Just Sayin’

August 2004. The moving truck called to cancel. They wouldn’t be able to load up our fully boxed-up house because of the hurricane that was rapidly approaching. Panic set in for a number of reasons. We just had to get out. I had a job interview lined up in Kansas City. Our new home. Well, my new home. The place where Matthew was born and raised. 

Radio jobs are few and far between. I had given up my co-host position on a country station in West Palm Beach because of our relocation. I knew it would be a total leap of faith career-wise. But I was engaged to the love of my life and I knew that with him by my side, everything would be okay.

Finally, the storm cleared and we were able to get out. Because of the delay, we’d need to drive the 20-hour journey without stopping in order for me to make it. In hindsight, it seems a little silly. I’m certain I could’ve called, explained my weather dilemma and rescheduled for another day! But I didn’t want to seem unreliable. I was determined to get there on time. I was determined to get a job.

Completely exhausted and fuzzy-headed, I smiled and walked into the meeting, handed over my demo and pretty much begged for an on-air spot. I’d take whatever was available. Part-time, full-time, anything, just to get back to the career that I loved so much.

Mix 93.3 was in search of weekenders. Sign me up!

I got a day job as an administrative assistant. It paid the bills. But my true joy came every Saturday and Sunday when I got to go to the radio station. About a year later, there was an opening on The Rocket + Teresa Show. I jumped at the chance! And, I got it. I was on the air with them each morning and then popped on to give traffic reports every afternoon. A year or so later, middays opened up and The Jenny Matthews Show was born.

It is so crazy to think that was 15 years ago. I have lived so much life. So many things have happened. My world is so totally different now. It makes me realize how fast time goes, because it all feels like yesterday.

I got married. I met pop stars. I made friends. We got a house. I struggled to have children. I became a mom. I got involved. I got connected. I lost people. I lost a dog. I gained two new ones. I got sick. I got better. I learned. I developed gratitude for all things. The good and the bad. I created a website. I started sharing on my podcast. It felt good to say more than what I could say over 12-second song intros. I started really longing for more. I felt restless. 

I don’t usually speak too much about God stuff. Right or wrong, I just keep a lot of it to myself. But, as I have so many times over the years, right now I see how His timing is so right on time. By nature, I am impatient. A control freak. I want things when I want them. Someday I’ll learn that it doesn’t work like that. Maybe that time is now.

This opportunity to move from my comfort zone and home for the last 15 years is exactly what I need. It’s exactly what I want. And to say that I’m grateful for it is an understatement. I’ve been struggling behind the scenes. To be totally honest, I wasn’t sure what my next move would be. But I knew so deeply in my soul that it was time for change.

This feels right. I’m a believer that when things are meant to be, there won’t be a ton of resistance. There’s been none with this decision. 

I have butterflies in my stomach! I am getting the chance to build a brand-new morning show with someone I adore and have so much fun with. I am getting back to country radio, which has been a love of mine since I was on it the first time! And from a mom perspective, I’m going to have a few hours to myself each day. I can start taking better care of myself.

It’s been an absolute honor to be a part of Mix 93.3, Kansas City’s #1 Hit Music Station for all of these years. I have memories that will last a lifetime. It’s hard to say goodbye. But I’m moving just down the hall, so it doesn’t feel like a complete separation! 

I want you to know that this is a dream come true for me and I am so ready. So excited! And, so hoping that you will join me on this new adventure, The Morning Drive with Mike Kellar + Jenny Matthews on Q104 New Hit Country. ■

Written by: Mix 93.3 personality, Jenny Matthews

Jenny Matthews was on the air at Mix 93.3 for 15 years and recently moved to Q104 to co-host The Morning Drive with Mike Kellar + Jenny Matthews, 6:00 to 10:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. Check out her podcast, Real Life with Jenny Matthews, follow along with her blog and connect at jennymatthewsonair.com.