Stroud Times sat down with Mia Ashcroft – Stroud-based radio DJ.
When were you at your happiest? I’m my happiest when I’ve just done something terrifying – like my first ever radio show, or coming off stage after a dance performance. That rush is pure happiness for me.
What has been your biggest disappointment? Rumour had it either The Prodigy or Pendulum were headlining the closing party at Boomtown in 2018. Looking back I think I started the rumour… God knows where I got that from. We were ready for the night of our lives when Andy C, the same DJ who has headlined the closing party like 15 times came out. We spent the whole gig looking over at each other shaking our heads. Genuinely one of the most disappointing moments of my life.
What is your guiltiest pleasure? Geordie Shore, the old series. I hate to admit it but I love it.
What is your favourite smell? Got to be either the smell that’s always around Woodruffs when you walk past towards the market or my fave perfume Tom Ford – Soleil Orchid.
Who would play you in a film about your life? A mix of Maisie Williams (I got stopped by passport control to ask if I was her once. I personally don’t see it) mixed with a bit of Phoebe Waller-Bridge (the woman from Fleabag).
What do you like most about Stroud? My favourite thing about Stroud is the network of lovely creative people. (and the Thai food at the Farmers’ market).
What would you improve about Stroud? More cool nightlife and workshops for young’uns (insert ad for The Sub Rooms, haha. No but really, keep your eyes peeled.)
What is your ideal weekend? A chicken ramen and bad TV on Friday, then charity shopping, lunch and the pub on Saturday (then maybe a little rave in Bristol).
What is on your bucket list? I’ve always been desperate to do a skydive. The thought terrifies me but I imagine the feeling when you get to the bottom is incredible (right?!).
What is the most important lesson life has taught you? No one cares what you do with yourself, they’re too worried about themselves.
What book and song would you take with you if stranded on an uninhabited island? I’d take a sudoku book (smart arse) and my chosen song is The River Bend by Subculture.
What public figures do you most admire? Maya Jama. She’s authentically herself and very funny.
What are your best and worst qualities? I think my best qualities are my lack of fear of failure (I obviously still fail, just like everyone else) and my drive. My worst qualities are overthinking and the inability to switch off and just be content with my life. I always feel I should be achieving/doing/working more than I am.