We had a chinwag with Capital FM’s Aimee Vivian, and we kind of adore her

If you haven’t listened to Aimee Vivian on Capital FM’s 1-4pm show, you should. If you don’t already follow her on social media, you should.

Having interviewed some pretty significant A-listers, including the likes of Ed Sheeran and the forever sexy Calvin Harris, having worked with brands including MTV and Sky, not to mention being involved in events like The Brits and the Capital Summertime Ball. Basically, she’s definitely a radio presenter and DJ to watch.

We had a cheeky chinwag with Aimee and after our chat in which we cover IBS, celiac diets, and COVID-19 forging stronger relationships, it’s safe to say we do kind of adore her.

Tell us a bit about you, where you’re from and how you came to work at Capital FM? 

I am from Milton Keynes and live there now after moving back after graduating from the University of Surrey. I studied dance and culture there - I loved dancing but realised I didn’t want to be a professional dancer. Instead, it was there that I discovered my love for radio after I joined the student radio station and was lucky enough to present my own show once a week. I graduated in 2012 and started volunteering at my local station; MKFM. I would go and work at my dad’s office during the day, and then go to do drive time 4-7pm Monday – Friday at the station. I absolutely loved it, so kept going trying to get a better gig and in 2015, Capital knocked on the door and that was it! 

After realising dancing wasn’t going to be your profession, did you think you wanted to be in radio as a career?

I didn’t know that I did, but as soon as I tried it, it was like everything made sense. My teachers at school always used to say ‘Aimee would do so much better if she stopped rushing and talked less’. I should of known I’d end up doing something with my voice, and let me tell you - it was never going to be singing!

What’s it been like trying to work over the last year with the COVID-19 pandemic?

Just like for everyone, there has been a lot of adjusting and it’s definitely been different, but it has equally been positively challenging. Adapting our shows to reflect the current mood, and with all the changes of restrictions, it was strange at first, but brought a real sense of togetherness. I feel like being able to come in and chat to my listeners everyday has been my saving grace, and I hope it was for them in a way too.

Slight tangent! What’s your hands down favourite song ever?

This is sooo hard! I have too many faves, but I would have to say either Cheers by Rhianna, or Kanye West’s Can't Tell Me Nothing.

Photo credit: Brett Cove

What other women do you look up to?

My mum for sure. She is so incredibly strong and supportive of me. There is also a girl on Instagram I found recently - her name is Lottie Drynan and she suffers with IBS like I do. She’s honestly made me feel so much more comfortable being myself and helped me embrace being open about what it’s like – no embarrassment, no holding back.

Speaking of IBS, I saw a post on Instagram that you did about suffering from it and being celiac which I loved (fellow IBS sufferer here), was it nerve racking sharing that with the world and do you think there be more light shone on such things that literally SO many women suffer in silence with? (similar to Lottie)

Oh my goodness, yes - absolutely terrifying. This is something I have lived with for years and years, with only a handful of people knowing the severity of it. I hid it for so long because I was ashamed, but now I’m learning that it is part of who I am and I hope to help others feel more confident and comfortable by sharing my experiences.

I really think it needs to be spoken about more. It’s still a taboo subject and so many people are ashamed and embarrassed of it, not wanting to cause a fuss -  but that’s not right. I want to be able to say ‘I’m not having a very good day today and here’s why’. A lot of people misunderstand IBS and think it’s just a stomach related problem, so with more awareness out there, people can understand it actually effects your whole body and your mind. It can be very draining both physically and mentally. 

I hear you there. Moving to something less…irritable? Have you had any super awkward moments on air?

Oh all the time! The thing is, I love my job so much – we always have such a laugh in the studio and then suddenly you realise you’ve got 5 seconds left of a track before you need to talk! Or sometimes your words get all jumbled and you can’t speak properly. At the end of the day, we are all human, and it goes out live! Not always ideal, but I just own it because it happens to everyone.

For young girls looking to potentially start a career in radio or in presenting, what advice would you give them?

To just be themselves. Presenting is not like acting, we are speaking as ourselves, so it’s important to remember that only you can be you, and that’s your biggest strength. Find out what you love, what passions you have and own them, practice them and get out there. Rejection is only a pathway to something better.

What’s in the pipeline for 2021? Anything exciting we need to know about?

I am working on something at the moment that I feel really passionate about but can't say what just yet.. Otherwise, I just want to keep using my voice to speak out about IBS, women’s issues, of course the radio, and hopefully I get to enjoy lots of the garden and the great out outdoors this year!

I do like adding a fun one at the end, soooo…what would you bring to a dinner party?

The karaoke machine! The best nights always end with a good old sing song!