Hi there! Sara Hillis here to let you know that today, August 21, 2026, marks ten years since I spoke my first words on the air as a host on Mushroom FM! Technically, those words were voice-tracked and so pre-recorded, but when I tuned in to hear myself--a very surreal experience--I never dreamed that I would still be doing this ten years later! In fact, I had convinced myself that no one would like what I did and that I wouldn't be any good as a DJ and that I would be let go in short order with extreme prejudice, because of course I was a fool to start this crazy ride in the first place. Obviously, none of that happened, and here we are!
I decided to write to Jonathan Mosen, the manager, in July of 2016 about joining Mushroom FM rather on a whim. I had recently participated in an alumni reunion at my former school in which the president of our association had asked me to make all the announcements, and I realized that I had a knack for getting people's attention and for making them laugh. AT the time, Mushroom FM was pushing this new thing called voice-tracking, which would allow you to go to air without the need for fancy equipment and without paying for the live broadcasting software that we use. So, seeing as I loved Celtic music, I thought it would be fun to host a Celtic music show, and so I sent an email to Jonathan.
I had read on the web site that there would be an interview and testing process for me to undergo, which all seemed right and proper to me. I mean, it was fair to say that I had developed a bit of a relationship with Mushroom fM through Jonathan's interactive shows. (I think even then I was called the Castigator-in-chief.) However, Jonathan had no way of knowing if my hosting skills would be anything to write home about, so I was willing to be vetted.
Well, imagine my surprise when, not even twenty-four hours after my initial tentative email, I received one in return that basically said that I was in! I suppose that all those castigations paid off, and that made me realize that putting myself out there could actually be a good thing, because, well, people might actually notice me!
In many ways, I am the complete opposite of a typical radio personality. I have no special need to be noticed or anything. I do not have a big personality that just needs to shine. In fact, I'm much more comfortable sitting quietly and listening to others talk, especially in an intimate setting. So, as I began this journey, I wondered how I'd actually do! Then, as time whent on and listener feedback came in, I understood the true power of radio! It may need big personalities to anchor it, but at its heart, it is a very intimate medium. The presentor and the listener work in tandum to create this experience, though of course it's imperative that the presentor set the tone.
So, as people began to tell me that my show felt like a friendly place to be, I began to double down on that idea. This was a show without drama, where people could come and stay a while, as though they were hanging out in my living-room. IN some cases, as with the short-lived Clubhouse obsession, this actually happened! Myself and several listeners would meet on the Clubhouse app, sadly not on the air, but while I was doing a live show, and it made it all quite fun!
Live shows, you say? When did that happen? Well, in 2017, I think, Jonathan needed extra hosting help with our annual Holiday Countdown event and asked me to get up to speed with doing a live show. Well, after some very amusing hickups, I was hooked, and brought the live experience to Come by the Hills, while still maintaining a voice-tracked week-day show which is currently known as Sara Smiles. I found that I was able to do well live, and I know I'd never have done it on my own. Sometimes, you need that little push, and Jonathan gave me that!
There is much more I could say, but I think it's better done in person, as it were. Suffice it to say that after ten years, I am still not bored, and Mushroom FM is still going strong! Thanks to all those with whom I have worked over the years! You've supported me when I needed support, and you've encouraged me both by example and by kind words! Thanks also, and most importantly, to you, the listener! Radio is quite meaningless without you, and we definitely know that there is a huge amount of choice out there these days. So, when you make the choice to tune into Mushroom FM, we know that we are filling a need. It is, and should be in my opinion, an incredibly humbling experience to those of us behind the microphone. It is certainly so to me!
Thanks for all the magic Mushroom memories! Let's make more of them!
Tune in on Sunday at 8:00 PM Eastern for the tenth anniversary special of Come by the Hills! and if you'd like to contribute to the show with any memories or thoughts you might have about the past ten years, please send an email, written or a voice-memo, to sara@mushroomfm.com. I'd love to include you in the show!
Catch Come by the Hills live from the 7th Floor on Sunday at 8:00 PM Eastern, or check out the replay on Tuesday at 5:00 AM Eastern! Enjoy, and keep your dragons safe!