Seems the best way to handle this one. I’ve gotten close to a slew of e-mails, most asking the following questions. Let’s answer ’em now, cuz it’s getting kinda weird spending four straight days talking about the same thing, even if much of it involves hearing how totally awesome I am.
1. What’s next?
Today was a day of decompression. Tomorrow will be, too. Wednesday? I’ll probably go see my daddy. Next week? My mama, I reckon. In other words — we’ll see. Those of you that have read this blog for the last five years know how I’ve done things. Grad school didn’t work? Let’s freelance for a living. Freelancing getting old? Time to angle for a contract. That doesn’t work? Let’s teach a class and do some radio. Class is over? Gotta turn this part-time radio thing into something full-time.
The full-time radio is done? Well, now it’s time to figure out what to do now. I know where I ultimately want to wind up, and I’ve been doing a nine-year apprenticeship in the media learning the landscape and taking inventory of what I can and can’t do. I’m more confident in my ability than I’ve ever been. I’m also less sure about the next move than I can recall being. Is it time to write? More radio? Satellite? TV?
Dunno.
2. What happened?
You don’t get jobs by publicly discussing what happened at your last one. The why is less than important than the what.
Things changed. I’m not angry. As Hyman Roth would tell you, this is the business I’ve chosen. If I didn’t respect the game, then you’d have legitimate reason to question the truth in the words I spoke on the air. Far as I recall, I never lied about anything.
3. How are you?
This is the best I’ve got for you…
I now know how it feels when someone has to leave college because they’ve run out of money. You move into this new world, and you get a new set of friends that, after just a few weeks, feel like you’ve known forever. Even the cats you don’t know, you get used to. They’re a part of your life.
Then, one day, it’s done. It’s nobody’s fault, but you wake up, and all those folks aren’t there. And even though you only knew them for a year, you can no longer imagine being without them.
For more than a year, I’ve talked to Joe in Raleigh six days a week. Damn near the same with Ken in Youngsville, Jack in Gibsonville, Craig in Raleigh, and a bunch of others. I’ve got hundreds of e-mails from Don and Vic and all those cats.
Do I know all those guys? No. But I’ve talked to Joe many times in person. I’ve golfed with Ken. Today, I rolled past Vic’s job to speak with him after having lunch with another listener that’s always treated me fantastically (and paid!). Whenever I see someone that listened to my shows, I find that we can talk like we’ve known each other forever. The part of this job I never expected was how personal the connection was that you can have when you talk with people on a daily basis. It’s gonna take a while to get used to being without that.
4. What about a podcast?
The Do Do Wap. It’s strong in here. And it’s coming soon.
5. Will you stay in the Triangle?
Maybe.
6. Anything else?
Friday and Saturday were probably the most humbling days of my life (yes, it can be done). I loved doing the show, and I loved interacting with people and sincerely appreciated the time they gave me. It never dawned on me, though, that people really thought this program was important. Sure, I did things to try to make this a part of their routines, but it became a part of their lives after a while.
A gentleman told me that listening to the show helped him begin to battle a heart ailment that struck him at 42. Now, he and his sons listen (well, not now, per se, but you get it). A woman called to say the show helped her deal with unemployment. Many have told me that the show spoke for them — their race, their generation, all kinds of other stuff. People found the commonality I hoped to speak to with the show, and they showed that it was even deeper than I realized or even imagined. They feel like I spoke for them.
I hoped to get past our differences and focus on what we’ve got to share. And, on my last show, a middle-aged white man called to tell me to come down to A&T’s homecoming to see Gucci Mane. Yessir.
I can’t say how good it felt to know that so many people actually got what we were doing. When you do radio, you sit in a booth, and you have no idea if something works. Maybe people laugh. Maybe they don’t. Maybe they listen close. Maybe they turn the station. From the chair, I never have any idea. Even if I found out on the way out the door, people of many stripes got it.
Before knowing that, I found this time to be the my most professional rewarding experience. Now, I’ve got no idea what to say.
Which means I’ve probably said enough.
38 thoughts on “The Unemployment FAQ”
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Awesome post.
Bo’ will rise to the top once again. You just wait and see. (Not-so-silent-cheerleader!!!).
I love it! You need to write one of those “Now What” after college books for 20 summins and gear it towards journalists. All of our paths are different and you sure are on one hell of a ride. Can’t wait to see/hear/read what’s next.
Luh Ya! Stay up.
Baba,
I hope this finds you in good spirits and health. Don’t trip off of the bullshit man. Stay focused on where you are going and not on where you are. God has a plan for your life and greatness is a part of it. Stick your chest out, keep your head up and handle it.
Much love,
Dneezy
I’m not going to be nice about it…..I’m a white dude that loved your show and an intelligent man that got what it was all about and a southern man that loved being pushed by your insights and truth no matter how far it pushed me out of my comfort zone. So, basically, I’m pissed! I can’t believe that you didn’t get brought over. They take Gold and Joe and their show sucks!!!!! They are whinny little hosts that are condescending to their listeners and I hope that someone will now jump on them the first time they say….”if you don’t like it turn the channel….” I hate that disrespect they have for their listeners. You BOMO (I’m sure you hate that name) are full of class and I appreciate every minute you pored into your show. Peace and may you find your next path quickly.
gonna miss the 3 hour lunch break. Long-time listener to the Buzz and Bull, and enjoyed your show more than any other. Don’t always agree, but you keep it real, and you keep it interesting. Or should I say kept? But I know you’ll keep that up wherever you go next. Best wishes…
Bomani,
Well, I’m pretty much done with 620 as a result of this move. Your show will be greatly missed.
Best Wishes,
Gary in Raleigh
Occasional Caller, Age 39, African American, College Educated, Advanced Degree
I just wanted to add my personal demographics so all could see that your market included intelligent, well educated adults in addition to the cool 20 somethin’ crowd.
Bomani,
I hope that you will continue your blog so that I can be sure to tune in to your next endeavour. I also would love for you to do a podcast. That would give me something to really look forward to listening to while I’m running in the morning. In case I hadn’t said it earlier (don’t remember exactly what I wrote), you are without a doubt the single best sports talk radio person I have EVER heard.
As an aside, even though you clearly have a negative bias towards Duke basketball (I am a big fan of Duke) and a positive one towards UNC, I felt like you at least told the truth regarding the state of the two programs. Though I hated to admit it, deep down I agreed with many of your negative assessments about Duke and where the program has been going during the past few years, particularly in regard to recruiting. I think that’s about to turn around however, so get ready.
All the best, Bomani
p.s. Hook ’em Horns!
Today was a bummer for me…I turned on the radio and didn’t hear someone act as the voice of the local communty. Everything from NC State battle with Fla State and Duke win against VA was disregarded. Sad, that “we” were sold out. Been a fan since my first listen and now, needless to say, I turned the radio off without something to lay in bed and listen and laugh to.
It was a hell of a ride that is now over and even though it’s like losing a friend you deserve more than the “small” market that this is, do your thing, boi!
P.S. do a podcast or blog and work on something new. Every ending is a new beginning. As Lou Holtz said, (paraphrase) “If your thinking about yesterday, you did not do enough today” Keep walking dude.
Never called the show but enjoyed listening. Miss you and the buzz already. I think you’ll be fine once you figure this out. Take care.
Bo you are the best I have ever heard about sports and that is real talk. You and Stephen A. is neck and neck and I am not saying this just becasue of your race. I pray that you stay in the Triangle because we love you here. You will be large. Can’t wait to hear your Podcasts.
Hmmm…saw your last post and regrettably been wrapped up in my own stuff and didn’t reach out. Will have to send one of those emails you’re probably tired of getting now…
From a frequent listner, but never caller, just wanted to let you know that you got a lot of peeps in your corner. You made half hour out of my otherwise bland 12 hour day enjoyable (I’m an attorney…lots of problems, but not a lot of fun). The best part about an otherwise unexpected pause in your career, is that you get to stop an think…what do I really want to do. I’ve got no doubt there’s plenty of things you can and want to do with your life. Whatever you decide, remember that you have a unique ability to make people think, to relate to them, and to make them laugh. Use those skills and you’ll end up in a good spot. Good luck Bo. I hope you stay around the Triangle. Your good people.
Show was dope…REALLY FELT it…cool as shit line up…u RITE n2 da 2 live stews…den Pac Man…(well….QCB)…ANYWAYS…dug how u towed da line for da folks! AND especially 4 US FOLKS…feel me!!! would def dig listening 2 u on anutha show soon on da reg…but hell, im n bus….so I def understand how dat go!!! JUST remember black folks have spent their entire history “leaning forward!” believing that it ONLY GETS BETTER & understanding that THIS is wat it takes 2 GET 2 BETTER!!!…my granddad always said…”Buddy, all u can do is ALL U CAN DO!” & once u’ve done dat…u can look @ ya self n da mirror AND sleep good @ nite…bruh…keep throwing shit @ da wall…SOMETHIN GONE STICK!!! & WIN U HIT DA AIR AGAIN…I LOOK FORWARD 2 IT!!! BY DA WAY…DA COWBOYS YESTERDAY…ON SEATTLE…A MOLLY WOPPIN!!!
Very sad today. Turned on the radio to listen to some local sports talk…perhaps basketball, UNC vs. Duke this weekend. Nothing!! What the heck now!! Who were those guys on the radio today?
Good Luck, I will be waiting to hear what’s next for you. You have a gift and I hope you recognize that.
Thanks for the laughs and real commentary on sports and life – it will be sorely missed! Best of luck.
Bo, Loved your work, always have. from ESPN page2 to now.
I had no Idea last Friday was your last day. I normally check your show out via the internet but I was on the road due to work.
Your podcasts were straight laugh fests with my boys. incredibly, the stuff you touched on, is the same stuff me and the crew sit around and talk about.
Selfishly, I hope you get back on radio or any broadcast medium so I can listen to your show regularly.
My days at work just got a lil bit longer.
Brother,
Keep grindin’
Bo,
Never called or emailed, but loved the show. I may not have always agreed with you, but that was the best part of the show because it pushed me to think and see things from a different prospective. I can honestly say that I learned a lot from listening to you, and that is something that is almost impossible to say about any other sports related radio program. Thank you for the class in advandced sports commentary, Professor Jones.
Lee Isley
Come down to the A so we can have a Presidential Debate!
Bo, keep your head up! you have an amazing gift! And people with such a gift never truly lose their job, but tend to find bigger and better. I believe bigger and better things are coming your way! And those of us who are fans of your show are waiting for your next gig in hopes to hear or see you again! Joe AKA Big Joe in Raleigh
Bo –
Its been a great ride with your show and contributions from the callers and emailers. I’ld say it was a community of sorts….you got talent and passion. Keep spreading the word, REAL TALK, NO LESS.
The Trailblazers passed on MJ, we know how that turned out. I say the same thing happened here. I look forward to following your future, playing some
golf with you, and of course talking about hoops season ’09. Peace
Man, your show is already missed. It was a great ride Bo. Do the idiots at that station not understand that every sports show is talking about a demographic that they know nothing about, the young black male? You gave a voice to guys like Nolan Smith, Adrian Peeterson, Rasheed, Ryan Howard, etc . .. Folks were fine just looking at them as performing “frisbee catching dogs”, but you let the world know how these men lived, thought, and the view of the world that shaped that talent and bravado. May God bless your future plans and I hope to hear you or see on some form of media soon!
It was refreshing to hear a different point of view on the air waves for a change. Some of the things you said annoyed me but you was always entertaining. When you first came on the radio I remember saying to myself,” This guy is not going to last. The mainstream is not going to want to hear this point of view.” I appreciate you for presenting to the audience such a wide range of topics, some very thought provoking. You also presented to the audience a different angle than the normal “laugh at a black” athlete talk that’s so popular on the airwaves today. Let’s just say, it probably doesn’t feel good to be on the receiving end of such talk for a change…lol. But you knew this was not going to last, so sadly back to mainstream we all go.
Your commentary seemed to be a cut above what one normally hears on local talk radio. I often found myself eating lunch in the car to listen to your show. Let’s be honest….you know years down the road you’re going to have a good laugh at what has transpired here because you definitely will be successful. You could have been highly successful on the radio here if only you had stayed “within the lines” but somehow, I don’t think that’s you and I respect you for being that way. Good luck in all your future endeavors.
Bomani, the show meant a lot to a lot of people. Man i got to tell you, that Dirk Nowitzki stuff was my personal fav. Man what a player(Lol). Thanks for always speaking the truth and I’m sorry for all us listeners for having to listen to Adam and Joe, they f#$#% suck!!!! You da man and good luck on the future. Let’s all keep our head up and our ears not tuned in to WRAL sports talk radio i mean whats next, Bob Holliday gets a show?
I dont even bring myh radio to the job site anymore.
Well Morgan Patrick was within the lines,and he is gone too.Bo,is different,and very good at being straight to the point.Society cannot always handle that.But GOD has BLESSED him with a talent that will not be overlooked.Soon,and,very Soon,we will hear BoMani Jones on the air waves…Big John-Raleigh…
Bomani,
I have listened for the last few years to your show and finally did loosen up to the point that I could even tolerate Joe in Raleigh being the big UNC hoops fan that I am. You helped us all see the truth of the matter when it came to teams without the fandom getting in the way. Makes it even more enjoyable to talk about the games. Enjoyed your sens of humour and your clearly extensive knowledge of the sports you enjoyed. You were having fun and it showed. Hope to find you somewhere else on the dial soon. LOCAL radio is where its at.
Somebody is borrowing your bit on Dirk and it is not Carlos Mencia
Hey Mr. Jones,
I absolutely love your blog! I put a link to it on mine and I was wondering if you could add my blog to your blogroll as well … it’s http://cornerboyjazz.blogspot.com. Thanks!
Sidik Fofana
Bo,
I am totally shocked to see you gone. If anything I thought you would be picked up in a bigger market. My lunch will not be the same without your show. I did not always agree with you however I always respected you. Good luck.
I tell ya Bomani, your show meant a lot to a lot of people. Its just funny to see all the changes and your show is gone, and even though I didn’t listen to it too much the two live stews is gone too!! Coincidence?? Yeah right! I listened to Gold and Ovies in the past but they act superior and are rude just if you disagree with them! Gold doesnt even treat Ovies with respect. I gotta find a new radio station. Packman on podcasts and Dave Glenn is all I got now!! Hurry and make your next move man, Make your next move your best move!! Head up and Holla! Oh and DAMN, the NBA is bumpin right now, i gotta get the League Pass!!!!
Great post Bo, loved your show from day one to finish now its terrible to have nothing worth listening to on air for those crucial morning hours. all the best
Say it aint so, Bo!
Miss your show already man. I do not remember laughing harder than when you compared teh SC governor to The Boss. Let us know when you figure out what’s next, and let us know how we can hear some more of your perspective.
Bo, I wish you well. Hope you make it bigger and better man. Anyone that listen must respect a man that would tell it like he sees it.
Differences? Yes.
Respect? Definitely.
There were 2 good reasons I enjoyed getting up early, One was Bomani’s show & the other is that green stuff. The perfect morning combo. Now my sports talk is filled with nerds who sound the part. Bomani`s voice was made for radio. Capital Broadcasting has dropped the ball big time. Promoting 2 stations like 2 is better than 3. & on top of all of that we lose an hour of packman. I’m so frustrated still I’m glad I still have my favorite thing. I think its saying light me right now. Screw this new schedule
Bo, just wanted to say, i never called the show, i never emailed. all i did was listen… every day. your show was thought provoking, intuitive, and most importantly (to me, anyway), friggin hilarious. you made me laugh my ass off every day, man. i respect anyone who speaks their mind w/o fear of repercussion. it takes stones, especially on the radio when you have all kinds of people coming at you that aren’t following what you’re saying or where you’re coming from. i’ll miss your show, chief. i hope i can catch you somewhere down the road. peace, bro.
Bo,
Whoever made the decision to remove your daily show is a victim of bad daddying. The dumbest thing I ever heard in my life…
Best show on the air–by far. Hope someone finds a way to keep you in the Triangle. Thanks for working so hard to put out a quality product. No worries…you’ll be nationwide in no-time.
Best wishes,
Greg
Your thoughts and comments were alway very refreshing and entertaining. You always made me think. I hope to hear you on the air again real soon. You’re a class act.