Episode transcript

Note: This transcript has been edited for clarity and readability while staying true to the spirit of the conversation.

Amanda: This is Not Just A… the podcast where we get to know the person behind the job title. I’m your host, Amanda. Today, we’ll be speaking to Ash London, who has not only been a TV and radio host but is also a published author — truly a jack of many trades. We chat about the writing process, packing up her family’s life to move overseas, and how she tackles writer’s block.

I’m really looking forward to you hearing her outlook on tackling risks and how she manages them without regrets. But as always, we’ll be chatting about who she really is behind the job title. Let’s get into it.

Amanda: Ash London, I am very excited to have you as a guest on the podcast. We’ve worked together and known each other for over ten years. We’ve gone on many trips when we were in the music industry, when you were working in radio, and we did Splendour in the Grass. And who could forget our planned Coachella trip before Covid ruined it for us!

But we’re here to talk about you. You’re a woman of many trades — TV host, radio host, author, international broadcaster now in New Zealand. I wanted to choose a title for you today, and I’m going with “author” because I want to delve into your book.

Ash: I still struggle with that word. Even though I published a novel, I think, “I’m just a person who wrote a book.” But there’s real power in accepting it — I am an author.

Amanda: You absolutely are. And it’s amazing. Funny enough, I was chatting to someone else on the podcast about how women often feel imposter syndrome, like we’re not worthy of certain titles. If a friend said that to us, we’d say, “Babe, you’ve got this, you’re smashing it.” We need to change that internal dialogue.

Ash: Exactly. Men in high-powered positions rarely doubt themselves the way women do. We need to back ourselves more.

Amanda: So, let’s get into it. Who were you, and what were you doing before you became an author?

Ash: When I went to university, I wanted to write. But my degree had radio units, and I ended up loving them. That led to hosting a music TV show and then radio. Radio took up ten years of my life before I even thought about writing a book.

But then I had my baby and went on maternity leave. That pause gave me space to reflect. For my whole life I’d identified as a broadcaster — my work was my identity. Covid forced me to stop, and suddenly I had time to look back. I realised I’d done some really cool things, like being a solo female hosting a music radio show. That gave me pride, and I started writing.

Amanda: What drove you to actually write the book?

Ash: I wanted a long-term project after years of instant gratification from radio. At first I doubted I had the discipline. But I wanted to prove to myself I could do it — and to my son. His name is in the book, and when he first saw it, he pointed to his name. That moment made it all worth it.

Amanda: I love that. When I was reading, I thought some characters felt familiar — did you draw from real experiences?

Ash: Definitely. We even had a defamation lawyer check the manuscript! Some characters are amalgamations of people I knew in the industry, while the main character started out based on me but then evolved into her own person.

Amanda: What was your writing process like?

Ash: I thought I could finish it in three months — it took a year. We got a nanny three days a week so I could dedicate time to writing. I didn’t plan much, which meant I sometimes had to delete 20,000 words and start fresh. After finishing, the editing process was intense but rewarding. I actually loved it — feedback made the book so much better.

I also wrote parts of it while travelling in Europe. Sitting in Florence or Tuscany with my laptop was dreamy, but also necessary. Travel sparks creativity for me.

Amanda: I couldn’t agree more. Travel makes you more well-rounded and gives you perspective.

Ash: Absolutely. Travel is the thing that’s shaped me most. It’s made me more confident, creative, and empathetic.

Amanda: So, who are you when nobody’s watching?

Ash: Honestly, I’m an introvert. People assume I’m extroverted because of my work, but I recharge by being at home, sitting on the couch reading a book while my son plays Lego at my feet. That’s the truest version of me.

Amanda: I love that. What’s something you’re deeply passionate about that would surprise people?

Ash: Inner work. I’ve been seeing the same therapist for years. I’m very spiritual and nurturing that side of myself is important. During Covid, I even wrote meditations for my radio show, and the response was overwhelming. People crave that deeper connection.

Amanda: That’s beautiful. If you could be known for something completely different, what would it be?

Ash: Helping people understand themselves better. I’d love to be known for that. And of course, being a great mum. That’s my most important — and terrifying — role.

Amanda: Has parenthood taught you lessons you’ve carried into work?

Ash: Yes. Stepping away from radio gave me perspective. My job is fun, but it’s just a small part of people’s day. I don’t need to take it too seriously. That sense of gratitude makes me a better broadcaster and colleague.

Amanda: I also think you’re inspiring for changing careers, moving countries, selling your house, writing a book — all without regrets. Many people feel stuck in one path, but you’ve shown risks are worth taking.

Ash: I’ve learned that if you’re grateful and back yourself, things work out. You can’t romanticise the “what ifs.” You make the best decision with the information you have, and you move forward.

Amanda: Can you share a story from work where being fully yourself — not just the professional version — made you successful?

Ash: I always wanted to create a culture of inclusivity and gratitude. That mattered more to me than ratings. I wanted my producers and colleagues to feel valued. I’m proud of that, because not everyone in my position prioritised it.

Amanda: I can vouch for that. Having worked with you, I always felt comfortable in your studio. Artists knew they’d be treated with respect.

Ash: Exactly. What’s the point if people don’t feel safe and enjoy the work?

Amanda: What would people be most surprised to learn about your job day-to-day?

Ash: That 95% of it isn’t glamorous. It’s meetings, schedules, and collaboration. Only 5% is the exciting stuff. It’s the same with writing — most of it is just sitting down and doing the work.

Amanda: And when you hit writer’s block?

Ash: I step away. Meditate, do yoga, go for a walk. Forcing it doesn’t work. Creativity needs space.

Amanda: Final question — what’s your hidden talent?

Ash: Cooking! I’m a really good cook. I can walk into a kitchen, see what’s there, and make something delicious. I learned it from my mum and Lebanese food culture.

Amanda: Amazing — maybe a cookbook one day!

Ash: Maybe. I also sing a bit, but my friends are such incredible musicians that I’d never claim to be one myself.

Amanda: Ash, thank you so much for joining me. It’s been a pleasure chatting with you.

Ash: Thank you — it’s been wonderful.

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