Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stacey Stone. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Stacey, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
My parents taught me over and over again that I could do anything that I put my mind to. Being raised in Texas, you automatically have a swagger about you but my mother and father took that to the next step. They supported me in everything that I ever chose to do, including a very expensive education. My father would introduce me as his daughter who was going to be the President of the United States. That is not going to happen, ever, but they also supported me when their daughter “the creative” decided that she wanted to be on the radio. There were no limits on what I could accomplish with my parents. I have a Master’s degree in Business Communication because I was trying to put a square peg in a round hole. I would have been miserable in corporate America and I feel like they both knew that. My mother and father worked very hard so that my brother and I could have everything they did not growing up and I think being myself in all of my endeavors is a testament to their sacrifices.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I realized recently that I have been in the people business for all of my career. Encouraging others and making them feel loved and supported has always been my goal. When a person feels like they are appreciated, they can achieve great things for a company or in their individual lives. That has been my goal for my career and now, as I have aged, I work to bring others up so they can carry on the great things we have built. My radio career began when I took an internship at a local radio station for my first Master’s Degree. I knew then that I never wanted to leave. That level of creativity (we create a new 4 hour show every weekday) and the energy that comes with broadcasting have always excited me. I cannot tell you how many times someone has told me that radio is dead and yet, 30 years later, we are still here and going strong. My husband and I currently broadcast every weekday afternoon on WGTS 91.9, Washington DC. We have worked in four major markets and on one national network together.
Many years ago we lived outside of New York City and a friend gave my husband and I the advice that we should have at least ten streams of income. We have never reached the full ten but we have applied ourselves to providing creative services that each of our industries greatly need.
I love speaking and I have a bucket list wish of doing a TED Talk about the stigma of mental health in America or “winning in the hallways.” I am a writer with a book, The Rescued Breed: When Jesus Shows Up and Transforms Your Pack, and a blog.
Together my husband and I own Stone Studios, LLC and have a home studio where we provide voice talent services, audio interviews and syndicated programs. One of my greatest joys is interviewing authors about what they have created and highlighting how lives can be changed by reading this or that book.
And, about 10 years ago, I decided to finish my psychology education and became a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have a private practice in the morning and work on the radio in the afternoon. These two creative endeavors are intertwined in so many ways! Assisting someone with their mental health can pull from so many different, very creative research-based interventions. And I use psychology in radio every day uplifting everyone around me.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In May of 2012, my husband and I both lost our jobs on the same day. We looked at each other and realized that we had no income in that moment. It was startling and the economic collapse of 2008 was still lingering in the area of the country we were living in. At that moment, I decided that I was going to put my family in a place where I could make a living without a corporation believing in me. We went back to broadcasting in January of 2013 but I went back to school at the same time. Studying and working side-by-side I finished an earlier degree, did my practicum and internship to earn my license with the state, and started working as an LPC. Creativity and time management were key to the success of that endeavor. Now I know that, no matter what happens in my life, I can continue my private practice or work for an organization of my choosing.
God has truly blessed our broadcasting career so it is not necessary to have a back-up but I love helping people so it makes perfect sense for me right now. The best advice is to follow your passion; even when it does not make sense to anyone else.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
As a bibliophile, I have an extensive list of books that have impacted
my entrepreneurial thinking. Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why” is one
that I quote constantly. “Magic Words” by Jonah Berger and
“Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking” by Jon Acuff
are very different books but both changed my thinking in very
important areas. “Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss and “How
To Tell a Story” by The Moth (along with their podcast) has improved
my creative negotiations and greatly impacted how I work with
non-creatives.
“You Are More Than You’ve Been Told” by Hosanna Wong has changed my
life. Just knowing that I am seeking approval from people who have no
right to speak into my life has caused a surge in creativity for me.
“The Song of Significance” by Seth Godin, “Mind Your Mindset” by the
Hyatt’s, “Dream Big” by Bob Goff, James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” and
“Do It For A Day” by Mark Batterson will always have a place on my
bookshelf.
Like I said, the list could be endless. Wait, “Daring Greatly” by
Brene Brown and “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer
have to be on here. I love authors that impact my life in great ways!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thestaceystone
- Facebook: @staceystone
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceystonewgts/
- Twitter: @staceystone
- Tumblr: Stacey, Stacks and Stanzas