Talking Sexy on the Radio

Last Saturday, July 12, I drove through the Marin countryside up to lovely Point Reyes Station, California to give my first radio interview on Ellen Shehadeh’s View Point at KWMR 90.5 FM. Ellen talks with people who “have a passion for what they are doing” and I was honored to be given the opportunity to talk about my passions: Japan, erotica, food and my new novel, Amorous Woman.

I’ll confess I was terrified before the show, although I knew I had a lot of things I wanted to say about my topics. From the start, however, Ellen made me feel very comfortable and I was reassured that we were working together, as if I were just sitting down with an intelligent person who was interested in finding out more about my work. Of course, radio does have its special rules—Ellen explained there were certain words I wasn’t allowed to say on the air, although I used them aplenty in my novel! That’s the expected George Carlin list along with things like “pissed off.” Who knew?

Show time approached and the “Pair of Doc’s” show participants before us came out of the broadcasting room. We didn’t have much time to get settled, Ellen before the control panel, I with headphones, positioned before a large yellow mike, hoping I could find the “sweet spot.” I had my bottle of water next to me in case of dry throat and a pulse pounding with expectation tinged with fear. Ah, but aren’t we all nervous at a time like this?

Then it happened. View Point was on the air. Ellen introduced her show and me, making me sound much more impressive than I felt. Then it was my turn. Would my voice come out a pathetic squeak? Or fail me all together? No, I managed to do a reasonable imitation of an ordinary human being as I thanked Ellen for having me on the show. And then I was off and running, chatting away about my favorite topics as I actually do with a friend! I had a blast!

Again, Ellen was the perfect host, easing me along with provocative and interesting questions, helping smooth over one moment when I found myself at a loss for words. There is a real art to interviewing and I was very lucky my first experience was with a real artist. I never had to say I was “pissed off” because I felt quite the opposite—exhilarated and enthusiastic.

If you missed the live show at 11 am last Saturday, you have another chance to listen this Friday, July 18 at 11 am PDT. If you’re near Point Reyes Station, turn your dial to KWMR 90.5 FM. If you’re not, you can go to KWMR’s web site where they stream the broadcast “live” at that time. Just click on “on air” at the top of the page. I’m also going to get a copy of the show and can make that available to you upon request if you missed it the second time, too.

Another confession. I haven’t listened to the show yet myself, although my husband seemed happy and impressed with it (but he has to be, if he wants sex). So, I’ll be listening on Friday, too, perhaps groaning and wincing at how I sound the way people are wont to do when they hear their own voice. But I have to say that the experience itself was so very positive, I’m glad I did it no matter what! Thank you, Ellen, and thank you, Amorous Woman, for taking me places I never thought I’d visit.