website eh? makes perfect sense for selling the book. i want mine autographed, btw.
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| What I've learned https://mail.chicagofanatics.com/viewtopic.php?f=128&t=29176 |
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| Author: | Mac [ Sat Jan 31, 2009 11:21 am ] |
| Post subject: | What I've learned |
Two weeks ago this morning, I woke up, for the first time in almost eight years, as an unemployed sports talk show host. Since, I have been clearing my head, reconnecting with friends and family, and planning my next project. I've learned a lot and am eager to learn more. Here are some of the highlights. I've learned that listening to people can be very rewarding. Boers was right when he said "listening is a skill," but it's a discipline that is difficult for many of us. With no show to do and a comparatively easy daily schedule, I've taken time out to really listen to people. Have had several long talks with former co-workers, like Terry, Judd Sirott, Hoody, and Matt Spiegel, AKA Meatpants. When you focus and what people are saying and not allow yourself to become distracted by your deadlines or commitments, conversations can be very fulfilling. Had a nice, casual lunch with Joel Finfer the other day, that man whose seed spawned the Surgeon of Sound. You can do a lot of satisfying things with your time if you make it a goal. It has been reassuring to learn there are some influential people who would like to have me on their roster. That's nice. I'm listening. I'm talking. I'm thinking. And I hope to reach a resolution on where it's all going by the end of February. Launching a new show on May 4, for me, doesn't mean slapping it together that day. It takes weeks of planning roles, contributors, producers, bits, production elements, etc. My website will be operational by April 1. More on that was we get closer. The next show, in whatever time slot it appears, will be something familiar, but something fresh and new. I've read probably every post about my next partners and I have and will continue to examine many of these ideas. It has been gratifying to hear from so many former co-workers, on the air and off of it, who are desirous of being a part of the next chapter. I also have learned I am content to take a break right now. Was offered a chance to go to Tampa this week and blog on an established website, but didn't feel the time was right. I also have taken a pass (for now) on going on Monsters In The Morning and Fox's Final Word. Jen Patterson is a bulldog of a producer, by the way. She e-mails me or calls me all the time about joining Mike and Dan. Others could learn from her. I will go on their show at some point. Just laying low for now. A few radio nuggets I've learned. Do you know which radio daypart is getting the most ears right now? Mid-days. I was a bit wobbly after hearing that and another industry insider confirmed it for me. People are listening to the radio more at work (Internet) more than when they're in their cars. Podcasts and I-pods are keeping people off of terrestrial radio when they're commuting. Interesting. Many of us used to consider the mid-day shifts "the retirement shift." Seems now more than ever, it's not about WHEN you produce content and more about HOW you produce it. One industry insider told me the Internet likely will be in our vehicles by the end of the year. I'm embracing the new technology, like podcasts and webcasts. My next show will be more of a full-service show for all you youngsters who have changed the way Americans consume media. Like Tom Callahan said in Tommy Boy, "you're either growin' or you're dyin'." I'm choosing the former. I learned this awhile ago, but I've been reminded of it over the past two weeks. It's good to work to live and not live to work. I often lose sight of that. My psychologist, Dr. Larry, recommended a book a few years ago. "Drama Of The Gifted Child," by Dr. Alice Miller. It was published in '79, but still applied and it was an easy read. And it pinned my ears back. Seems I was guilty of confusing admiration for love for many years. They aren't the same. My son, Patrick, reminds me of this (unknowingly) every time he's around. Patrick is 15 and has autism. He's only somewhat verbal, but functions well and has problem solving intelligence. He loves to swim and when we were at the club last Saturday, 10 feet under water, fingers interlocked with each other's, making silly faces at each other, the ways of the wicked world were a million millions away. I was reminded of how being a father to this little man with special needs is the most important job I ever will have. My time away from the big city will give me a great opportunity to focus on that job. I also have learned my wife, Sheri, is as strong as I thought she would be during the first potentially unnerving career challenge I've faced since we've been together. I've learned I am lucky. |
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| Author: | RFDC [ Sat Jan 31, 2009 11:27 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
Good stuff Mac. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You are right, being a father is the most important thing you have to do. It is so much more important than any radio gig that it is not even funny. I am glad to know you are getting to spend quality time in that way during this break. You will never get this time of your childs life back, so take advantage of it. I will be looking forward to your new show in whatever format it takes place. One quick question, what is a "full service" show? What does that mean? |
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| Author: | Jim DeRevolting [ Sat Jan 31, 2009 12:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
I've learned during the past couple of weeks that listening to Bob Marley's soothing tones really makes gridlocked rush hour traffic much more palatable than listening to sports radio. |
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| Author: | chaspoppcap [ Sat Jan 31, 2009 12:39 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
great post Mac, it is true that the simple things make life worth living. I hope when you come back you make it a must listen to like it used to be. Just take some time to smell the roses my good man, life is over before you know it. With your time do some things that you might not be able to do. See some shows(theater not the drivel from Hollywierd), Opera, Art Institute ,the Mac,see the things that makes life worth living . I found that out when i became unable to work due to a disability, there isto paraphrase Vinnie" so much stuff" to see and odo it boggles the mind . Have fun Sir |
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| Author: | A7X [ Sat Jan 31, 2009 2:07 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
Beautiful and touching post Mac. If this makes me a Mac ass licker, then so be it. |
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| Author: | doug - evergreen park [ Sat Jan 31, 2009 2:40 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
website eh? makes perfect sense for selling the book. i want mine autographed, btw.
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| Author: | Martin [ Sat Jan 31, 2009 5:28 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
Glad to see that you are doing well Mac. You are most certainly right about Internet radio streaming and the value of that as soon as it is available in our cars (as well all new cell phones and iPods). That is why I think satellite radio is going to go down the tank, unless they make a huge format change. Why pay to listen to their commercial free music when I can listen to any song I want with my iPod in my car? When Internet radio is in my car, I can listen to any Chicago station, as well as any station in the country, and static will be a non-issue. Imagine being able to listen to your favorite podcast in your car. Why should a Howard Stern work for Sirius, when he can charge people to subscribe to his own site and broadcast on his site and make all the money himself? Terrestrial and satellite radio is on their respective death beds, in my humble opinion. |
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| Author: | Dr. Kenneth Noisewater [ Sat Jan 31, 2009 10:32 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
Great post, Mac. You should make that your next column. |
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| Author: | doug - evergreen park [ Sat Jan 31, 2009 11:21 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
that's a good idea. |
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| Author: | Darkside [ Sun Feb 01, 2009 12:21 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
No offense but I sure wish Mac's columns were a little more sports related going forward. |
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| Author: | DegenerateDave [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 9:41 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
This post is just another example of why I will be in your corner no matter where you go. The ability to be real, while seeming simple, eludes most of the radio personalities in this town. They become caricutures of themselves and thus lose touch with the one thing that brought listeners in to their shows in the first place - the ability to glimpse inside their personal window and feel like a member of their extended family. As you like to say Mac "just guys sitting around talking about sports". I have every confidence that you will never lose sight of that. While I understand your reason from staying away from "the monsters" for the time being, I think it would help your avid listeners to know that you are lying low with reason - in other words, something is in the hopper. I don't know what percentage of your fan base know that this website exists, but for those who don't, it might help to get the word out ahead of time. Stay strong, we will be here whenever and whereever you land. DegenerateDave |
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| Author: | A7X [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 9:54 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
DegenerateDave wrote: This post is just another example of why I will be in your corner no matter where you go. The ability to be real, while seeming simple, eludes most of the radio personalities in this town. They become caricutures of themselves and thus lose touch with the one thing that brought listeners in to their shows in the first place - the ability to glimpse inside their personal window and feel like a member of their extended family. As you like to say Mac "just guys sitting around talking about sports". I have every confidence that you will never lose sight of that. While I understand your reason from staying away from "the monsters" for the time being, I think it would help your avid listeners to know that you are lying low with reason - in other words, something is in the hopper. I don't know what percentage of your fan base know that this website exists, but for those who don't, it might help to get the word out ahead of time. Stay strong, we will be here whenever and whereever you land. DegenerateDave I'm your #1 fan Mac! You dirty birdy! |
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| Author: | Dr. Kenneth Noisewater [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 10:01 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
DegenerateDave wrote: Stay strong, we will be here whenever and whereever you land. DegenerateDave I might have to go to the bathroom at some point. But I promise to come back right away. |
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| Author: | Hatchetman [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 10:06 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
DegenerateDave wrote: The ability to be real, while seeming simple, eludes most of the radio personalities in this town. They become caricutures of themselves and thus lose touch with the one thing that brought listeners in to their shows in the first place - the ability to glimpse inside their personal window and feel like a member of their extended family. As you like to say Mac "just guys sitting around talking about sports". I have every confidence that you will never lose sight of that. Yes. Keep it real. as da coach once said, "money changes everything." or maybe that was cyndi lauper. anyway i don't want to hear about new boats, fancy cars, 48oz porterhouses etc. |
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| Author: | Hatchetman [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 10:46 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
sounds like mac is looking at the 10-2 slot on SCR. goodbye murph? |
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| Author: | Krazy Ivan [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 10:51 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
Hatchetman wrote: sounds like mac is looking at the 10-2 slot on SCR. goodbye murph? Why not Mac & Murph....  sorry. I couldn't do it.
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| Author: | A7X [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 12:35 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
I have a better idea: Unemployment & Murph |
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| Author: | DegenerateDave [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 12:36 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater wrote: DegenerateDave wrote: Stay strong, we will be here whenever and whereever you land. DegenerateDave I might have to go to the bathroom at some point. But I promise to come back right away. Dr. Ken - Silvy has nothing on me! Ha ha. As for Murph and Mac - over/under on first suspension would be 15 minutes. |
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| Author: | Krazy Ivan [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 1:31 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
Mac wrote: Have had several long talks with former co-workers, like Terry, Judd Sirott, Hoody, and Matt Spiegel, AKA Meatpants. This is what I hope the conversation sounded like - Mac: Hey Jonathan, want to do a show together? J Hood: Yes, Mac. Yes I would. |
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| Author: | rogers park bryan [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 1:34 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
Krazy Ivan wrote: Mac wrote: Have had several long talks with former co-workers, like Terry, Judd Sirott, Hoody, and Matt Spiegel, AKA Meatpants. This is what I hope the conversation sounded like - Mac: Hey Jonathan, want to do a show together? J Hood: Yes, Mac. Yes I would. That show would be good if only for J Hoods Mac impression |
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| Author: | Krazy Ivan [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 1:39 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
rogers park bryan wrote: Krazy Ivan wrote: Mac wrote: Have had several long talks with former co-workers, like Terry, Judd Sirott, Hoody, and Matt Spiegel, AKA Meatpants. This is what I hope the conversation sounded like - Mac: Hey Jonathan, want to do a show together? J Hood: Yes, Mac. Yes I would. That show would be good if only for J Hoods Mac impression One of my inside sources (voice #6 inside my head) tells me that there is a good chance of this show coming to the Score in May. |
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| Author: | Hatchetman [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 1:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
oh for the love of god, please not j-hood. |
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| Author: | A7X [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 2:46 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
I would be down with a Mac & Hoodie show 10-2 on the Score. I'd even like to have Goff thrown unto the mix. |
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| Author: | Spaulding [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 2:50 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
Awful. I never find Hood more obnoxious than when he is paired with Mac. Mac also comes off less genuine. I hate this pairing. Please no. |
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| Author: | City of Fools [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 2:50 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
A7X wrote: I would be down with a Mac & Hoodie show 10-2 on the Score. I'd even like to have Goff thrown unto the mix. no way. First off, it's a good enough show with those two. Secondly, Goff belongs with B&B until fuytha notice. Thirdly, just bring in the Grobber for updates/third wheel during baseball season. |
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| Author: | rogers park bryan [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 2:52 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
J Hood: You havent had a thought on the NBA in 15 years MAC: You wanna go to the spinnin bucket If thats not radio gold... |
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| Author: | jt70 [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 3:22 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
This is great stuff. As a father of a son with autism just a few years behind Mac's son and a dad to a 'typical' sports nut kid, as well as a sports fan, I've followed Mac as much for his entertainment as for his parenting stories/periodic advice that those of us in this world can especially relate to. This post says a lot. |
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| Author: | doug - evergreen park [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 3:29 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
Welcome to the board jt. |
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| Author: | jt70 [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 3:32 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
Thanks Doug. Long time reader, first time writer; also a former EPer. |
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| Author: | Dr. Kenneth Noisewater [ Mon Feb 02, 2009 3:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: What I've learned |
jt70 wrote: This is great stuff. As a father of a son with autism just a few years behind Mac's son and a dad to a 'typical' sports nut kid, as well as a sports fan, I've followed Mac as much for his entertainment as for his parenting stories/periodic advice that those of us in this world can especially relate to. This post says a lot. Welcome, jt. |
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