IN THEIR OWN WORDS - LIZ LUDA

For Liz Luda, joining Charlotte’s Mix wasn’t just another stop in her radio career.

It was a chance to work at the station she grew up listening to.

Growing up in Stanly County, Luda remembers tuning in as a listener long before she ever imagined she would one day be behind the microphone.

“It was a huge deal for me to get to work for the radio station I grew up listening to,” she said. “I even used to call in and made it on air a few times when I was still in high school.”

Like many Charlotte radio listeners, she remembers when Matt Harris and Ramona Holloway first teamed up on the station.

“I remember when Matt and Ramona started and laughing so much at them.”

Years later, she found herself sharing a studio with one of the personalities she had admired as a listener.

“To get to work with my idols has been priceless,” she said. “Especially Matt Harris. He is not only an exceptional talent but an even better human being.”

Coming Home to Charlotte Radio

The journey back to North Carolina wasn’t one she expected.

After spending time in Portland, Oregon, Luda found herself facing one of the biggest challenges of her life.

“When I moved back to Charlotte NC, it was after resigning from my job in Portland OR,” she said. “I survived Septic Shock and an ICU stay.”

The experience left her questioning whether she would be able to return to the career she loved.

“I was scared I wouldn’t be funny or capable anymore.”

Only a few weeks after having her PICC line removed and moving across the country, she decided she was ready to give radio another shot.

“I emailed Neal Sharpe and everything timed out perfectly,” she said.

The opportunity to return home and work at the station she grew up listening to became a reality.

“It was such an honor to work with Neal.”

In May 2024, she joined Matt Harris on The Morning Mix, turning a station she had once listened to as a teenager into her new radio home.

Finding Community on The Morning Mix

When the opportunity to join Matt Harris on The Morning Mix came along, the first sign that something might be happening wasn’t a phone call or a meeting.

It was a social media notification.

“I freaked out when Matt followed me on Instagram,” she said. “I got the notification before I had met him and I spent the entire day with my husband wondering what it meant.”

The answer turned out to be a seat beside one of Charlotte radio’s most recognizable personalities.

While listeners heard the chemistry between Matt Harris, Liz Luda, and TJ Bravo every morning, Luda says the relationships behind the scenes became just as important.

“Matt and TJ were not only my coworkers but became so much more.”

Years of sharing a studio created friendships that extended far beyond the microphone.

“There is a special bond you build spending hours in a tiny room with people every single day and I will miss our time we talked during songs just as much as I will miss the on air part.”

Luda has built a loyal audience not only on the radio but across social media, where she often shares stories about her family, daily life, and the awkward moments that make her relatable to thousands of followers.

She says that connection has always been rooted in bringing people together rather than dividing them.

“There are so many polarizing figures now who use division to drive clicks, views, etc. My goal and wish has always been to show we are all so much more alike than different.”

More importantly, she hopes people who often feel left out know they have a place.

“I want to make sure people who feel like outsiders know they can always come sit with me.”

What’s Next

When she learned this chapter of the station’s history was coming to an end, she didn’t hide her emotions.

“Crying loudly in the shower and eating my emotions.”

Even through the sadness, she remains focused on what mattered most.

“I hope we made them laugh,” she said. “I hope at least one person driving to a job they hated had a better day because of us.”

While The Morning Mix may have signed off, listeners haven’t heard the last of Matt and Liz.

“Yes! The Matt and Liz Show podcast.”

The pair have already announced plans to continue working together, and Luda says she’s keeping an open mind about what comes next.

“We are very open to new opportunities and offers! Something with health insurance and benefits sounds amazing.”

For the listeners who spent their mornings with her, her message is simple.

“Thank you for spending time with us.”

As the final chapter of Mix comes to a close, Luda says she’s choosing gratitude over bitterness.

“I am not angry. I am sad this specific journey has come to an end but I still know I am so lucky to have worked at the radio station I listened to growing up with two radio greats, Matt Harris and TJ Bravo.”

She also made sure to recognize two people who helped make that opportunity possible.

“I have nothing but praise for Neal Sharpe and Marsha Landess.”

For someone who once called the station as a high school student, the chance to eventually become part of its history is something she clearly doesn’t take for granted.

Connect with Liz Luda

As she begins her next chapter, listeners, industry colleagues, and potential partners can connect with Liz through her social media channels.

Facebook: Liz Luda

Instagram & TikTok: @lizontheradio