10 Questions with ... Lizz Ryals

1. Please tell us about your career journey?

My first job, straight out of the gate was WRIX in Anderson, SC. 18/19 years old! I spent the next 30 years working, mostly, in the Upstate in mainstream radio. I’ve had a love of HIS Radio, and relationships with management, including Allen Henderson and Rob Dempsey for the past 20 years and always wanted to be part of the HIS Radio Family! The dream finally came true when I was brought on board in February, 2020 to be part of HIS Morning Crew. August 2021, I moved into my role as Program Director.

2. Share a moment in your career that you’ll always remember.

For a fun one, I got to meet my teenage heartthrobs, Duran Duran in 1998! I was immediately a 13-year-old girl when Simon Le Bon and I carried on a conversation (however brief)! It’s hard to really narrow down moments in my career, particularly over the past year and a half. One memory I have is of 8-year-old Cooper who told his mom he would give up his weekly snack allowance if his family could help support HIS Radio with a donation. That little guy, now 9, and his family have their own 501c3 helping the homeless in our area.

3. The best advice you've ever received was…

I have a very dear friend, who is also my pastor. His name is Brad Atkins. It’s not just advice to me, but to anyone within hearing distance: A need known is an opportunity given. That speaks volumes to me and I’ve tried to implement that mantra into my life.

4. How do you continue learning and growing?

I listen. I try to really find that quiet time, as difficult as it is some days, so that I listen to God. I listen to other, in my field and learn from them. Someone always has a new perspective on a story, fundraising, interacting with people and I can’t be so comfortable in the way I do things that I stop growing.

5. What’s one thing you wish you’d known about radio when you first started?

That eventually I’d need to be up an hour earlier that my male counterparts so that I can get my face on before we go live every morning!

6. Tell us about someone who you really respect and why?

My daughter, Taylor. Taylor has always had this pure heart and love for God, family, friends. She is a nurse and a mom now (first grandbaby!) and it’s been so inspiring to see her interact with her husband, the baby, juggle her job, etc. She knows whose child she belongs to and she strives to make HIM proud every day.

7. What’s something about you that would surprise people?

I love adventure like rappelling, kayaking, hiking, etc, BUT I hate roller coasters and theme park rides, other than maybe the carousel!

8. What’s on your nightstand?

What isn’t? Lotion, a night mask, always some water, a devotional and some low country books.

9. Finish this sentence: My day doesn’t start properly before...

I have a cup of coffee and give a proper hug to my golden doodle, Charlie

10. What do you to unwind and chill?

I love to read, pretty much anything about the low country or history of almost any monarchy. Perfect afternoon is cool breeze, back deck, cup of coffee, music and a great book!