We recently had the chance to connect with Stacey Marie and have shared our conversation below.
Stacey, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What am I most proud of building—especially the thing no one really sees?
It’s actually not just one thing. It’s two things that work together: the ability to build relationships and the ability to help others build them too.
Most people only see the public side of what I do: my radio show interviews, the introductions I make between business owners, or the tips I share during commercial breaks. What they don’t see is what’s behind all of that: years of struggle, growth, and practice in learning how to truly connect with people.
As human beings living on this planet, we’re all meant to build relationships with others. We’re meant to create deep, meaningful connections. But the truth is, not every relationship will be deep, and that’s okay. What matters is that we respect others for who they are and for their beliefs. In business, I work with people who think differently than I do and who stand on the opposite side of politics. That should never stand in the way of building a relationship or doing business with someone. The only time you shouldn’t do business with someone is when it compromises your morals or ethics.
Growing up with learning disabilities, making friends was incredibly difficult. I often felt different and stood out in ways I didn’t want to. Even in high school, connecting with others didn’t come naturally to me. But over time, by watching how my father interacted with people, both in business and in everyday life, I slowly learned the art of building relationships. That became my foundation, and as the years went on, I not only strengthened those skills but eventually mastered them.
What I’ve built, quietly and over many years, is a set of tools for connection by listening deeply, asking meaningful questions, and creating space for people to talk about themselves. And because I’ve lived through the struggle of not knowing how to connect, I now pour everything I’ve learned into helping others build relationships in their own businesses and communities.
Today, I have more friends than I ever imagined, and building relationships feels natural. But it didn’t start that way. It took years of experience, failure, and personal growth. That invisible journey is what I’m most proud of.
Now I use those lessons every day, on my radio show, in the introductions I make, and in the guidance I share to help others grow the meaningful connections that matter most.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Stacey Marie, the founder of HSM Radio LLC, a dynamic internet radio station built to support, elevate, and celebrate business owners at every stage of their journey. I’ve spent most of my career in the broadcasting and media world, with a brief hiatus where I explored new passions as a publicist and media consultant. I returned to radio last year, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be back doing what I love.
At HSM Radio, my mission is simple: to support you every step of the way. I’ve created a vibrant atmosphere filled with expert advice, practical tips, and play engaging music—all designed to help you thrive in business and in life. I understand how much the world has changed since COVID and how many businesses now work with tighter budgets, especially when it comes to advertising. That’s why I decided to take a different approach. I offer flexible, donation-friendly advertising packages so you can get the visibility you deserve without compromising your growth. When you choose to advertise with us, your brand doesn’t just show up, it stands out.
My journey into radio began in my early forties after being a guest on a podcast where I shared tips for people entering the workforce for the first time. After the interview, friends encouraged me to start my own show because of how naturally I connected with the audience. A few months later, I launched my first show—and as they say, the rest is history. Since then, I’ve interviewed celebrities, public speakers, and countless small business owners. Supporting small businesses is truly my passion, but I also know that even successful entrepreneurs are always looking for ways to elevate and grow.
Since relaunching HSM Radio, my show has ranked on both Spotify and Apple Podcasts, something I’m incredibly proud of. You can find those rankings and learn more about what I do at www.HSMRadio.app
I’m here to make visibility accessible, to uplift your voice, and to help you take your business to the next level: one story, one connection, and one broadcast at a time.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Bonds between people can break for many reasons, some obvious and some quietly growing beneath the surface. The obvious ones is betrayal, dishonesty, and disrespect, and damage trust at its core. When trust is gone, the foundation of any relationship becomes fragile.
But another, often overlooked force that breaks bonds is growth. Personal growth, especially emotional or spiritual maturity, can create distance between people who once walked closely together. As we experience life, we go through hardships that teach us lessons. These experiences either push us toward becoming better or pull us toward bitterness. When someone chooses growth, their values, priorities, and perspective often shift.
In my own journey, growth changed me in ways that made me see life, and people differently. It was painful, unfamiliar, and necessary. As I matured, I realized that some friendships could no longer come with me into the version of myself I was becoming. My friends at the time weren’t bad people; they simply weren’t headed in the same direction. The things that used to matter no longer held the same importance, and my mindset shifted. Growth sometimes requires us to let go, even when it hurts. Some relationships serve us for a season, but not for a lifetime.
So what restores a broken bond once it has been damaged?
Time, communication, and rebuilding trust.
Time allows space for reflection, healing, and rediscovery. Communication opens the door to honesty—real honesty that includes transparency, listening, and understanding each other’s point of view. And trust, perhaps the most difficult part, can only be rebuilt slowly. It requires humility, patience, and sometimes being the one to take the first step, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Restoring a relationship doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process of showing up consistently, speaking truth respectfully, and choosing to forgive when both people are ready. It may take two people to break a bond, but it truly can take just one person willing to try to begin mending it.
If you are the one taking that first step, be gentle with yourself. Healing takes time—and courage. I wish you strength and clarity as you move forward.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be this:
You’re going to do great. Keep your eyes on the prize, and don’t let the voices of naysayers, who are often only reacting from jealousy or their own fears, distract you. People will criticize you, but you have the power to choose which voices deserve your attention. No matter what challenges come your way, you will rise from them stronger and wiser. Every obstacle you face will shape you into the person you are meant to become. Trust the journey, trust yourself, and keep going.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
For the most part, yes. I’d say people usually see the real me. That being said, I do have a bit of an alter ego that comes out when I’m live on the radio, especially depending on who my guest is. And when I’m out in public, I’ll sometimes lean into that persona based on the vibe of the situation. It’s still me, just a different side of me that fits the moment.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Absolutely I am. Have you not listened to my show? Ha!
I truly believe God prepared me for exactly what I’m doing today. Every step, every challenge, every quiet season led me to this moment. For years, I thought my purpose was simply to raise my children and support everyone else’s dreams. I honestly wondered if I’d ever discover my own purpose in life.
But purpose has its own timing. Mine just arrived later in life—and I’m grateful it did. Now that I’m walking in it, I embrace it fully. Everything in my life makes sense in a new way, and I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hsmradio.app
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heystaceymarie
- Twitter: https://x.com/StaceyMarieK
