Interview by Donna Apidone
“Some time in the middle of her 20+ years as Morning Edition host on NPR affiliates, Donna Apidone grasped the true purpose of her job: Connect with people and guide them through their routine. Talk to one person at a time. Create an environment that combines information and encouragement.”
That is the opening paragraph on the website of veteran radio host, interviewer, author, and publicspeaker Donna Apidone.
BUT...and as you can imagine...her bio, credentials, social media sites, and writings (impressive though they are) do not adequately capture the warmth and intelligence that she brings to her interviews.
At least that’s my impression after being interviewed by Donna about the poetry book that I wrote about my husband’s cardiac arrests and recovery (Widow Maker from Finishing Line Press).
https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/widow-maker-by-pamela-r-anderson-bartholet/
What did I expect from our Zoom interview?
Before we began, I found my heart pounding and my palms sweating (yes...I suffer from stage fright!), and I felt a bit intimidated by the thought of answering probing questions about a significant event in my and my husband’s lives. I anticipated a process that would be more formal...more nerve wracking...and less like a conversation with a friend.
As it turned out, I did not need to be concerned. Throughout our 40-minute conversation, I felt as though I was talking to a dear friend who had boundless empathy for the experiences that led me to write my book.
Her questions led naturally...one to the next and the next. When we were finished, I felt as though I wanted to start all over again. Donna (and her ability to produce the interview into a seamless whole) was so genuine...so thoughtful...so patient and skillful that I felt great about our conversation. The result perfectly captures a stressful time and place in my life. All I can say to Donna Apidone is...THANK YOU!
https://www.donnaapidone.com/interviews
(For greater insights into what motivates Donna Apidone, consider reading her book:
TransForMission https://www.amazon.com/TransForMission-Donna-Apidone/dp/1452518149)
