Collins takes to the airwaves

Sisters community radio station KZSO is premiering its talk show line-up on Saturday, May 3, with local host Kelsey Collins talking about life - life in Sisters, life in general, being human, asking questions we all ask ourselves and want to know about others.

"I want to inspire people to look inside themselves and to think beyond themselves," says Collins. "Do we ever stop to think about where our ideas, thoughts, opinions come from? Why some people are racist or sexist, prejudiced or judgmental, angry or sad or happy and content? When we hear other peoples' stories, we see ourselves. We are mirrors for each other if we would just listen to each other instead of trying to defend our own prejudices."

Collins will invite callers to (anonymously) share their personal stories, their family histories, funny stories, inspirational stories, lessons from the past, insights for the future. She will ask questions that will make listeners examine their own lives, such as: What brings value to your life? What do you want to be when you grow up? What was the best/worst day of your life? Who would you be if you were a cartoon character? Who are your heroes? What is your favorite joke? What were your "Rocky" dance moments?

"I'm looking forward to doing this show," Collins says, "because I care about Sisters and the people here, about all things positive, uplifting and for the common good." She hopes to educate herself and her listeners, expand minds and hearts, and laugh a lot -sometimes for no apparent reason!

Collins doesn't pretend to be an expert at anything, but says she loves to hear people's stories, fiction or non-fiction. She hopes to talk about movies and books and art, especially Sisters artists and their creativity, and to help herself and others to "not take ourselves so darned seriously (Rule #6)!" Mostly she wants to know what you love, what stirs you, what's alive in you. Maybe you've never told anybody what's really in your heart but now you're ready to share your perspective with others. Her show is all about inclusion; what she won't talk about is politics or religion.

In the future, Collins plans to bring on guests she thinks her audience will be interested in hearing and hopes to expand her timeslot to an hour. You may post comments on "KZSO" or "Kelsey Collins Author" Facebook pages. In order to thrive, shows must be underwritten by interested sponsors. Donations to KZSO are tax-deductible.

Tune in to KZSO (94.9 FM) Saturday, May 3, from 9 to 9:30 a.m. for The Kelsey Collins Show.