Family

Meet the mom: Radio Program Director Alysse Stewart

WMGU-Magic 106.9 Program Director and radio host Alysse Stewart talks about her radio journey and how she balances a successful career with motherhood.

Posted 2023-11-07T22:50:38+00:00 - Updated 2023-11-11T03:43:15+00:00

Jelia Hepner

, WRAL multiplatform producer

This week, we are spotlighting WMGU-Magic 106.9 Program Director and radio host Alysse Stewart.

What's your name and where are you from?

Alysse Stewart is my name, although my family insists on calling me Lisa.

Tell us about you and your family.

I am one of seven children within two marriages for my mom and father.

Please give us details about your career journey and how you ended with this current position.

My radio broadcast career started with a part-time job at WQOK K97.5 in Raleigh, NC. I did everything from hosting radio shows to writing commercial scripts. That journey started in 1990 while I was attending school at Shaw University. My first full-time position was that of a drector and radio host for Foxy 99 in Fayetteville. Funny enough, out of all my radio stops along the way, I have returned to Fayetteville. I am currently the Program Director and host of a show on WMGU Magic 106.9, and I recently became a syndicated radio host for The Touch Format, reaching over 30 markets.

WMGU-Magic 106.9 Program Director and radio host talks about her radio journey and how she balances a successful career with motherhood.

What is one of the most memorable radio interviews you have done?

Typically, I would say Stevie Wonder. However, he is now sharing that top spot with Macy Gray. I didn't know what to expect and felt slightly nervous to speak with her via a video interview. Things went well. Most people seem to enjoy our vibe (You see it on my Facebook page).

What challenges do you face balancing your career and motherhood?

Even though my son is now a teenager, I've always had strong family support, which has made it easy for me to be myself and do what I do.

What is the biggest lesson your child has taught you?

Durrell Jr. has taught me to be patient and thoughtful in my words. Children absorb our energy, and I don't want him to one day say on TV that his mom was a terrible person (lol). But seriously, he has shown me the power of love and words. When I speak "you can do it" to my son, it really pays off.

Tell us about your passions outside of work. What are fun things you like to do or projects you are working on?

I'm a big fan of reading, but I haven't had much time for it lately. I love having long conversations about work over a delicious meal that I didn't cook, and I find that exercise helps me keep my life in balance.

What are you most proud of in your motherhood journey?

My son is a reflection of his family. When he is away from home, I know he is representing us all well. It is that way because of all that I poured into his life. For that, I am very proud. He is a good kid.

Do you have any books or podcasts that you would recommend to other mothers?

I want more moms to read any and everything about food and its impact on the body. What we eat controls the rest of what we do regarding how we look and feel. For an entertaining book, "The Hand I Fan With" is amazing. It was written by one of my favorite authors - Tina McElroy Ansa.

How would you like people to remember you when it's all said and done?

They will say one thing about Alysse: "She kept it real." I don't lie to people or mislead them when they come to me for help or advice. My desire is to be remembered as a go getter and a person worthy of trust.