Back when Layal and I started our own radio show we broadcast through a spotty Internet source at our favorite local beer joint in Beirut.
While hardly anyone in Lebanon had good enough Internet to stream the show, and those outside Lebanon couldn’t rely on the weak stream to listen either, we were lucky enough to have the space, equipment, and support to try our hands at something I had never even done before.
The idea of two audacious and liquored up ladies spouting off stories and erotic news was novel to all five-to-ten people drinking at that bar, and for that, we are grateful. With the “anything-goes”, “be as wild as you want” and “explore your creativity” spirit, we were able to grow, evolve, and get an idea how to become better entertainers.
Radio Beirut was awesome to us.
But then we moved to Norway and things got real. Because in Norway, the radio is a BIG DEAL. Like, almost 100% of the Norwegian population listens to the radio actively.
If Layal and I wanted a show, we had to shape up. We had to appeal to a new, strange and curious Scandinavian audience. We had to cut down on a lot of chit-chat. And stop talking about our boyfriends. And start making sense. The challenge was accepted! We booked a private session with the 2famous Music Maker for some jingles and worked more than 2-hours straight for once.
But it’s only the beginning.
The premier of our own show (contending for the International Flagship Show of the Channel title) RADIO BLA BLA broadcasts today at 17:00 on 99,3 Radio Nova, or online — live or later– a radionova.no
Aptly named Radio Bla Bla, because after cutting all the fat we still boil down to blabla,the show is like a variety hour. And as the only other English-speaking show on this channel RBB (testing out new abbreviations) explores sides of life you’re not tired of hearing about yet. The first episode includes:
Understanding Janteloven — Chatting with the Norwegian “King of Slapstick Comedy” Morten Ramm about a very important Scandinavian concept that could very well throw salt into our game, “Fake it till you Make it” (see above).
Norwegian Name Game Debacle— Just because you’re moving to a white Western country does NOT mean the names will be easier than those in the Middle East. Layal is quizzed on names and pronunciation… will she fail miserably? Will she find out what an Asbjorn is?
Unsolicited Advice on the Radio: We round up some of the most desperate cries for help and advice on the Americans in Norway Facebook Page and offer our own words of wisdom to compatriots. Crises include: Solving the crunchy towel problem, what to do when your non-dairy coffee creamer runs out, and a surprise.
Plus! Chats about transgender news & our ACTUAL television premier on Fatstone.TV
The show airs every Monday at 17:00 on 99.3 Radio Nova and online at radionova.no.
Fan mails and tips can go to a.avedisian(@)gmail.com
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