“Authenticity is the most important thing. If you are authentic, that’s where the connectivity comes.” On a high stool in the old canteen of RTÉ’s radio centre in Donnybrook, Dublin, Tracy Clifford is batting back a compliment in typically Irish fashion. I’ve mentioned that her candour has meant a lot to many women over the years – the 2FM broadcaster has spoken about IVF and endometriosis, and what it feels like to struggle privately while maintaining a public-facing career. Clifford has heard the compliment, but amiably deflected it, to talk about other people on air, and what she loves about hearing stories.
“I have read interviews or listened to podcasts or radio shows where someone is telling their story that is deeply personal. It might connect you to a person or help you deal with something. In my instance, it could be endometriosis. Or it could have been someone with relationship issues, who got married at 58. Hearing stories makes us all feel together and normal and that nobody is alone. Radio is a great friend in that sense.”
As chatty, likable and direct in person as she comes across on air, Clifford has fairly blown into the empty canteen today, her long fur-lined coat swinging, giving glamour to the cold day. It’s not long since the 10th anniversary of her radio show on RTÉ 2FM, an anniversary that matters deeply in the field she’s i
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