ve had the privilege of seeing a lot of females come up and move forward.”

“Say yes,” she says again, more intensely this time. “Be as available as possible. Get in. Just say that you want to do it. And then show up and do it.”