Standing in for Fred
When I was told that Fred MacAulay was climbing Kilimanjaro for charity and they needed a replacement on MacAulay And Co for three weeks I jumped at the chance to do what is rapidly becoming one of my favourite jobs. I knew that during that time no two shows would be the same, the guests would be varied and wonderful, and that the production team would be a delight to work with.
For those of you not familiar with my background I worked as a lawyer for 7 years, I've gigged in some of the toughest and roughest clubs in the country as a stand up but even I can't think of anything more intimidating than an hour and a half of live radio. It's exciting, unpredictable but ultimately terrifying. Every morning I sit in the presenters chair, watching the clock as the time ticks up to 10.30am frantically re-reading material before the show starts. I listen to the last 5 minutes of Call Kaye waiting for her cheery tones to wish me well before we're off. And once we start it's full on until midday when I can breathe a sigh of relief at a job (hopefully) well done.
The show is thoroughly researched and planned. Briefs compiled and read. But it doesn't matter how much information you have because that doesn't help make the show spontaneous, funny and engaging. That's down to me, my on-air co hosts and the contributors.
When I was asked to write a blog on what it's like to stand in for Fred, I sat down to think about how I approach the show. Every presenter brings their own style to their shows on BBC Radio Scotland from Kaye Adams, to John Beattie, to Bryan and the Get It On team and it is a challenge to compete with such broadcasting heavyweights. Fred also brings such a distinctive style to the show that the first thing I realised was that I shouldn't try and copy him but to try and develop my own way of doing things. I'm hugely enthusiastic about broadcasting and I hope that comes across on the airwaves. I love speaking to people and finding out what makes them tick but most of all I try to bring a bit of fun to people's days.
One of the greatest challenges in the show is coming up with interesting questions to keep the listeners and the guests interested. This is especially tough when we have a celebrity guest on who has probably been interviewed since 7 in the morning and has suffered through hours of similar questions and answers. I make sure I've read their book or watched their show and always try and think of a question that they might not have heard or might not be expecting. There is always the hope that BBC Radio Scotland might get that exclusive quote that no one else gets or that the listeners are the first to hear something exciting.
To me the most crucial part is to make sure that the listeners feel included in our conversations. Otherwise it would just be me talking to myself, something I do quite enough of. Just ask my better half. On the show we try and find items that people at home will connect with and questions that will interest them. If we hit on a subject that gets people texting and emailing in it's an fantastic feeling. When I'm not on the radio I spend my days listening to it and I know that it should inform, entertain and amuse in equal measure.
All in all it has been a fantastic few weeks. I've spoken to Dame Kelly Holmes, presented the show standing up, tried artichokes for the first time, watched Richard Cadey do Laughter Yoga, learnt what size of animal could fit into the average pothole and, with the help of Joan McFadden, tried to help the nation think more positively. On this Tuesday's show a job expert will be analysing my skills to establish if I should be presenting the show at all! I'll be honest, I'm quite nervous but I do hope the answer is positive!
Every day sitting in for Fred is a challenge but every day we try to make the show better than the last. I'll be tuning in to the show when Fred returns but I hope you've enjoyed my stint on the show because it's been the most fabulous three weeks with the most fantastic production team. Thanks for listening!
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