10 Questions with ... Stormy Taylor

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I have been in radio since college in 1986. Started at KPBA in Pine Bluff, Arkansas KLRG in Little Rock, Arkansas then to Power 92 in Little Rock, Arkansas on to KRNB Dallas, Texas, the Oasis Dallas, Texas and now KJMS and WDIA Memphis.

1) Would you tell me what you are working on?

Working on learning every aspect of communicating with people I can during this pandemic. Trying to stay connected to listeners and family as well. I have been working from home since last March and now looking forward to getting back into the office because I really miss human interaction. Masked up and social distancing of course.

2) Who were some of your influences during your career?

Broadway Joe Booker of KIPR Power 92 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Joe taught me to never make excuses and to own up to my mistakes in radio. It taught me to always strive to be better at this career I’ve chosen. Bobby O’Jay of WDIA 1070 AM taught me to embrace who I am on air and to be authentically me. He taught me that people would embrace who I am if I let them. Also, that you are never too big of a personality to be kind to everyone. Nicky Sparrow Moreland, President of the Jacksonville, Florida market taught me that kindness part, too. They are kind to everybody. Devin Steele, formerly of K97, taught me that hard work never hurt anybody and how important a willingness to work is. JC Loves and the late Donna Creer, formerly of KLRG Little Rock, Arkansas taught me that it was okay to follow my dreams in radio. Mike Evans of KJMS, was instrumental in teaching me how to laugh at myself and keep it moving even when I don’t want to laugh.

3) What did you learn about radio when you were out of the business?

I learned that you should never think you’re bigger than the machine. The machine is what helps you further build your brand. And while I was out, I vowed to work harder than ever, if God allowed me, to get back in. Now that I’m in I am maximizing every opportunity that comes my way while I have them. By that I mean that I pour my heart and soul into everything I do from remotes, to on air, endorsements, hosting and every person I meet, big names and small ones. Everyone I meet is important to me.

4) How did you wind up in radio?

I went to college for TV and ended up in radio. I never wanted to do radio and once I got a taste of radio, I never wanted to stop. I fell in love.

5) Would you share your approach to doing on air interviews?

First, relax and be myself and find ways to make the person I’m interviewing feel the same. Then the interviews seem to flow.

6) What's the most important lesson you've learned about being in radio?

One of them is to always try and respond to people who reach out to me. If they send me a message on social media, I always try to respond. I’ve made friends with people I’ve never met, and I love it. I always try to respond to emails as well, even if my answer is, “I’m sorry, I can’t do that.” In the fall, I got a call from a man who wanted to register to vote. He called me because he’s heard me talk about how important it is to register and then to vote. I didn’t take it for granted that he could find that info out for himself. I put him in contact with a TN state Representative and looked up the Election Commission address and number and told him exactly what to do. I even checked to make sure he did it. I was honored that he trusted me enough to ask for my help.

7) How do you show prep for the morning show?

By reading everything, everywhere. I’m constantly prepping. It doesn’t just start in the morning. I may have a conversation with someone and think, that’s good to talk about or share with people. Like my girlfriend didn’t know that you have to ask for a form to absentee vote every election, that it’s not a one and done. That’s something listeners may not know so, that becomes a lifestyle topic. I look up the info and share. I prep for Friday on Monday depending on what I’m looking for. I’m always trying to find a new way to tease what’s coming up. I look for stories everywhere, emails, prep services, social media, news apps, you name it.

8) Have you ever been interested in any other profession other than radio?

Of course, TV. People tell me I have the face for it all the time. I worked the front desk at a hotel in Dallas, Texas once and I learned that I love serving people. It was a lot like radio to me. We serve people.

9) Why do you like being on the air?

I get to inspire, empower, encourage, inform and share with people all while entertaining them. It’s one of the best jobs on earth. I think. J.

10) What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Don’t talk at people, talk to them and there is a difference. That’s one. Live in the present. And the most important thing isn’t always how everyone sees you but how the people the closest to you see you. I want my friends and family to cherish me because I’m kind to them just as I’m kind to others. I value how they view me because they often see me and know me more intimately than most.