A Voice Calling Out In The Darkness

Sunday morning I had an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. In the wee small hours of 1-5 a.m., I co-hosted a show on the "Voice of Chicago" WGN radio. As I've mentioned before, I've been pursuing a job in radio for the last year. I did radio before I was a stand up, and always knew that someday I would return, answering the siren's song, to a radio studio.

Growing up in Chicago, WGN was THE station. When I was young, WGN was the only station my parents listened to. The radio was on top of the refrigerator, and I really think that besides the power and volume knob, there was no way to change the station. WGN would be playing when we got up in the morning, we listened religiously to hear if school would be closed for a snow day, and then mom would have it on all day. As I got older and found rock and roll, and my own favorite stations, 'GN was still the only thing heard in the house. It was from the legendary Roy Leonard, that my mom got the crazy notion that KISS dressed in woman's clothing and would lead me down a path to the devil. Maybe. As I got older, I could always count on my mom sitting in the kitchen listening to Eddie Schwartz when I came home late, trying to hide the fact that I may have had a few Old Styles. This station IS Chicago, and now I was going to be a part of it.

This was the equivalent of a minor leaguer getting called up to the "Show". When I got the call Friday, I was elated, and then terrified. It's like the old saying "be careful what you wish for." I made the mistake of telling "Wife" and "Daughter" that I was nervous. "Wife" shot me a dirty look and told me not to be stupid, and "Daughter" said, "I don't mean to be rude Dad, but you lack self confidence." I can always count on a Knute Rockne pep talk form the home team. I was ready. Years of life experience and performing had honed my conversational skills to a razor's point. I couldn't wait to get started. Hold on, I've got to throw up.

I got to the station and was warmly welcomed by Christy, the young woman who would be producing the show. She immediately put me at ease and I knew things would go fine. About a half hour before the show, My co-host, Laura arrived. There's something kind of crazy about expecting two people to meet and then in a few minutes go on the air together like they've known each other their whole lives. It's a credit to both of us that we did it seamlessly. Laura found me fascinating, and who can blame her. She was bright and funny, and the four hours flew by. We covered a variety of subject from Mother's Day gifts to butt facials and just about everything in between. My favorite moment came when I got to do my first legal I.D. at the top of the hour and throw it to the news man. I knew I had arrived.

I stayed awake, didn't swear and tried my best not to be rude to the callers. I had to temper some of my usual rhetoric, but found that it's OK to be a nice guy once in awhile. I was able to maintain most of my sarcastic, irreverent self and I think I made a connection with the audience. It's an unusual bunch that is up all night, but I think we go well together. I'm not sure of the next step, but it is an incredible journey. Keep your fingers crossed and your radios on. I'll keep you posted. Later...Brian