Last Monday was like any other Monday. I woke up thinking about what I was going to play on the radio today. Over the weekend, I had found several choice cuts of audio goodness (“Surprise” by Gnarls Barkley from soon to be released sophomore recording, “The Odd Couple”, “Jailer, Jailer Bring Me Water” by the Jamaica’s cool ruler Gregory Isaacs and “You Cheat” by the deep & dirty blues explosion from Los Angeles, Soda & His Million Piece Band) that I couldn’t wait to play on the air. I left the house thinking today was going to be a good show.

I had no idea that the show I was about to do was going to be my last.

I arrived at the station and as I’m loading in my collection of tunes, I could tell things were amiss. Usually when I arrive, everybody is smiling. Today everyone was treating me like I had some infectious disease. I didn’t pay it much attention at first as I busied myself with getting all my music together before show time, but I had a sneaky suspicion that somebody was going to tell me something that I wouldn’t like.

I was right.

After doing my opening, I went back to the production studio and found the station manager and their tech guy trying to figure out to copy the files from the site I created for the station to a new site that the station manager was putting together. Not being technically proficient enough to lie about his intentions, I realized that my unpaid reign as Webmaster for the station was coming to an end.

“Chris,” the station manager said to me after the tech guy left, “How do you feel about moving your show into the night?”

“Not very good,” I said

“Well, Kirby is going to do 2-6 and Chip is going to go on before him 11-2 starting March 17th”, and then after long uncomfortable pause he asks again, “Are you sure you can’t do nights?”

“Yes”, I responded. I wasn’t telling him anything he didn’t already know.

I went back to studio to do my show thinking this is it. They wanted me to continue to do my show for next two weeks and then after that, who knew? After almost five years on the station, a station

I helped put on the local listening option map, and to be offered only piecemeal nighttime slots when the station’s signal is at its weakest, was an insult. Despite my anger, I was sitting there contemplating the offer when I decided while I was playing (per request), “Copasetic” by the Rulers that the new arrangement wasn’t going to be copasetic with me. This was going to be my last show.

It’s been a week since I did my last show. I have no regrets about my decision, but now I don’t know what to do with myself. I spent so much time over the years doing everything to keep my show on the air; I have forgotten how to do anything else.

It’s reinvention time.

Whogas….I was responding to ‘whogas’ down there and I think I honestly returned same tactful advice that he had offered. I sincerely hope this helps him with his dilemma.

Wow…which comments are you doing about?

Whogas, what you need to do is have someone kick you squarely in the nuts before you make a comment like that.  Being a jerk on a local internet magazine site and making dumbass statements like that is a road to nowhere.  I guess you’re still trying to figure that out….

First off, I am eternally humbled by the kind words people have expressed to me concerning my show. To each and every one of you that tuned in, it was an honor and privilege to entertain you.

Needless to say, but I miss doing the show for all you fine folks that tunes in 5 days a week. I listened to WCLM the other day and the guy who replaced me (Kirby Carmichael) played, “Electric Slide” 3 times (no feces) in less than an hour. It was truly pitiful…

Oh well, life goes on.

I am pleased to announce though that I am doing six episodes of the Bopst Show starting Monday April 21st on rvanews.com. Each show will be an hour long and best of all, I don’t have to subscribe to quaint FCC notions of decency. I’m having a blast putting the shows together and a new installment of the Bopst Show will be available for a solid listen (and download) every Monday.

Concerning radio, I’m talking with some folks about returning to the air. Keep your fingers crossed. Until then you can get your dose of the B as in, “Boy”, O, P as in, “Paul”, S, T as in, “Tom” Show at rvanews.com starting the 21st…

chris, we miss your show. don’t read that post up there- he just doesn’t have the good solid sense to realize how much crazy fun it was. thanks & keep your eye on the horizon. real job skills..

Yeah, a career in media is a sure fire way to secure financial ruin.

I live in Mesa, AZ. And despite the fact that my sister lives in Springfield, I had never heard of the Bopst Show.

In fact, I just called the station, at the request of JC from Lamb of God, and asked “What the hell happened to the Bopst Show?”

Anyway - I don’t know if Chris will be reading these comments ... but if you are, I wonder if you have considered moving your show to satellite radio?

Admittedly, I am not a subscriber of satellite radio. I feel like I shouldn’t have to pay for something I can get for free. However, if I could afford to subscribe to it, I might have different feelings. ;o)

Anyway - I know that there are a lot of “unconventional” shows that broadcast on satellite radio, and I’m sure there are undoubtedly several stations who would jump at the chance to have you & your show come on board.

It might be a good solution to your dilemma.

Good luck and I hope to hear you that you’re back on the air soon!

Take care,
-K-
Late,
T.

What you need to do is to get out of that crummy, dead-end profession, get yourself real job skills - doctor, lawyer, engineer, businessman - and do well for yourself and your family. A career in the media world is a road to nowhere. I guess you found that out last week.