Radio & Podcasts
As Good As It Gets?
Marina Fogle (wife of Ben, but so much more) and I host a weekly conversation about the big issues which affect all of us to ascertain when we can expect to be at our happiest. It was inspired by a seminal moment as I walked down a Caribbean beach and my mate observed, "Our kids are still young, our parents are still well, we have financial security...THIS is as good as it gets," and I though, "NOOOOOO! It CAN'T be!" Fast forward a few years and I am divorced plus a whole lot happier.
It's not easy to consider whether life could be better in case it gives rise to change...but it's still fun to think about.
Marina and I have been friends for 15 years; we enjoy what one commentator described as a "happy friction" that gives rise to honest, frank and lively conversations around big topics including, Identity, Parenthood, Marriage, Social Media, Ageing, Self-Discipline, Honesty etc. It's only been going for five minutes and we're racking up plenty of listeners. For the record - I'd like an alcoholic drink sponsor. Thanks. (To be clear, I meant a brand of alcoholic drinks; that wasn't a cry for help).
LBC
Without a doubt, the most challenging and satisfying job I’ve ever done. I hosted my own show on LBC for five years and every broadcast was a privilege. I was already a huge fan when I was called out of the blue by the channel controller and asked to try out. I was such an LBC geek that I was on air within two weeks and had my own slot six weeks after walking through the door. Each LBC show is one presenter, one producer, one big news story, one microphone, zero scripts and the hope that the phones ring! Luckily, they always did. I worked out how to phrase a question that made ears prick and listeners call in. This job allowed me to be honest; to completely immerse myself in the news agenda, to talk to real people about real stories and build up a genuine rapport with the audience. I tripled listening figures in my slot and I was only one of two women, (and the only mum) on-air, allowing me to represent the needs of many listeners on topics that affect families: health, education, crime, obesity, technology etc. I was on air as the Tunisia beach terrorist massacre unfolded and covered the build-ups to UK and USA elections; the Brexit vote and all political shenanigans in between. My interview with the Met Police Commissioner made the front page of the papers. But LBC has 21 presenters, only one of whom is a woman. There was clearly nowhere to go within the station. But the producers are incredibly hard-working and talented. The presenters are extremely skilled and the output is still the best in the business. After LBC, all broadcast jobs are a doddle – once you’ve done this, you can do anything!
Union Jack Radio
‘Minds over matter’
I was contacted by a former LBC producer to present a wonderful series for Union Jack Radio as part of a Mental Health Awareness campaign. I’m a trained psychotherapist and this job allowed me to use those skills alongside journalism by talking to a host of comedians about their mental health struggles: everything from anxiety, anorexia, depression and suicide. And although this sounds like it should have been incredibly serious, we managed to give it a lightness of touch which, I think, made for some great radio. Every interview is available as a podcast – have a listen – there are some very tender moments, some real revelations and a few laugh out loud bits.
Radio 5 Live
Saturday Mornings
I hugely enjoyed three years alongside Eammon Holmes on Saturday mornings on BBC 5Live. I learnt a lot working with Eammon, not least how to curse off-air expertly with an Ulster accent. News and sport, interviews, in-studio guests and recorded features, this job was challenging, stimulating and involved a lot of laughs.
The Bump Club
In the build up to a Royal Baby, I presented and helped write a brilliantly brave series which involved repeatedly saying the word ‘vagina’ on Sundays at 11am on a radio station which – at the time – could easily have been known as Penis Fm. Awash with sport, male presenters and punchy bloke MPs, this was a genuinely radical radio series following women on their pregnancy journeys and busting a few myths.
Postcards from midlife podcast
I was honoured to be asked by Sunday Times Style Editor, Lorraine Candy and legendary magazine editor Trish Halpin to be one of the first guests on their brilliant Postcards from Midlife podcast series. We chatted about the challenges of divorce, raising kids, outdoor swimming and netball – I like the second two more than the first.
The Parent Hood podcast with Marina Fogle
Marina and I sat down post-lockdown to reflect on what it was like to be stuck at home with children and no school…I’m not telling you anymore because you should have a listen!