Celebrating 40 Years on Planet Earth

I hit the big 4-0 Sunday. It has been such a pleasure being on the air here at WMMQ for nearly 10 years. I have made some great connections and friends for life. Kevin Schaefer was the first listener I met at Royal Scott for the old WMMQ bowling league. In 2007, I moved to Webberville and Kevin was there to help us move. A treasured friend.

Helen Miller is another great connection I have made. She is a great friend, hero soldier and always been a positive supporter. She also attended the "Tony the Tree Guy" benefit and won over a hundred bucks on one of the 50/50 drawings. She donated the winnings to Tony, even though she had no idea who he was. What an AWESOME HUMAN BEING.

I have made 2 of the best friends of my life with former co-worker Carmen Hall and our afternoon guy Nick Chase. Carmen and Nick ARE family to me. I can't imagine my life without them.

Vermontville "I love my Job" Brian (Below) has been calling since I was an intern. In fact, he was a winner of the 'Redneck Dream Date." His wife at the time, was being such a tool at the Monster truck show they ended up getting divorced.

My buddy Sam Elliot (not really, Fred Seitz). You may remember him from the Blues on the Square when he was serving up food from Bob and Sams Bonafide BBQ.

Janeane Jackson has been a great friend. She took the picture of the goose on the station that was stalking Duran and she put the Happy Birthday sign in her office window. She also bowled with us in the Bad Bowlers league at City Limits East. Thanks for the support and the sign, Janeane. It made my day and I showed anyone who would look.

Mark Robles and Scott Parker. Mark and his wife Kelly went on the Brewery Bus Tour with WMMQ. They hang out with me frequently at events and let me borrow a growler on the bus tour so I was able to take home some Jaden James Cherry Wheat beer. Awesome! Scott Parker and his wife Karen bowl and golf in the same leagues as I do. Two years ago we played in an outing at Wheatfield Valley and won one of the skins.

I ran into John from St. Johns at Barnstock in Williamston.

David Jenkins is a frequent caller and a great dude. It seems like whenever I am having a bad day, I hear from David and he fires me back up. Thank you for the positive energy and support, brother.

My movie buddy Jeff Fronek. He works at Quality Dairy right by the station. Through the years I bet we have seen at least 10 flicks together. He turned me on to "Boston Legal" and hooked me up with my Star Trek Original Series Phaser.

Duran Martinez is like a brother to me. He was with me when I got to meet Alice Cooper at the Homer Mill. We are very different people who have managed to find the same wavelength. I am grateful to have had him in my life these last 10 years.

Working with the great Deb Hart has been a dream come true. For years, I have listened to Deb and wanted the opportunity to work with her. I had filled in on the morning show and we had developed a chemistry in the short periods of time we worked together. I came from the afternoon show, where I never really knew if I was being funny or not. Working with Deb, I NEVER have to wonder anymore. She really is like a sister to me. I respect her work ethic, her attitude and how thoughtful of a co-worker she is. Also, we have a similar appreciation for animals. Her advice and friendship is very spiritual. I am grateful to be the latest idiot Deb has to put up with. Here we are at the "Walk for the Animals" with Sheri Jones from Channel 6.

I am so proud to be a part of this Michigan Made Air Staff. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of the Lansing culture for the last 10 years. Thanks for listening and the support. It sure as hell ain't the money. It's the people who make this job the greatest in the world.

Get up with Deb and Joey weekdays 6-10 am email Joey: joey.pants@townsquaremedia.com