Meet #BigStu: Rick Stewart

Born Rick Stewart on August 16th in Geneva, Nebraska, and raised in South Georgia, my journey into radio started with a leap of faith at 18. Armed with just $450, I left Georgia with my best friend in search of a new life and a career in radio in California. We had no clear direction—just a dream.

After driving halfway across the country, we stopped in El Paso, Texas, for a rest. Exhausted from 21 straight hours of driving, I went to bed, while my friends ventured across the border to Juarez, Mexico. Several hours later, they returned to tell me that my car had been vandalized and everything we owned had been stolen. With no money and no plan, we were in a tough spot. Fortunately, my car insurance covered the damage, and my grandfather’s homeowner’s insurance helped with the stolen items. With some funds to continue, we pressed on toward California.

Our next stop was the Grand Canyon, an unforgettable sight that left a lasting impression. After visiting Las Vegas, we made our way to Fresno, California, where my best friend’s aunt offered us a place to stay. I was down to my last pennies, and Fresno seemed like the only option.

My first job in California wasn’t in radio—it was cutting Christmas trees for the holidays, a tough job with little pay. But after the season, I landed my first radio gig, and I stayed in Fresno for 13 years, married, bought a house, and thought I’d live there forever. But life threw me a curveball in 1991 when my wife tragically passed away in a car accident. To make matters worse, I was laid off and facing a $1200 monthly mortgage with no clear way to pay it.

Then came a call from Seattle, offering me a job with Jones Radio Network. After five years there, I married again and spent the next decade in towns like Sacramento, Boise, Nashville, and Murray, Kentucky. It was in Kentucky that I met my half-sister Rena for the first time in 44 years. Now, we’re the best of friends and keep in touch regularly.

While in Kentucky, I received an offer from Sandhill Media to come to Idaho Falls. In 2010, I packed up and moved to Idaho, where I’ve been ever since. Now, I’m on the air weekdays from 2–7pm on Arrow 107.1, and I also work weekends on 99 KUPI and 100.7 MY-FM. Idaho has treated me well, and I strive to give back to this great community.

I love: All music, my 2007 Jeep JK 4-door, and God.
I dislike: Mean people, liars, and takers.
Hobbies: Computers, my Jeep.
I appreciate: A great night’s sleep (I wake up at 2:30am weekdays!).
Favorite food: Sushi.

It’s been quite a ride, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.