2022 - Opening Up and Embracing Autism

2022.

The year I (almost) ditched my radio aspirations and remembered
how to be happy again.

More importantly, being able to enjoy radio as a listener again,
where for 18 months beforehand, it was only switched on for either Liza Tarbuck,
or “I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue”.

I should have recognised the signs years ago,

They’re even written here on earlier blog posts.

Getting psychiatric help made sense of not just the last five years,
but being able to process the last thirty five years.

As well as the realisation of no longer wanting to move back to London,
and genuinely being able to embrace my autism.

And maybe why Audio (and everything else) is looking far more positive.

Was never a genuine winner.

Attending the Audio Production Awards in November was really encouraging,
in that a life part-spent in audio could be more a friendship
than the failing relationship radio became in the last five years.

My best friend Sandie from Folded Wing helped me realise that friends
don’t have to be in each others pockets all the time.



And I wish there were more Sandies. More nicer, genuine,
caring people near to where I live.

Maybe there are more than I think...

But I haven’t burnt any bridges. That’s the worst thing anyone could do.

I may no longer have the mental energy to present my own show again,
but in terms of attending industry events and meeting other people in radio,
there's still hope and other ways of letting that passion emerge.

Not every day is easy to handle, and you can never plan how you are going
to feel in advance. Though there are other positives.

Namely goings on outside of audio, such as the Noel’s House Party at 30 website,
which this year has gone further than I ever imagined.

Though that’s all down to co-writers Jon and Brendan, and if you’re reading,  
you’ve both done me proud with your amazing interviews.

I have also produced a follow-up of sorts to my Radio 4 appearance
with family friend Concha, and delightful as it is, I'm hoping it's
a warm up to something even more special.

As come 2023 it will be 10 years since I recorded my bipolar podcast
at Folded Wing and have it in the running to produce one last audio adventure
with the amazing and delightful company founder Karen P. 

She must get it all from Sandie. No nicer person.

And no better place, than at the Wing's new home in Leigh-on-Sea.

Which happened to get a name check right at the end
of a very early Essex Radio jingle...

Wishing a happy '23 to you and thanks for reading through this garble.

Which admittedly I love writing.

Much love.