Women In Radio Spotlight: Stormy Taylor's Journey to Becoming One of Memphis' Most Trusted Voices
By: Dallas Glover
We're proud to recognize Stormy Taylor, on-air personality at iHeartMedia Memphis, as our latest Women In Radio Spotlight honoree.
A seasoned broadcaster, journalist, and community storyteller, Stormy has built a career rooted in authenticity, resilience, and service. From discovering radio in a college classroom to becoming one of Memphis' most recognizable voices across multiple stations, her journey is proof that sometimes the career you're meant for is the one you never saw coming.
How She Got Behind the Mic
Stormy attended Southern Arkansas University with plans of becoming a journalist. She knew she wanted to tell stories, but she wasn't sure what medium would become home.
Everything changed when her degree required her to take a radio course.
"I fell in love," she says.
Although she'd always imagined herself behind a microphone delivering important news, she never expected radio would become her life's work.
"I knew I wanted a mic in my hand, but I didn't know I would love it so much."
The Moment She Knew This Was Her Lane
For Stormy, the confirmation came the moment she realized her voice had an impact.
"I knew radio was for me when I opened the mic to talk and realized I had something to say that people wanted to hear."
She also discovered she enjoyed every technical aspect of broadcasting long before today's automated systems.
"Music, talking, playing commercials, shows—you name it, I was good at it. That's how I knew."
Finding Her Voice
Like many broadcasters, Stormy's biggest growth wasn't just learning the technical side of radio—it was learning to believe in herself.
She spent years sharpening her interviewing skills, becoming more comfortable with evolving technology, and studying the craft of broadcasting. But perhaps her greatest challenge was overcoming her naturally introverted personality.
"I loved the mic but not being in person so much."
Everything changed when a mentor encouraged her to stop trying to fit someone else's expectations and simply be herself.
"Year by year, I got better at showing up, embracing the skin I'm in, and not being so reliant on people's opinions of me. I learned to be me on and off the radio."
A Career Built on Community
Stormy's schedule reflects just how trusted her voice has become.
She can be heard Sunday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on V101, delivers the news each morning during The Stan Bell Morning Show on WDIA, hosts The Stormy T. Experience weekday afternoons, and leads The Pulse, a weekly talk show airing across V101, K97, WDIA, and WHAL.
Beyond Memphis, she also serves as a fill-in personality for iHeartMedia's R&B stations across the country and spends Thursday evenings DJing at Manhattan Sports Bar & Lounge in Memphis.
Despite wearing many hats, her favorite part of radio has remained the same.
"I love sharing information and keeping people informed."
Whether discussing community issues, celebrity news, or everyday life, Stormy treasures the relationships she's built with listeners.
"I've fallen in love with the people that listen to me—and the ones who don't. Being out in the community, learning people's stories, hugging them, and hearing that someone was inspired by me or grew up listening to me is the absolute best."
Challenges Along the Way
Like many women in broadcasting, Stormy's path hasn't been without obstacles.
She heard "no" many times before finally hearing the "yes" that launched her career. She relocated to unfamiliar cities, rebuilt her reputation in new markets, balanced demanding schedules, and navigated seasons where she felt overlooked.
"Being in a city with no family was hard."
Today, balancing a thriving media career with married life brings new challenges, but she's grateful for the support system she's built.
"With God's help, I am doing it."
What the Industry Gets Right About Women in Radio
Rather than focusing on what the industry lacks, Stormy chooses to celebrate the women she's fortunate to work alongside.
She recalls an unexpected power outage at WDIA when she found herself working alongside fellow broadcasters Big Sue and Tracy Bethea to get the station back on the air.
That moment reminded her that women in radio do much more than host shows.
"My company got it right with these two."
Watching talented women confidently solve problems behind the scenes reinforced what she's always believed: women in radio are leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers who keep stations moving forward every day.
"I feel blessed to be a part of their story, and honored to have them be a part of mine."
Advice for Women Breaking Into Radio
If Stormy could offer one piece of advice to women entering the industry, it would be simple:
"Be yourself."
She wishes someone had reminded her earlier that change is inevitable in radio—and that not every change is personal.
"It's so easy to question yourself when change happens in radio, but change is not always about you. Don't take so much personally. Being yourself on and off the air is good enough."
Looking Ahead
While Stormy isn't exactly sure what the next chapter looks like, she knows one thing for certain: she wants to help develop the next generation of broadcasters.
"I hope to mentor more young people as well. They are our future."
What's Playing on Her Playlist?
Stormy's current rotation reflects her love for classic soul, hip-hop, and inspirational music.
She's currently listening to:
Willie Hutch — I Choose You
T.I. — Let 'Em Know
The Whispers — I'm Gonna Make You My Wife
Elevation Worship & Chandler Moore — God, I'm Grateful
A collection of old-school favorites recommended by her husband
A Voice That Continues to Inspire
Stormy Taylor's career has been defined by perseverance, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to serving her community.
Whether she's delivering the news, entertaining listeners, interviewing guests, or mentoring future broadcasters, she continues to demonstrate that the most impactful voices in radio are the ones willing to show up as their authentic selves.
Through resilience, service, and a passion for connecting with people, Stormy Taylor exemplifies what it means to be a Women In Radio Spotlight honoree.