If you’ve ever come by St. Louis Public Radio’s studios or offices, for a visit or for a tour, the first person to greet you with a warm smile was likely Alie McNeil, who serves as STLPR’s Guest Relations Specialist.
Alie, who began her time at STLPR as a volunteer, has been a long-time listener. She sat down to share thoughts about her days as a volunteer, her view from the front seat of the office, and how she sees STLPR engaging in the community.
STLPR: How long have you worked at St. Louis Public Radio?
Alie McNeil: I’ve worked at St. Louis Public Radio for just over two months. Before that, I volunteered for just under a year.
STLPR: Did you enjoy volunteering with STLPR? What lead you to volunteer?
AM: I decided to volunteer at STLPR when it suddenly occurred to me that public radio is the thing I’m most passionate about. I’d spent four post-college years trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my documentary/filmmaking degree. Somehow, it had never seriously occurred to me that perhaps public radio, which I’ve been obsessed with since high school, was the place for me.
But when it did, I wanted to get involved with St. Louis Public Radio in any way possible. I really enjoyed my time as a volunteer. Everyone was so kind and gracious and I got to listen to Diane Rehm while I worked! It doesn’t get better than that!
STLPR: What does your current role entail?
AM: As the Guest Relations Specialist, I am usually the first person you see when you walk in the door. I assist our guests, answer questions from listeners, and manage the interoffice meeting room calendar. I am also in charge of the UMSL at Grand Center facility rentals, so I get to work with outside organizations who want to hold events in our beautiful building. Also, you can often find me furiously folding papers and stuffing envelopes for the Membership department while listening to STLPR.
STLPR: You’re one of the most outward-facing positions in our station; how do you see STLPR in the community?
AM: As soon as I started volunteering at STLPR, people I know started telling me all about how much they love the station. I knew STLPR was beloved in St. Louis, but what surprised me most when I started working here was the diversity of people who listen. In talking to our listeners, I learned that many of them are far from the public radio listener stereotype. I hear from people from a range of ages, backgrounds, and viewpoints. Our listeners really feel like a part of the STLPR community. They know that we are here to serve them. I think that is what makes St. Louis Public Radio, and public radio in general, so important and so wonderful.
STLPR: What’s your favorite program?
AM: I can’t possibly pick just one! My longest running favorites are “This American Life” and “All Things Considered.” I also love “Radiolab” and “The Moth Radio Hour.” I still hope to be Terry Gross when I grow up.
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Click here to register and find out more about how you can help out! If you have any questions, contact Zack Stovall, Volunteer Coordinator, at zstovall@stlpublicradio.org or 314-516-7481.
