Just Sayin’

I grew up in Maryland. After high school, I moved to South Florida, where I attended broadcasting school and began my radio career. I met Matthew, we got engaged and headed to Kansas City, his hometown, to begin our life together! He grew up in the Northland, graduated from Mizzou, lived in Florida for fun for a while. We’ve been here as a couple since 2004.

I remember how nervous I was when we got here. Would I find a radio job?! Would I meet friends? Would I like the Midwest?! Everything and everyone I had ever known had been on the east coast! It didn’t take much time at all for me to feel 100 percent at home. 

Coming from the fast-paced, melting-pot feel of the Fort Lauderdale area (I only knew one person who was born and raised there), right away I appreciated the genuinely nice people I encountered in KC. I was lucky enough to find a spot on the radio very quickly, so I was able to get involved and interact with the community. Kansas City seemed huge to me before I lived here. But I came to realize it’s sort of a big small town. Growing up in a small town, that felt nice to me.

Everybody thinks living in Florida must be the greatest thing in the world because of the weather. Sure, I loved calling my friends up north to let them know I was relaxing on the beach while they were shoveling their driveways in the winter! But truth is, I missed the seasons. It’s just weird putting up Christmas décor when it’s 90 degrees.

As the years passed and our careers advanced, we built our home, brought two children into the world; we just kept getting more rooted. Neither of us can imagine living anywhere else. I love the life we’ve created in this city. 

Whenever my east coast friends and family visit, they always comment about how cool it is to see so many people wearing Chiefs, Royals and Sporting gear, or KC T-shirts! I guess I’m used to it because it’s just the way things are here! But when I really stop and think about it, how cool is that?! Our city is so amazing that nearly everyone wears our love for it.

Without a doubt, I feel like I was meant to be here. Thank you for making me feel so welcome that I never want to leave. ■

Written by Q104 personality: Jenny Matthews

Jenny Matthews was on the air at Mix 93.3 for 15 years and in 2019 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.