“I think good radio often uses the techniques of fiction: characters, scenes, a big urgent emotional question. And as in the best fiction, tone counts for a lot.” – Ira Glass
How did you become involved in the station?
I’ve always been interested in performing. Even as a kid I used to record shows with my friends on cassette tapes. Sort of like analogue podcasting. In 2015 I was stuck in the kind of office job that made waking up at 3 am to play music a preferable way to start the day. I quickly fell in love with radio and since then I’ve ended up being on almost every daytime program.
What is the best thing about being involved in the station?
The people! I have made so many wonderful friends at RTR and am always excited to see who I will run into at the station. I am also immensely proud of the journalism RTR does. The withering of the commercial news industry has only elevated the importance of free, local and independent community media.
What is the strangest thing that has happened to you at RTRFM?
I’ve experienced many misadventures on and off air – that’s all part of the Magic of Live Radio. A lot of funny things can also happen – for example, I had a guest start talking about their secret crush before the mics had been switched off. And during Radiothon a couple got engaged live on air! At the other end there was the time I began a live phone interview only to realise it wasn’t my guest!
If you could present a show other than your own, which would it be and why?
That’s a really hard choice! I’ve done a bunch of shows over the years and loved each one. They all have a different energy but bring equal levels of passion to their niches. I’d love a music show like Drive Time or Out to Lunch. They have a really fun energy and the music is always eclectic and interesting.
What do you do in real life?
When I’m not volunteering at RTR, I work at Vision Australia Radio – another fantastic community station! Outside of work I am passionate about social justice issues, photography, science fiction, history, strategy games, dancing, travel, good food and great beer.