It’s always sort of a chuckle-fest when I say, “I’ll try to keep this short.” But I will try to keep this short.
I retired from the radio business one year ago, just two months shy of my 41st anniversary in the business. I have logged many miles behind a microphone, and as any good broadcaster knows, listening to an audience is far more important than talking to an audience. Know your listeners. Their likes and dislikes. Hopes and dreams. Wants and needs. Know them. Love them, serve them. Hear what they have to say.
I know Colorado’s Voice. And I know it is not being reflected or respected in the halls of the governments that supposedly serve and represent it. Colorado’s Voice has been drowned out and overtaken by special interest groups, multi-national corporations, non-governmental organizations, and, simply put, people not from around here. We are losing our state because we have lost Colorado’s Voice.
We must regain it. We must be heard again.
I retired from the radio business in July 2023 to take a run at the United States House of Representatives. I ran hard for several months, and then, completely out of breath from all the running, wondered what the hell I was doing. I was born to be a County Commissioner and a Communicator. So why am I running for Congress?! I called it good at the end of February 2024.
At the time, I had an idea for a podcast and website – Colorado’s Voice. I thought I would record a weekly podcast to reflect the true voice of Coloradans – the one lost in all the aforementioned noise. I tinkered with the idea, but quickly realized I was too damn tired. In a five year period, I had run for County Commissioner – twice – was elected – twice – worked two jobs (County Commissioner and radio talent), wrestled with difficulties at home, eulogized my best friend after he died way too early, and (oh ya) I ran for Congress.
I had a right to be tired. So I rested. I got fat. I drank Manhattans and smoked cigars, and talked with my wife. I loved every second of it. And as I metaphorically licked my wounds, Colorado’s Voice grew even more faint.
About a month ago, two acquaintances contacted me, asking about my intentions with Colorado’s Voice. “Oh ya,” I recalled, “That was a pretty good idea.” They offered to help me amalgamate content and assist with the daily “making of the donuts.” “But,” that’s a big butt with which they interjected, “Colorado’s Voice is nothing without your conversations and your commentary.”
I sat down my cigar and my Manhattan. I am flattered. And it is needed. Colorado’s Voice needs to be heard. So we’re rekindling that project. My friends are cranking out sound content at www.ColoradosVoice.com and I will cross post some of it on these pages of my personal website. Plus, I will blow the dust off my digital recorder and get to podcasting again.
I am even talking to a couple of radio stations about taking Colorado’s Voice to the airwaves.
For now, my friends will stay in the background, and I’ll get out front. The tagline for Colorado’s Voice is a perfect mission statement: Colorado’s Voice – Encouraging conversations. Cultivating common sense. And that’s exactly what we’ll do. Sign up to receive updates from Colorado’s Voice and get notified of the content posted there.
It’s a worthy effort. Join us. As always, I appreciate you beyond measure. Please join me here and help retore the common sense and pragmatism that is Colorado’s Voice.
