First, Flying from Albuquerque, NM to Los Angeles International Airport—getting to the rental car place and climbing into a Mazda with Las Vegas plates, and dents everywhere! My friend was the brave one who took the wheel and drove us to Calabasas where we were staying for two days before the radio show. She used to live in LA, so she knows her way around. Even she became a bit rattled at the traffic and the freeways. I was beyond rattled just riding in the car! The freeways are beyond crazy—no matter what time of day or night!
The morning of the radio show, we left Calabasas very early to ensure that I would make it in time. The Studio is in the heart of Hollywood, on Sunset and Gower—the buildings take up several blocks so just imagine trying to find the one that held the studio I was going to. We found it and I was very early.
Catherine Gray arrived soon after I did and greeted me warmly—they have a “green room” where guests wait—small and sparse—with a TV for watching the videos of the shows being broadcasted. I must say, I learned a great deal just sitting there waiting my turn. The other guest arrived, an amazing woman who is quite the business entrepreneur! She and I had a great exchange while we were waiting. There was a brief practice run before the show was aired. I got to sit in “my spot” and try the mic and see if all was well with the set up. Then I was ushered back to the green room where I awaited my signal to go on.
Not being familiar with all of this, I was slightly nervous—but excited too.
Once I was on with Catherine, it became very comfortable for me to be interviewed. She had done her homework as far as my book and my practice goes. It was fun to “chat” back and forth, finding ways to bring my points home!
The half hour went quickly and once it was over and all the thank you(s) were said, I left the studio, got into the lovely Mazda rental car and we braved our way to LAX! Once again, my dear friend, jockeyed her way in and out of traffic and found an alternate route to the airport. Needless to say, once we were through security, bags checked, etc, I was ready for a nice, tall glass of wine!
Of course, our flight to ABQ was delayed, enough so that we had to stay over night in ABQ and drive back to Santa Fe the next morning,
All in all, it was quite an experience.
The message is clear: it is a lesson to us as women, seize the opportunities to use your voices, speak your truth and be gracefully present! Your spirits and courage will be lifted! You will make a difference by speaking up! I did.