Mary Lucia Releases Candid Memoir on Stalking Ordeal and Life in Radio

Mary Lucia, a prominent rock DJ from the Twin Cities, has released her memoir, What Doesn't Kill Me Makes Me Weirder and Harder to Relate To, published by the University of Minnesota Press on November 25, 2025. The 160-page book provides an intimate account of Lucia's harrowing experience with a stalker over a three-year period, alongside reflections on her personal and professional life.

In her memoir, Lucia candidly recounts the terror of being stalked while maintaining a public career in radio. The ordeal began with unsettling deliveries, including ten pounds of raw meat sent to her workplace, followed by a series of ominous letters, cards, packages, and messages. The situation escalated when threats were directed toward her dogs' safety. Despite seeking assistance, the lack of identifiable information on the communications hindered law enforcement intervention. Lucia describes feeling increasingly isolated, with responses from authorities and friends often being dismissive, attributing the stalking to the hazards of her high-profile job and vibrant personality.

Beyond the stalking incident, Lucia delves into her upbringing in an eccentric family, battles with addiction, and her profound connections to music and animals. The memoir is noted for its raw honesty and dark humor, offering readers a multifaceted view of her life experiences.

Mary Lucia is a seasoned media broadcast personality, writer, actor, and voiceover artist. She was a prominent figure at 89.3 The Current from 2005 until her resignation in April 2022, citing concerns about equity and fair treatment of women at Minnesota Public Radio's alternative music station. Prior to The Current, Lucia worked at REV 105 and 1500 KSTP. She has been recognized for her unconventional style and extensive music knowledge, hosting the local music show Popular Creeps, which won the Minnesota Music Award for Best Locally Produced Show twice. City Pages honored her as the best FM radio personality seven times. Currently, Lucia serves as the program advisor at the University of Minnesota’s Radio K, where she mentors aspiring broadcasters.

To promote her memoir, Lucia has scheduled several events:

• December 9, 2025: Launch event at the Granada Theater, featuring a discussion with Lizz Winstead.

• December 10, 2025: Reading and discussion at the Landmark Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, hosted by the Ramsey County Historical Society.

Lucia's memoir sheds light on the pervasive issue of stalking, particularly as it affects public figures. Her experiences underscore the challenges victims face in obtaining support and protection, highlighting systemic shortcomings in addressing such threats. The memoir also contributes to broader conversations about mental health, personal safety, and the resilience required to navigate public life under duress.

The Twin Cities have a history of high-profile stalking cases. Notably, in 1980, Mary Stauffer and her daughter were kidnapped by Ming Sen Shiue, a former student obsessed with Stauffer. Shiue's actions escalated to murder, resulting in a life sentence. Lucia's account adds to the discourse on the dangers of obsessive behavior and the importance of effective legal and social responses.

Mary Lucia's What Doesn't Kill Me Makes Me Weirder and Harder to Relate To offers a profound insight into the personal and professional challenges faced during a prolonged stalking ordeal. Her story not only highlights the resilience required to overcome such experiences but also calls attention to the need for more robust support systems for stalking victims.