Talk Show Host
Kirsty Spraggon
Many thanks to Kirsty TV for your contribution to this edition.
We look forward to hearing more from you in the future! Your friends at Hollywood Happenings
Kirsty Spraggon is a Talk show host. Speaker. Life- Liver. People lover. Founder of Konnection Global and Executive Producer of Kirsty TV.
“I made it! It’s been a year since I landed in Los Angeles with 2 suitcases in tow and a bag full of dreams. In some ways, it is very surreal to think that a whole year has passed. It seemed to just fly by and then at other times it dragged on…
If I were to sum up my toughest times, firstly I would say that Sir Edmund Hillary said it best, “It’s not the mountains we conquer, but ourselves.” It really has been about conquering myself emotionally and mentally. The hardest times are when you wonder, can I do this? Am I good enough? How? Building a TV show seems to be such an overwhelming, humongous goal some days. There are days when these questions don’t really bother me at all and then there are days where the fear can be paralyzing and leave me in the fetal position.
Moving to another country has had its own challenges, but the biggest has been being lonely. Being so far away from all of the people who support you and help you through tough times has been hard. Though 12 months later, I have some wonderful support networks in the U.S.
Upon arriving here, I had some meetings with managers, producers and industry exec’s. And let me just admit that rejection is tough. No one likes to hear, “We’re not interested,” served with a little, “… you have no clue.” People really let me know what they thought. They had no issue saying, “You can’t do it. You will never get there. Do you know how many people want to be a talk show host?” …etc., etc. Hollywood is a very superficial networking scene; you need to be very resilient to survive here.
Recently, a really tough time was when I had a show reel edited and shared it with a handful of friends. The feedback was incredibly valuable and useful, but at the time, I was feeling so tired and overwhelmed. It was really hard to hear. I cried for a few days, then picked myself back up and got on with it. I have learned now to know that, ‘This too shall pass.’ The down days are part of the process in such a huge journey. You’re going to be scared, its uncomfortable being out there alone and putting yourself out there in such a big way is tough.
It’s been a steep learning curve to produce a show, especially since I had never done it. There were so many new skills to learn and absorb in such a short period of time. It can be very overwhelming. But for every down day, there have been 20 ups. For every day I am in fear, there are many more where I am so clear and sure of my dream and vision.
I knew a year ago I could live with the worst case scenario; loosing everything and having to go home and live with my parents. Lol… but I could never have lived with not giving it a go. This year has been one of the most incredible years of my life. I am stronger, wiser and surer. I know 100% what I am here to do. I have grown as a person and can’t wait for the next year!
The highlights have been:
1. The fact that I produced a show! We have 8 weeks of content in the can.
2. I got to interview some incredible people with the most amazing stories.
3. I met some really cool people like Larry King, John Travolta, Marcia Cross and Vanilla Ice.
4. I got to go explore some wonderful cities such as New York, Denver and Miami.
So the highs have certainly outweighed the lows.
To anyone who is having a ‘fetal position moment,’ just know that this too shall pass. For anyone thinking about following their dream, trust your heart… and go for it!!”
Kirsty with guest, Zachary Tristen, from a recent episode.
Kirsty TV is about the power of sharing stories, as an interviewer I get to hold someone’s heart in my hands as they share their most personal and vulnerable stories that are only theirs to tell. I believe when people share their stories they heal themselves and they heal others.
My hope is that you hear something universal in their story that you connect with their raw honesty and vulnerability. Perhaps you will realize, you are not alone… I want for everyone to be at peace with who they are warts and all and to learn, grow & heal through hearing another person’s story.
I am honoured and excited to be presenting at this years TEDX Malibu. My speech title ‘You’re Only As Sick As Your Secrets’ really says it all. Through building my talk show KirstyTV and hearing people share their deepest darkest secrets from incest to rape, to eating disorders and addictions. I have seen first hand the impact of keeping secrets & the damage that guilt and shame does. To the incredible healing powers and sense of freedom that comes from sharing our secrets. It takes courage, vulnerability & guts to do it but it is so worth it.
Our philosophy has been that when we share our stories we heal ourselves and we heal others. Everyday, I receive emails and messages of gratitude for creating a space where everyday people can tell their stories of overcoming adversity. The healing ripple effect continues to grow as we discover more about ourselves and find the hope in humanity with each and every episode. Our guests and experts are the heart of the show and our viewers, the life blood that spread new healing and inspiration.