I made my radio debut yesterday on WABF 1220AM on the, “Culturally Speaking” show. (We’ll save the discussion on my crazy summer hair-do for another time, so hold your comments – that’s why I’m on radio- not TV!)
The show’s host, Tod Jonson, is a wealth of talent who has lived an extraordinary life in the glitzy world of Hollywood. His weekly show features his stories of stars he has hob-nobbed with, and fascinating roles he played. On this day, Tod shared memories about the fabulous Elizabeth Taylor. Tod made two movies with her, and remained friends with the star until her death.
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So what in the world was I doing on Tod’s brilliant show? Well, every week, Tod invites a local guest to share their knowledge of music, wine, poetry, local theatre or literature. He had heard that I write for Gulf Coast Newspapers, so Tod graciously invited me to read one of my stories.
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I did my best to wow the crowd with a story I’ve shared here before, about my husband’s late grandmother, who was born and raised in New York City, then moved to Fairhope, only to find our tradition of leaving vegetables from our gardens on your doorstep to be a bit strange. (CLICK HERE to see the full story again). I also spent a good bit of my time explaining exactly what a “blog” is. (you know . . . just in case there’s someone out there who doesn’t know, wink-wink).
This is the busy and talented Lori DuBose who manages the station. She participates in the show and keeps us all on track. Lori told me she would give hand signals that would indicate the need for me to wrap it up or stretch it out, but all her waving around and pointing was distracting, so I just stopped looking at her. Hahaha! Poor Lori. She still managed to keep us going. I think she may have been getting ready to chunk the stapler at my head.
After my spot, P.T. Paul took her turn at the mike (that’s radio-speak for MICROPHONE – I learned so much!) and read her clever – very beautiful poetry. As a great coincidence, her poem was also about a summer garden, so our two spots complimented each other perfectly. Just when you think our small corner of Alabama is only filled with cows, we wow you with our culture!
Tod is so cool in his Hollywood sunglasses, and I look like I’m missing part of my leg, but doing live radio was such fun and I’m thrilled to have been invited to appear on “Culturally Speaking” once a month. The station reaches all around Baldwin and most of Mobile Counties, so if you are local, check out 1220AM on Thursday mornings, 10:30 – 11:00am.
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For those who missed the show, here’s a link to hear my segment. And beware: if you’ve never heard me speak before, don’t be disappointed. (Some of you may remember that when I first put a photo of myself on the blog, someone said she wasn’t going to read anymore because she didn’t like the way I looked!) When people sound differently than I think they will, I’m always surprised. Like when they made Garfield the cat speak on the cartoon, he in no way sounded like I thought he should. Bummer!
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It’s about ten minutes long, and you may have to wait a minute for it to load, so get comfy. And thanks Tod and Lori, I’ll see you again next month!
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Click the bar below to listen:
[…] or twice a month, I appear on Tod’s show, “Culturally Speaking” and read one of my stories from the newspaper. You can read more about the show […]
[…] I’ve known Joyce as an avid volunteer in Fairhope and also as a friend of my radio partner, Tod Johnson. During intermission, I said to Tod, “I have a feeling Joyce has been on stage […]
Hey Stranger! I haven’t been around the blogosphere much lately. Hopefully, that will change soon! I popped over here from your Facebook link. Congrats on your radio spot and your hair looks fabulous! I thought the humidity in Mobile/Fairhope/Pensacola was bad until I moved to St. Pete. Around here your hair would be a mad mass of wild curls year round! No kidding!
I am so proud of you! I would have been a nervous wreck, but you seemed so cool, calm and southern! Loved every minute and can’t wait to hear you next time.
You look very beautiful and would be great on tv, too! How amazing to get this opportunity and you were representing ALL of us bloggers! I can’t wait to see the video. I’m so proud of you…and you have beautiful hair! Enjoy your week! Hugs!
You are on your way to the top, Leslie Anne. Great interview and you look fabulous.
Oh what fun! I love your LOVE of Fairhope and the Gulf Coast. xo
It matches your love of all things New Orleans!
well, darlin, let me first say there’s nothing wrong with your hair…it’s very pretty just like you! i plan on listening to your “debut” later tonight…..today is a sad day for me as we’re moving my mom’s things out of her assisted living residence as we had to move her into a nursing home this past week….very stressful!
i can’t wait to get back to fairhope, such a beautiful town! i’m adding some of your suggestions of places to see/things to do to my list for next time we’re down that way.
I’m so sorry you are having to make that difficult move with your mother. I’m sure you have chosen a nursing home that will be a place full of kind people who will care for her as if she were their own mother.
Looking forward to you visiting Fairhope someday soon!
Thank you Leslie Anne….so far i’m extremely happy with her new “home” they appear to take very good care of their residents and have lots of activities such as bingo….her favorite! Today when we got there she sent me for pizza and then wanted a banana…she’s been depressed but today seemed more like herself. I appreciate your kind words.
Oh Leslie Anne, you were just fantastic! I actually went to college for radio and TV broadcasting and not only do you have a voice for radio, but you would be perfect on camera as well. Maybe you should think about starting a YouTube channel with videos of yourself decorating your beautiful holiday cookies, or interviewing some of the people in your stories. You could create a whole new venue for yourself. Your wonderful husband or son could be your cameraman. Think about it!
Lorraine, you are the best! Although it’s true, I’m made to sit and talk, moving around and being coordinated is a big challenge for me! I really did almost fall off the chair, just doing radio!
I absolutely adore your blog, Leslie Anne. The story about your grandmother was wonderful! And, the person who made the comment abut how you looked, must have had cataracts!
Your voice is what I expected. I expected a gentle, cultured Southern accent not Larry the Cable Guy. Great spot; I love listening to fellow Southerns speak.
I had to squelch Larry the Cable Guy which is my normal voice! So glad you couldn’t hear it!
How fun! I love the story of the vegetables on the porch. I personally think you have a face meant for EVERYTHING you darling girl! 🙂
A face for radio — you’re funny! Next stop — your own TV show! Love Mimi’s story and you did a great job with your radio debut. Can’t wait for the next one. Be sure to include a link for us readers 🙂
Pooh! I can’t get the sound byte! Anybody else have trouble getting it?
I just checked it and it’s working. Make sure you are clicking the little triangle “play” button. Sorry if you can’t get it, but if you want to give me your phone number, I’ll call you up and read the story to you! : )
I told you, you were fabulous! I listened to every word Leslie Anne and it was a great way to debut for radio. So glad it was recored so you could share it with us. Your story sounded great and the “do” was perfect, you looked adorable. Congratulations……………
See!! I knew you would have a new career!! I think your hair looks totally cute!! I figured you had gotten all dolled up for the occasion! I am off to listen and read the stories~thank you!
Delightful radio spot. You are the best.
Fun post; thanks for sharing! btw, your voice is perfect 🙂
Why thank you so much, darlin’!
Simply fabulous! I enjoyed every minute of it and Todd is right—-you are very pretty. Keep your carefree summer hairdo. I love it.
I’m afraid as long as the humidity hangs around, I’ll have this hair style. I can’t fight it anymore!
Thanks for reading – and listening!
I just love your blog! My sister and I have been reading it for about a year now. You actually inspired a girls trip; my 2 sisters, my mom and I are coming to Alabama next weekend and spending an entire day in Fairhope!
How fun! I hope you have good weather and a safe trip! Maybe we’ll run into each other somewhere. Make sure you go to the museum, tea at the Grand Hotel, a sunset walk on the pier, and a Fairhope Float at Mr. Gene’s Beans!
Thanks for reading.
What a wonderful thing that Fairhope, brimming with all that talent, is able to host a radio show to feature some of it. Congratulations for being a part of it. Please continue to give us the link when you are featured. You did a super job!
Love your “mixed – media” talents. Thanks for sharing this side of it with us. It was great!
Yes … Another gem right here in Fairhope ! I was also a guest on the show and was more than delighted with the entire experience… We are a real treasure trove … !!!