How exciting for me to share a success story from my week with you, my MARvelous MARtians. This week led me to an interesting new place in my life, as on Tuesday I did a satellite media tour for Depend. A satellite media tour is where you do multiple TV and radio appearances, staggered one after the other, without traveling to each one. I was in a studio in New York, and the morning TV shows and radio ‘drive-time’ shows from across the country interviewed me “via satellite.”
Because it was going to be an early start (and a focused day), I went to bed at 8pm on Monday and awoke bright and early, just in time to hear the birds chirping and building new nests in the garden. At 5:45am a car was ready and waiting to take me into the city. I was prepared and briefed for my role, and excited for what the day would bring.
After arriving I was sent to Hair & Make-up (okay, so perhaps they didn’t need as much time for hair!) and I was ready to be mic’d up and on set. More than that, truly thrilled that I would be talking to so many folks across the country about how Baby Boomers can be more active – while offering some sMARt tips to help others find the way.
Nothing had prepared me for what happened on my second live hit. A TV host (who shall remain nameless, from a station that will also remain nameless) thought it would be fun to get some cheap laughs at my expense. He ambushed me when I was discussing giving people the freedom and the confidence they need when living with bladder leakage. He let loose with some inappropriate and crude remarks! I must say, the station producers and client later apologized for the man, but they couldn’t have known it would happen. However, I didn’t let his behavior stop me. I felt an overwhelming sense of pride to be an advocate for the many men and women who live with this common condition. So I was not going to be bullied by him, nor would I stoop to his level. I carried on – as so many Americans do – in spite of his rudeness, eloquently redirecting and trying to turn every crass comment into an opportunity. I pointed out that his cheap shots and sounds of disgust were actually a great example of why people are ashamed to talk about their challenges. I think that particular ‘shock jock’ got a shock of his own when I stood my ground!
You might be wondering why I wanted to work with Depend. It’s simple: I’m all about sharing resources with people that help them live life to its fullest, whether it’s in their homes, gardens, or, in this case, staying active. I feel strongly that if we are to change the stigma about this subject – or any – we need to talk about it. And if someone jokes about or makes light of it they might be nervous, of course, but if they don’t want to be educated, I will react the way I was brought up: Be polite, smile and never let them see you sweat.
Out of so many terrific interviews, that one certainly became the one we all talked about. I have to say is no matter what happens, you can depend on me!
