The difference is some people aren't geared to be their own boss. Without the threat of losing their job they aren't able to motivate themselves to do their job.
Obviously Heather isn't able to self motivate. She was better when she had Keith to support her technically and Art to support her emotionally. She tried to emulate Art and make her show a clone of Art's shows. Big mistake. She isn't Art, nobody is. Her ego wouldn't let her believe she wasn't Art.
All this is unfortunate for her but she doesn't see it that way. She believes everyone is deliberately sabotaging her efforts. Her own behavior is her undoing and she is hurting herself.
Most everyone here has said this same thing in one way or another. It has gotten to the point where I don't think her show is salvageable. Maybe she realizes that too now.
I also think not wanting to disappoint Art was the biggest motivator she had - even if he didn;t listen to her shows, he would find out if she was a no show, and then she would have to answer to him and likely get a bit of a lecture and this would no doubt mortify her.
Guessing this erratic absenteeism is what would have happened if Art hadn’t been around for the first 2 years.
I think she hates doing the show, hates the callers, the listeners, everyone who jockeys for attention from her and this is why she sounds like she is talking herself into the show by screeching every time she does the opener. It’s her self validation speech that gets her up and capable of doing it.