It has come and gone this morning – I did my first radio show at 9:30. I have been excited, apprehensive, impatient and so many other feelings. Sometimes it felt as if it would never come and it was coming too fast – all at the same time. The past three weeks I have been thinking about what I would say, then found myself ad libbing. I had happy butterflies in my stomach – since fear and excitement feel the same, I chose to have excited, happy butterflies – they kept the downer butterflies from taking over.
I think I understand a bit what people mean when they prefer an audience because you can interact with them. It was just Benny and me in the studio with a microphone in my face – no idea if there was any reaction. A strange experience, so I will have to make sure I have notes with me next week. All the things I had thought about saying were gone. I talked a bit about my history, mentioned RA and also a bit about Mom and dementia as well as remembering to announce the name of the show, my name and where to find me. I also remembered to mention twice about becoming a sponsor – that marketing is an investment, not a line item in the budget that can be jettisoned when things are tough . I also remembered to say you are selfish if you don’t market, how are people who can benefit from what you offer find you?
I also met the three ladies who have the show before me – and now they are talking about ending their show after three years. Everyone has been so friendly and helpful, I finally met Benny after some emails and hearing him for several years while I’ve listened to the station. Interesting to say he is my producer. It all feels a little unreal at the moment. Mostly I am getting used to it and finding my rhythm. I may try some phone calls in a week or two and see how that goes. Then I will add guests – if I am comfortable doing the show, they will be.
After the break I was trying to figure out what to say – a couple of giraffe moments but otherwise it was fine. I asked people listening to send me a postcard or card to tell me who they are and where they are from – this station is in about 35 countries. I haven’t wrapped my head around that one yet. So it will be interesting to see if anything arrives by next Monday. I had emails from Erik and talked to Brian, plus Benny sent me an email saying I did a great job – in all caps.
I have been feeling all kinds of emotions since I set this in motion – how amazing to find myself on the radio talking about my life with RA and other things. Some it is just a feeling of unreality, that it is actually happening. Because I was a bit nervous and had happy flutters, I sat quietly in the car when I arrived in the building where the studio is. I sat quietly, took some deep breaths and asked the Universe to give me what ever was necessary, I would just show up and get out of the way. It turned out well and I am glad I did that before going upstairs.
I used to do that when I was doing speeches for the Conn. Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. I had a list of things I had to cover – basic facts of arthritis – and if time was short, I would jettison my stories. I never knew who was in the audience and what they need to hear, so giving it to the Universe was the best way to go. At times people come up to me and thank me or say they learned so much. I also figured there were a lot of people who never said anything to me but heard what they needed at the time. I’ve decided I have been doing my purpose in life without realizing it – much more effective that way.
I left the studio and went down to Kent to see Dr. Cheryl for my chiropractic adjustment. A bit of a letdown – there was not any fanfare doing the show and then they were on to the next show. When I finished, I felt tired, so I came home and had a lie down – I must have slept because the next thing I knew, Eddie was home at 4. It didn’t feel more than a half hour or 45 minutes.
We’ll see how it goes next week – Benny will be away and Taylor will be in the studio. Lots of information and experience in a short time.
Tags: Benny, downer butterflies, Dr. Cheryl, emotions, finding my rhythm, giraffe moments.happy flutters, happy butterflies, marketing, radio show, sponsors, studio
Gift of RA 
Leave a comment