In this engaging conversation, Anna Foster shares her journey through the radio industry, discussing the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field and the evolution of women's roles in media. She reflects on her experiences with pay inequality, the impact of ageing on confidence, and the importance of storytelling. The discussion also touches on the value of interviewing ordinary people, personal growth, and the significance of connection and friendship in life.

Anna Foster has been on the air in the North East for 27 years, presenting on TFM, Metro and Magic Radio. She now hosts the mid-morning programme on BBC Radio Newcastle where local people are the stars. She has three grown up children that still leave pizza boxes under their bed, a patient husband and a dog called Hope she found. She is an advocate for those with OCD and passionate about good mental health for all, she loves Tech music, singing Mozart and the Durham fells.

Takeaways

Anna's journey into radio began with a passion for storytelling and curiosity about people.

The radio industry has historically been male-dominated, presenting challenges for women.

Pay inequality was a significant issue in the media industry until 2016.

Ageing can impact confidence, but it also brings a sense of empowerment.

Interviewing ordinary people often yields more profound insights than celebrity interviews.

Being honest and vulnerable on air fosters trust with listeners.

Building connections and friendships is vital for personal growth and happiness.

Embracing opportunities for growth and change is essential at any age.

Sound Bites

“We were known as giggle bitches or gag slags”

“Radio was … quite a man's club”

“And as far as pay goes, like, woof, no equality at all”

“If you share your vulnerabilities, then you might make somebody else feel better”

“Would I want to go through what I did in my 30s? No…. And I wish probably I had stood up a little bit earlier, but I didn't. Because I think we were frightened for our jobs.”

“In a world that's a bit topsy-turvy at the minute, it's nice to know there's a lot more good people”

“People teach you things, amazing things, which actually celebrities tend not to teach you.”

“Time's the most precious thing we have”

“When you get to a certain age, you need to give yourself some challenges.”

“And then I think, why am I too old? Madonna's still slut dropping…you should be allowed to dance. You should be allowed to be seen”

“You're never too old to make new friends”

“And when you are with those people, putting your bloody phone down is really important.”

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A short trailer to introduce a new podcast by Yvonne Vincent and Marie Thom. Hear Me Roar brings you inspriational stories from midlife and beyond.

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Facebook Hear Me Roar

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Get in touch: hearmeroarhere@gmail.com or via our website hearmeroarhere.com