Her work inspires me and her "how-to's" make me feel capable! It's a magic combination!
Monday
28Jan
speaking of hedgehogs . . .
Stacy, my publicist at Gotham, emailed to ask me if I wanted to do a radio interview with Jean Chatzky on XM Oprah & Friends Radio. Of course, I said "hell yes." I totally love Jean Chatzky. I've watched her on the Today Show for years. She's one of the few people who makes me feel like I'm not too broke or dumb to talk about money.
Right after I agreed to do the interview, I checked out the show schedule to learn more about her work. Bad move. Her show line-up looked something like this:
Monday: Bank statement fees
Tuesday: Retirement
Wednesday: Hedge Funds
Total suckage. I don't even open my bank statements. I panicked and called a friend. She said, "Who cares. It's Jean Chatzky on Oprah. You're good at redirecting. Just bring it back to something you can talk about."
I was lying in bed that night thinking up good money redirects when it hit me. I could always say something like, "Speaking of hedge funds, I think hedgehogs are really cute." The line was so bad, I actually said out loud, "Oh . . . smooth move Ex-Lax, that's real highbrow." I started laughing at myself and decided, "I'm going to do this thing. What do I have to lose?" Laughing at myself is always a good indicator that the self-doubt is letting up.
Truthfully, it was one of the best interviews I've ever experienced. She is funny, honest, irreverent and totally gets shame and perfectionism. I don't think I've ever talked to anyone that well known who has been completely upfront about their own stuff. Even her producer was into it.
If you have XM Radio, check it out tomorrow (1/29)! Air times are 10am CST and 11pm CST.
And, btw, I really do think Calvin, the cowboy hedgehog, is pretty cute. Of course, anyone who knows me will tell you that a live version of Calvin would cause me to seize with fear, then die.
The photo is courtesy of Bryan Smith at Hegdehog Central.
01.28.2008
Reader Comments (2)
I have an xm radio that hasn't been activated for probably 3 years now but I'm going to make a call first thing in the morning to get it activated just so I can hear the interview. :) Better get it charged up tonight. :)
You did a great job today on Jean Chatzky's program today.I would never have known you had the least apprehension about it!
Congrats on the book and the new blog...