About

I’m Lilley, an audio journalist and lifelong storyteller.

I got my first reporter gig at age eight, when I moved to a new neighborhood and decided to learn more about it by starting my own newspaper — the Wyoming Street News. It’s been a whirlwind ever since.

Some highlights: I’ve upgraded from being a lifelong backseat listener to a (three-time) intern with St. Louis Public Radio, crossed the Atlantic to man social media for POLITICO Europe and learned about the Titanic for the American Chemical Society’s podcast. I’ve tried my hand at freelancing for Harvest Public Media and also, morning newscasting, investigative and daily reporting for Mizzou’s NPR affiliate, KBIA. Over the years, I’ve tackled stories about race in higher education, state politics, rural health and local community highs and lows.

Reporting is my way of making sense of the world and connecting with others. I see myself as a public servant. I’m also a pretty fierce defender of journalism’s importance to democracy and someone who loves the art of sound and writing.

Some of my features have aired nationally on the weekly news magazine, Here & Now, and I am grateful to have received a Gracie Award and other recognition from the Hearst Journalism Foundation, Public Media Journalists Association, Society of Professional Journalists, Missouri Broadcasters Association and Missouri Press Association.