Hanging up the headphones…
This has been a long time coming. I have made the decision to put a 45-year broadcasting career in the rear view mirror. I am incredibly grateful to the millions of listeners who have embraced me over those years as well as the courageous radio management people who entrusted me with their towers and transmitters. Most describe this moment as “Bitter-Sweet” because it is difficult but exciting at the same time. I have had the privilege of waking people up for decades. I never took the responsibility lightly. Everyone has choices. The fact that I was chosen by so many for so long leaves me incredibly grateful.
I have had the opportunity to do the kinds of things that most of us dream of. I have gotten to know the biggest television, movie and country stars in the history of entertainment. I call many of them friends to this day. Those with whom I have consulted about my decision have said “What took you so long?” The last thing I want to do here is be overly dramatic about something that means very little in the grand scheme of things, but I wanted to explain this as best I could. I needed a change, and I had to follow my heart.
I love the Broadcasting industry. I have since I was a little boy. It was the only thing I ever wanted to do. I still do, and aways will but there is something inside me that is begging to
be released. As those who have listened to me for years or read my blog posts know, I love to cook. I love the outdoors. I love to read, I love music and I love to communicate one-on-one. That is what drew me to the radio industry in the first place. However, that was long before the internet. We have new and exciting ways to reach each other without the mediums
that brought us together years ago. Its a whole new world…and a whole new Neal.
Am I scared? You bet your ass! I have always run for the edge but never jumped off the cliff .
Today, I am jumping. It may be tough sledding for a while as I figure all this stuff out, but I hope you will be a frequent visitor to my site and please recommend it to anyone who matters to you. I promise an experience that focuses on the things that matter most to all of us. Food, family, love, lifestyle and those things in life that are the most rewarding. In two words, Simple Pleasures.
I appreciate you and I am grateful that you took the time to read my ramblings. I will do my best to post diligently and never waste your time just to fulfill the obligation. Finally, I hope you will take the time to communicate with me directly if something provokes you to do so. In the past, I was the only one with a microphone. Now, YOU have one too! Thank you. Gratefully, Neal Dionne