Interview with Radio DJ & Make-Up Artist Valerie Diamond (KNON 89.3 FM)

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[00:01:02] Talking to yet another local DJ in the DFW Metroplex. I'm your host, Cam Sullivan. And again, I love doing these discussions because, again, we just get into the nitty and gritty of just having an on-air persona versus anchoring it with your life's demands.

[00:01:19] So Valerie is on our excellent college radio station that is 89.3 KNON. I love its diversity. For X amount of hours of the day, it's gospel. Then we go into Latino pop. Then after midnight, it's nothing but heavy metal. Sometimes electronic music on rare occasions. And I've talked to other staff on there before, and they have every right to brag because it's just so diverse.

[00:01:47] And much like 88.5 and some of the other college stations, even 88.7, I love the diversity, how they'll even do have some of their staffers do their own news segments on this day in history. I love that stuff. It gives me hope for the human race because someone's out there getting their mojo on, getting their radio experience on. You've had the honor of talking to my good friend, Manuel Lerma, on his radio show, The Cancelled Show.

[00:02:16] But first off, would you describe yourself as just kind of fearless, as wanting to navigate that broadcasting atmosphere? Was that always kind of on your bucket list of things to do, or did that just happen coincidentally? Actually, I did not think about it like when I was growing up. I never thought that I would do radio or anything. Not of interest, but it just happened. It just happened. I kind of grew up on the station. Like my grandparents listened to it. They brought me up on it.

[00:02:45] And I just know that they used to volunteer. And one thing just led to another. Oh, that's awesome. Thanks, Gramps. Right? No, that's awesome. It ran in the family. It's like, you got to check this out. It's just like passing around a record. You've got to borrow this. But in this case, it's great. You've got to tune the station to this. Did you do it on the portable radio or was it always just in the car radio? It was always in the car. Yeah.

[00:03:14] You know, back then, I don't think they really had anything. I mean, besides the boom boxes that they used to have. Right. There you go. I still love boom boxes. There's just something just. I don't think it's got a nostalgia. You can take that with you anywhere. Right? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That kind of tells our age, though. We're not here to judge age. What were your interests growing up? What were your fun activities or hobbies you had as a kid?

[00:03:42] Um, that's actually a trick question. So I always. I keep walking into death traps. So this is why we like Valerie. We don't know what we're going to get. No. So I've always been into beauty, like makeup. But my mom, unfortunately, used to keep it away from me. And I ended up raising my brothers at a young age. So, yeah. So I was like the little mother hands.

[00:04:08] I had been like cooking, cleaning, raising kids since I was like five or six years old. Gotcha. Yeah. So, but I mean, you know, beauty has always been my thing. My mom, it's so funny because even in elementary school, she told me if I want to wear makeup, she put makeup on me. And she made me look like a clown. And I was like, oh my God. Like as younger, like I didn't know, you know, I'm just like, wow, I got makeup. I didn't realize that it looked bad.

[00:04:35] And she sent me to school like that so people will make fun of me. So I would say that I never want to make up again. And so I did. I came home and was like, no, I don't want it. But then eventually, like my aunt kind of took me under her wing and kind of showed me and that opened the door. So I would do it behind my mom's back, like play with makeup. Thanks, Aunt Chyna. Right. So when did you embrace that later in your life? Start your own business, which is Platinum and Diamond Beauty. I take it.

[00:05:05] That's one of your partners as well. Platinum. Yeah. Yes. Yes. So actually it started with music. So I have always been in music. That was my heart since I was a little girl. I never said I wanted to sing, but I knew I always wanted to be like managing artists, be a part of the big world somehow. I didn't know how. I just knew something.

[00:05:29] It's like even if you don't want to do a producer role, you wanted some overseeing supervisory angle. Yes. Yeah. Exactly. I don't want to be the construction worker, but I do want to be the manager of some capacity. Yes. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Exactly. I'm not using the tools. That's dangerous. Keep it away from that. Right. Because I couldn't sing for nothing. Like they would throw, they'll probably throw food at me. You know, I always got auto tuning, but I hear you. Right. Yeah.

[00:05:58] But no, that's kind of how it started. I started with music artists and then I went to the models and then had all the models because I modeled when I was younger. So I did that. Then, of course, being a female, speaking for myself, we do have attitudes and women could be up and down, especially when it's the time of the month. So a lot of women in one spot with all those moose swings. Yeah. I wasn't having it after a while. I just like gave it up. No, I hear you.

[00:06:26] I tried out for some modeling and some agencies were they were BS. They weren't legit. But and then I already had some gal pals and I asked them, what was your experience like? It's like, yeah, we get very questions that even if they're not meant to be derogatory, still come off as pretty disrespectful. And I got annoyed how with guys, they only wanted people with abs. If you didn't have it, walk out the door now.

[00:06:53] And so I do feel it is like people want to be an artist. They want to be an entertainer. And you can't ever tell if the agency manager is just trying to be tough love and save you time or they're just a jerk. You can't you don't know. And it really ultimately doesn't matter because it's not helpful. It's just getting your mental health to combust. So how would you say you.

[00:07:20] Had a coming to Jesus moment with that, where you're just like, OK, you're wasting my time. I know what you're saying about me is false. I love me. That's all that matters. But what what what did you do to kind of, you know, put up a shield barrier, so to speak, logistically? I think what it was is after a while, like because I would book the girls, of course, like for different gigs and they wouldn't show up and then I would lose money. And I was just like, you know, I am putting a lot into this. I didn't charge them extra.

[00:07:50] I just charged a percentage of what I booked them. I didn't charge them for the legwork and doing all that and getting them books. So I just finally gave up and I kind of just let them kind of fall off on their own. I kind of just stopped calling them for gigs because they wouldn't show up. And of course, like the clientele that was calling to book the girls wouldn't call. There was like maybe maybe a handful, like maybe four or five that I could still call this day and they would do it. But I just kind of gave up and I let them know, like, you know what?

[00:08:19] Now I'm just going to focus on me. And then that's when I started volunteering at the radio station. And then OK. I was around the 10,000s or 10,000s. OK, sweet. Yeah, I want to say I've been on his show for like 15 years now. That's good. But yeah, I feel you on that where you're. Working with so many different talents, people are flaking and you're just like life is too short for me to just.

[00:08:47] Work for someone I don't even like, you know. Yeah. Or even like chase them. It's like I'm trying to help you get money. But if you don't want to chase it, like you're messing on my money because I'm chasing what I want. You know, that's like a reverse brand ambassador. Whereas like you give it a product, but the product keeps disappearing. What do I sell? Get people to start selling for me. Yes, exactly. No, does not compute, does not work.

[00:09:16] Yes, that is exactly. I mean, after that, I just dropped it. I see your mutual pals with Kat Diesel. I really admire Kat and her entrepreneur skills. Who would you say? I love Kat. She's awesome. Who would you say are some of your ultimate like just friends or inspirations? It can be a celebrity. It can be a personal friend. You've already kind of described your aunt. Got you loosely into makeup and kind of appreciate the beauty. What was the jumping point?

[00:09:46] Who was kind of your mentor illustrating you as a protege? I have to say like getting into the radio part, I have to say it was DJ Kane, you know, the host of our radio show. Because in the beginning, like I just did it just for fun because he asked if I wanted to volunteer. It all started with like pledge drive. If I wanted to volunteer. And then he was just like, you could do this. But I was really shy, believe it or not.

[00:10:14] Before I got on the radio, I would talk really low. And I was like, oh my God, my name. You know, I was so scared. Please don't notice me. I'm just trying to get to the next, you know. Yeah. And he had to remind me like they can't see you, Diamond. They can't see you. They only can hear your voice. Step away from the mic, but don't step fully away from it. And yeah, project. Did you ever take any theater or acting classes or just some classes? No. OK, no. Not at all. Sometimes it's natural.

[00:10:44] I find that there's just like so when I had a theater class in college and it was amazing because most half the people taking it were just athletes or realtor wannabes. And I was like, interesting. So you want to establish the charisma and just speaking skills. That's that's not bad. That's kind of rule number one. You got to be able to enunciate and everything. But I know what you mean. That's true. Yeah. Even if you are normally have a high pitch, just all that inertia and nervous energy and

[00:11:12] it will happen when it's like, oh, I got to say that and this and be quick on that and deliver this. That's true. Well, and like I said in the beginning, like I was really quiet. Kane would say jokes on air and he would tell me things and I was like dumbfounded. I would just look at him like, um, how do I play off of that? Yeah. Like I couldn't do it. Like, and eventually, like I said, he just kept pushing me. He never gave up on me.

[00:11:40] And now he now I come at him and he has to come back at me. Like, you know, so we just like beat off of each other. You guys do give each other respect, but that's great. No, it's yeah. You know, I blame it on Kane. He says it's not him, but I'm like, yes, I used to be quiet. The alter ego. Don't get mad at me. Get mad at the shock. No, I just mean. Right. Yeah. Yeah. No, Kane is really awesome.

[00:12:08] He has been one of my inspirations that I've seen. And then his wife too. Like she's a miss Q is like a woman in the game. She's, you know, like I say, she's one of the number one DJs in DFW to my opinion, because she could get any crowd bumping. Like, I mean, even if there was only five people in a room, then here comes a whole crowd because they hear her jamming from outside.

[00:12:34] So like definitely between her and Kane, like everybody always said that they should go at a match. But Kane, like hands down, gives it to her all the time. But they're they're awesome. That's wonderful. Wonderful. Yeah. It didn't happen overnight. How would you feel you evolved for that whole process? How that.

[00:12:57] Um, I say it was a slow process that I definitely have to say, because even learning radio, like there's a lot of stuff that comes with it, you know, and then like back then, like, you know, I had a relationship and then I didn't know how to balance the relationship with the listeners and supporters versus being on the radio and then being funny. And then, you know, like I was kind of like mix everything all together until he, till Kane taught me like, no, you can't do that.

[00:13:27] You know, you have to be able to separate it. And I, it took me a while, but I eventually evolved. And now it's like, I'll tell Kane like, okay, I'm going through something right now. I can't, I need a break from the radio. And, you know, I really don't take a break from the radio that much, but he's taught me to step up and say that because of course, you know, the radio, you have to have that personality. You got to bring their spirits up. Nobody wants to hear somebody sad and depressed on the radio.

[00:13:53] So if I'm like going through it, I'm like, I can't be here because I'm sad. I'm going to be crying. But he always has a comeback too. So it's like funny. You know what? So we've gotten to just to what others see in you. What do you, what do you view yourself as? What word would you use to describe your persona? I would call it interactive. How would you describe yourself? I just say humble. I would say I'm humble. That's awesome.

[00:14:23] I just, I, I like one time there's this girl that see me and she met me and she like started crying and wanted a picture. And I'm like, baby, I'm just a human like you. Like I'm nobody. You're like, um, I just talk on a mic, like, uh, you know, and that's for me. That's what it is for me. I like to stay humble and remind people like, I'm just like you. I'm a person like you. I'm nothing special. All I do. Flesh and blood. Yeah. Yeah. Like I just laugh on the radio and talk mess.

[00:14:53] Nice. And, uh, you're also getting into AR, AI artists. Just good. How would you, I would just say you've talked yourself on that. Cause you know, now everyone's using chat GBT. They're making it easy to go logos for everything from a grocery store to a mom and pop store. Yeah. Fashion. Um, how have you utilized it in your life? This isn't meant to be any kind of local question. Just everyone's using some kind of AI in some way.

[00:15:22] So I do love AI. Um, when I first learned about it, um, is when I started seeing girls post pictures and being that I was with the models, like I know how much it is to pay for a photographer and bring a photographer out and do all these pictures that girls need. So when I started learning about it, I was like, you know what? I'm a girl. I like to dress up. I like to play role play and do all that. So I'm going to try it.

[00:15:48] And when I started trying, at first I would just get prompts from other, you know, AI artists and then I would see, and then I kind of learned their prompts. And then I started writing my own prompts and then it just went from there. I mean, so this day I still use some of the other girls cause some of them still have like really awesome prompts and I'll use them, but I also try to write my own and do. Wonderful. Yeah. And if, so we've described your persona. Um,

[00:16:18] how did you embrace social media at first? Cause again, you know, it was here, you know, but in the two thousands, people were just kind of just here and there on Facebook and taking a while to utilize it as a social media presence, as a business, as, uh, you know, a casting ground. Uh, uh, how, how, how did you, uh, utilize it in your day to day existence? Um, like I said, it goes back to me being humble. I'm like an open book.

[00:16:48] So with social media, I've always posted like personal stuff. I will post pictures like my family, kids, things I'm doing or restaurants I'm reading. And then I went from that, like you said, to the AI artists or to the radio. I kind of mix everything up in one thing. It used to be my radio page. And then it turned into, I have so many people that follow me and look up to me.

[00:17:13] Well, I'm going to share my book or I'm going to share my makeup skills. And then that's how people started booking me. And then slowly, but surely I started using it for business too, because they started, you know, they trusted me. So, and like I said, I keep it humble. Everybody that reaches out to me, like I message them. I don't leave nobody on read. Like if they want to meet or hang out, I'm like, come hang out. Like I just, yeah.

[00:17:40] Did you, uh, have any majors in high school and college, assuming you went there or was that? Yeah. So, um, I did go to high school, but then I dropped out because I had a baby at a very young age. Um, a lot of people try to, um, say that they don't understand how I had a baby at 16. Well, my first child is my rape child. I kept him, but you know, he's my best friend. So like, you know, I'm sorry. You had to go for that experience.

[00:18:10] It's awful. Yeah, it was rough, but you know, it motivated me to be who I am today. And, you know, I guess that's what I stay humble because I try to uplift people. Like I have just a big heart and I feel like every, this there's room for everybody to make it. There's room for everybody to shine. And I just want everybody to be able to do that. You know? Well, truth be told, half the stuff we, that's a good point. Cause half the stuff we try to get in college doesn't really give us our dream job.

[00:18:39] It's just another thing to put on our resume that still may or may not be considered. It's just kind of having some extra set of tricks, even though you might not use those so-called set of tricks. Yeah. But, but my major was a cosmetology. It's funny. Okay. No, that's awesome. I didn't like it cause I, you know, cosmetology consists of like doing hair and all that. And I did not want to do hair. I knew I wanted makeup, but I didn't want to do hair.

[00:19:06] So, but that was my major in high school. Well, at least you can say I tried it. Not for me, not at all. And it is wild. It was like, I do admire the styling and the coloring, but it's kind of like, that's kind of like how it is for like computer stuff. I'm like, I don't want to be paid to do it because I still got to, you know, I got to renew the license. I got to deal with the angry customers.

[00:19:35] There's, it's not as easy or simple as they're making it sound. So yeah, it, you do have to kind of gauge it. Um, did you have any just other mentors there? Like, uh, college advisors or professors? Um, actually, cause like I said, um, my first child was, um, my rape child. So I did have a lot of counselors in my life since then.

[00:20:04] Um, and I have to say one of the counselors, um, it's really weird cause I cannot think of her name. Um, but she was such a big person in my life. And every time I tried to go back to look for her, she wasn't there. They couldn't, nobody knew who I was talking about, but she's the one that said to follow my dreams, no matter what obstacles. Cause at the end of the day, your entire life is going to be obstacles that we have to go through. And she always said, don't try to go around it. You just go through it head on.

[00:20:33] The faster you go through it and go through that obstacle and finish it, the faster you'll overcome it. And that's something that's always stuck to me. No, that's excellent. Cause we, we have, we still have, I'm not going to get political here, but what, why do you think so many refuse to show? It's not like you got to reveal your naked soul, but just see a counselor. And there's so many who will do the whole, I'm too macho. I'm too invincible.

[00:21:03] I, I refuse. They're just, you know, money grabbers. Well, you know, I've done therapy in recent years and it was a, it just had to happen. You gotta, if you don't want to talk to someone personally, you gotta talk to someone who is going to make good use of your time. And it is wild how all of them use a variation of assertive communication, which we should honestly have more of where I give, it's kind of giving everyone half a win.

[00:21:27] It was like, no, I will not, you know, drive you to work, but I will mow your lawn or Hey, I can help babysit your pets. I don't want to babysit your kids right now. I'm going through, you know, something, uh, set is like giving a half a win and I can't eat at that restaurant. I'm allergic. How about we eat at this other fast food place, which we both like. And so how would you say you've navigated just personal wants and do nots?

[00:21:59] Um, I have to say kind of like, I have to think what's best for me because like you said, um, a lot of people, everybody like grieves differently. Everybody goes to depression differently, anxiety, everything. And so for me, um, I know what, how I take it and I know how extreme it could be for me or how not extreme. So I will navigate that way. Like, okay, right now. Yeah.

[00:22:27] I will, I will let them know. Like, I'm going to, like I said, I'm an open book. I'll let them know, like, look, I'm really going through this. Like I need time, like give me time. And then we could pick up where we left off or, you know, if it's something that I want to do, I could tell them like, Hey, I really need to do this because it's a coping skill for me. So it's going to help me. So it's either, or like, you know, but that's how I use it. Totally. It was like, I'll, that's the other thing too.

[00:22:56] People, I see, I've seen it over all the good and bad jobs I've worked. So many will just not give themselves a moment to thank for a minute. It was like, sure you get. And they act. Oh, I'm good. I had enough time to drive to and from work. I had enough time for the lunch break. I'm like, yeah, yeah, yeah. But you were in your other time where you should have just been thinking to yourself, got on your blessings, planning your future. You were doing something that didn't do anything for you.

[00:23:25] And we're all guilty of this, but it was like an example of like, I'm laughing at a random internet meme or getting in a heated argument with my partner. It's like, well, that, that's only invigorated anymore. You needed a moment to yourself. Like at the current job I'm at, I've had to deal with stressed out coworkers, let them know 20 minutes, whatever you got to do, jettison that stress. Just it. Yeah. Yeah.

[00:23:53] It's, it's as cliche as it is, but take a walk, you know, deep breathing, exercise down your favorite drink just for a minute and just sincerely just clear your mind and then get up, get back to what you're doing. But it is such a shame to have to remind him. How would you say you organized your day to day routine? Because you're never not busy. So how would you manage, you know, being a parent then to, with the different gigs?

[00:24:24] Actually, it was hard at first because I was working at Quest Diagnostics and then I would do radio, like I do radio on Fridays. And then of course, like I would take the kids out, come in, you know, help my son with them. Eventually, like I just recently quit my job. Um, well, I don't want to say recently, cause I had really extreme, uh, I say last year was like the worst year of my life. That's why I kind of took six months of break off of radio.

[00:24:53] Um, and luckily, like I said, Kane has been really supportive and he supported me through it, but that's when, you know, I was going through therapy. I, um, quit my job to help my son. Cause my son's kind of going through, um, something with his mother of his child. And unfortunately we're like on a waiting time period where she's going to hospice. And so he has four kids and they're two, three, six, and nine right now. So, and she's been in there since she was two years old.

[00:25:23] And so, uh, I mean, since before she was born, now that the baby's two years old, she's been there the whole time. So my youngest grandbaby calls me mama. But, um, like I said, that's kind of one of the things that I have to balance, like balancing out, that's what inspired me to write the book and, you know, do all that. Because like you said, I have to learn how to, I mean, some people have to learn how to balance what's good for them and what's not.

[00:25:49] So when I finally went back to radio, that's when I kind of like quit, um, or I finished therapy and got out and, you know, everything turned out okay. And I've been using my coping skills and learning, you know, and that's what I try to, that's why I say I stay humble because I let my supporters and listeners know, like, look, I'm, that's why I say I'm human too, because I go through everything y'all go through. Like, just cause I'm a radio does not mean anything special, you know? Like, it's just a hobby to me.

[00:26:18] So, but I mean, other than that, it kind of works out that way. Like, so I don't do that. That's where the dominoes fill. You know? Yeah. So I just, I just go with it. Like whatever, you know, life hands me. I just go with it. Oh, we can't, we try to count our blessings. It's not like we're a big top tier celebrity where now I got to put on the happy face everyone wants to see versus behind the scenes face where get away from me. Let me go in my trailer. You know? So, but yeah, like you say, I mean, life waits for no one.

[00:26:49] I've the worst thing I've ever had to do probably was just tell a beloved family friend who was on hospice is like, you're right where you need to be with us. Honoring you. And we're not invincible. You know, we're not, we can't walk on water. We can't fly. So until physics change. So it is tough having to let everyone know is like you had your pressure point. It's building up.

[00:27:19] Need a moment, you know? Can you cook tonight? Can you watch the kids? Can you vacuum? That's where the teamwork. The house doesn't run itself. The house loves to be destroyed or need repairs. The car loves to break down. Yes. That is very true. The car mechanics love to leave their shop and sell it to someone else. Yeah.

[00:27:50] Yeah, they do. Or they go get a beer and come back. And then they're like, yeah, we'll pick up. Thanks for holding me up for three hours. I'm not coming back here. Yeah. Right. And nothing personal. Nothing personal. Literally nothing personal. That's the other thing, too. Have you ever. So the radio station has been pretty good at just having, like you say, Internet interaction requests. Call ins. Has there ever been.

[00:28:17] How did the schedule start out originally for those who are in the air who might be getting into radio? Like, how would you say is the best way to organize radio schedule? One thing that I do know that Kane's taught us is that he does. We do prep for the show during the week. We have our certain segments that we're going to do. And then he will schedule it out. So we know, like, at what time we're going to say this. Or what time we're going to do the weather.

[00:28:46] Or what time we're going to read, you know, the requests and shout outs. And then there's so many requests that come in that we have to write them down and then do them in order. You know, sometimes we get so many that we can't read them on. Some people will get mad and they're like, you didn't read my shout out. But it's like we have so many. But at the same time at the radio, you have a certain time to talk. X amount of time. Yeah. Yeah. To just like, you know. So, I mean, but other than that, he kind of schedules everything out.

[00:29:16] He gives us our segments. And so he does his part as a host. And then us as co-hosts, we have to go do our part. And we have, like, for me, like, I have to have the weather. So when he's like, Valerie, are you ready for the weather? I have to be like, yes. And, you know, I look it up. How I'm going to interact and be funny with it, you know. Because everybody on the radio knows me as Valerie likes to drink. Where's happy hour? So I always start the weather with, well, it's happy hour somewhere. I like you say.

[00:29:44] And now that the persona has been adopted, you know, before you can say Baba Booey, that is now the persona. You're staying with that. Yeah. So what's your history behind your tattoos? I do always adore that because, you know, we all we have everything. We have earrings. We have just hats that are part of our persona. How would you describe your tattoos? Because as a former artist in college, I just I really do admire it. Just everything.

[00:30:13] Just painting, photography. Because it says a lot about the so-called creative side of you. How would you what's the history behind those? So people love tattoos. Yeah. All my tattoos are like with makeup. Some of them say unbreakable because I love it. Like I said, some of the stuff that I've been through, it just kind of represents everything that I've been through.

[00:30:41] And my creative side of kind of speaking my story, but not saying everything, you know, like I even have just one picture where the girl is like crying on one side of her face. And then the other side is like where she's upset and she has the gun. And that is just to represent when I went through depression and how I feel, but how it helped me and how I became unbreakable. So it's like little stuff like that that, you know, came out. And then, of course, like I said, all the beauty. Healing.

[00:31:11] Yes. And then, of course, I have scriptures on me, too. Like, you know, that helped me out. Protect yourself. Yes. So what were some of your fun hobbies growing up or fun activities you were up to? Okay. So that part, I was a tomboy growing up. No, that's awesome. So, like I said, my mom really didn't let me wear makeup, but I was raising my brothers. So I had two brothers. I was the only girl.

[00:31:40] So we used to ride bikes. We would wrestle. We would climb trees, go hiking, you know, like little. One thing that I remember as a little kid, why did it to this day? I have no idea, but I would do it. I would go into an ant pile. I would stick my finger in the little hole and then, like, go like this in circles and watch all the ants crawl on me. Oh, man. And then when they started biting me, I would go and cry to my mom. And, of course, she would, like, take me a bath, like an alcohol or whatever, because

[00:32:10] she's, you know, like, taking care of all my bites. Then she would release me, and then I would go and do it again. Why? But it was something that I just could not. I don't. I guess I was infatuated how. You got the bad urges out. They just shed real bad. At the early age, yeah. You were basically doing a mad scientist inversion. You're right. I told my mom, what was I doing trying to get ate up?

[00:32:36] You should have gone straight to the magnifying glass and said, no, get the hell away from me. Right. I told my mom, you shouldn't have been feeding me so much hamburgers and hot dogs. They liked that meat. They were trying to eat me out. The little fat girl. She's like, stop saying that. You have any fun upcoming events or projects or. You ever make appearances at any concerts? Concerts. We do have a lot of benefits coming up with the station.

[00:33:06] We do have a few lined up. Kane actually books them ahead of time and then he gives us. He lets us know like two or three weeks ahead and then that's when we'll start like marketing it, promoting it on our page, sharing it. That and then of course, like I do have like a beauty Botox event coming up with one of my fellow girls that were entrained with me. And then I'm writing a book. So the book is kind of intense, but yeah.

[00:33:35] So that's one of the exciting, I guess, exciting. But at the same time, it's kind of, it's kind of like a roller coaster basically, because it's about my life and they got me going through everything that I've been through. So I have to relive everything and then come back. You know, it's just back. I have to take a break. You want to. Oh, that's the truth. That's true too. A lot of people are like, I got it out and you know, out of me in two afternoons. I'm like, so it's probably still not complete.

[00:34:04] You got to go through the details, then refine, look at legalities, look and say, eh, I could share that, but it'd probably be too much trouble. Yeah. And that person's blessing or this embarrasses this person. I don't, it depends, you know, and even if it's blunt, you don't, you also got to. Yeah. Be careful. Yeah. Cause they could trigger somebody else and being in therapy, like that's what they teach

[00:34:31] you that you have to be careful because your story could trigger somebody else. Not realizing that it would trigger them and it can make them, you don't want to be the cause of them doing something bad because they got triggered, you know? And that's kind of why I'm not sugarcoating it, but at the same time, I'm not being so blunt and open. I didn't hold back, but I did make some exceptions, you know, it's just like, yeah, it is kind of like a song where it's like, I should get extreme on this or now this is a little too blunt.

[00:35:00] Let's dial it back because it's a party song and it's a little stressful if you had this lyric or that. Yeah, exactly. Or have a fair free to air version. Let's see where those dominoes fall. I don't know. Yeah, that's true. Have, how's the music and booking process often been where you're just like, we could get that guess, but not sure if they'd show up on time, not naming names or, Hey, you know, they're awesome to talk to, but they got a very limited window.

[00:35:28] Do we have enough to inquire? Um, you know, for CanoWin, we do book a lot of big artists and it's actually been awesome because they've always showed up that we haven't had none say that they couldn't come out. But we do give, we are a platform that gives local artists a chance to come out, you know,

[00:35:54] and the local, some, I got to say that's 50, 50, because sometimes, um, can, can give them a time limit and they're late to their interview or they're late to perform. And, you know, and then music industry, you can't do that. Especially if there's big artists because that's what. You can be early, but you can't be late. Exactly. Even a minute. So, yeah. Yeah. But I mean, other than that, I mean, pretty much everybody that shows up on time and does

[00:36:22] it, it's just usually some of the local artists. Um, but other than that, like, it's been really good. I know like Erykah Badu started on CanoWin. She did. She was, uh, low down Loretta Brown. She used to be a co-host, a host on the station. Um, I know Willie Nelson started out with, uh, so a lot of big artists. They keep in local artists. Yeah. He's really, he's a legend, you know? And how cool that is, is like, no, I didn't make their career, but they had a,

[00:36:52] some exposure here. They had some. Yeah. Leeway. A little bit of a. Exactly. Local fan base. Yes. What music? Um, Louie, the singer right now, he's like blowing up and he started with us. He started on CanoWin. Like I've seen him blossom since he was a kid, since he was like 15. So it's awesome to be a part of something like that. I guess that's why I love doing radio.

[00:37:18] Cause you play a part in helping them become who they are. And I think that's the biggest inspiration or push for me because I love doing radio because it's fun. It keeps me busy. It is a coping skill for me. Um, but at the same time, yeah, I could be funny. I could be me. Nobody's going to judge. And then at the same time, we're helping other people and you don't even realize how you're bringing it to them.

[00:37:47] And when, until they call you, like we get a ton of calls that are like, you don't understand like today was so bad or my wife just left me or my husband just left or something like that. And they're like, you said something on the radio that inspired me. Oh my God. You are so funny. You are making me smile instead of being sad. And that's why I love doing radio. It is. It's, it's also therapeutic. And I guess there was like, okay, I'm not licensed to be a counselor, but if you want

[00:38:13] to listen to a local celebrity and that's enough for you by all means, you know, it's like, yeah, exactly. Yeah. And start money for the fundraisers. I do love both the KNO and some of the other fundraisers. It's just like very unintrusive, but also it's like, yeah, if you like what you hear, you're going to get more of it. Guaranteed. We'll return after these messages.

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[00:41:11] Indie station or not, you know. And so what news or celebs or entertainment or music or other material you're currently following? Um, right now, I have to say... What's Val's picks? Val's picks. Val's remixes. Kane doesn't like, um, I mean, he likes it, but it's, I guess I'm older than him, but I

[00:41:40] like freestyle music, um, and there's a lot of... He plays for it. Yeah, like he, he'll play it, but he's not a big fan for it. He's more, I mean, he has it, everybody has their own style, but that's my favorite. Because much like improv comedy, it's in the spur of the moment. It's from the raw heart. It's not... Yeah. It hasn't been rehearsed. Exactly. You're reacting to what the other person's... But I do like the Hano music, but right now, my pick has been, like, bachata music. I've never been into that.

[00:42:09] I just started getting into that maybe... Really? ...for the past four years, like four or five years. Yeah. And so that's been my go-to lately. Love it. Yes. And, uh, what's also on your bucket list? What's your future ambitions as well? You're liking what you have with both day jobs, got the family you want, you got the support you need. Yeah. But what else do we need to cross off?

[00:42:40] Um, you know, Kane's always trying to get me to get my own radio show. He's been since after two years that I've been with him. Um, I don't want to do it because I vibe so good with Kane on our show. And I just feel like if I was to leave the show or he was to give me another show on Kane and win, like my own personal show, I just feel like I would have to, I guess, start back over. But at the same time, I'm like, I tell Kane, I'm still involving.

[00:43:09] I'm still learning from you. Like, I feel like I'm not where I want to be in radio yet, but I'm getting there. You know? Maybe in the future, um, I would think about that. But right now my main goal is to start writing books. Like, I never considered being an author. I never, um, thought about it. I've always been told since I was younger that I should write books and I should do this because, you know, like I, I would go and speak.

[00:43:38] Like I was a part of Salvation Army and they got a documentary out on me and I go and speak like to young mothers, so I think that's where my heart's at. That's what eventually my goal is to be like an influencer, like help people uplift. And because we don't like depression, nobody needs to be sad. It's already enough stress. Yeah. And then, and the way everything is going on in this world, it's like, everybody's getting

[00:44:05] sad and it's like, you don't have to be sad. Like I get that the world's bad and we're always going to have things that are bad. And our lives and the world, and we can't control it. I mean, we can, but we can't, you know? No. And so I feel like it starts at home, like with yourself and loving yourself. And that's my goal is to be somebody that could speak to people and go out and do speeches and, you know, like even my book. Even the smallest thing. Yeah. Yeah.

[00:44:34] Like I just, I just like uplifting people. Like that's my biggest thing in my, in my heart. Like that just melts my heart. Like to help uplift somebody and help them in need and help them get to where they need to be, you know? And just make them feel better because a lot of people don't hear that nowadays. It's exceedingly rare. I'm noticing a huge lack of empathy and it's very hard to tell if the person is just being

[00:44:59] legit ignorant or if they're in internet troll mode and it happens to be in person. And it's like, I can't believe so-and-so just said such a jerky or inappropriate thing. What? Your mother teach you that? I hope not. And yeah, I, it's also just good to just pull a Mr. Rogers. And I mean that legitimately. And what do I mean by that?

[00:45:22] I mean, just acknowledging the problem that exists or the inevitable, just, uh, just leaving this world and just like, Hey, I'm not going to pretend that's not here. So what can we do in the meantime? That we'll make it okay. What will float your boat? What will make you feel like your time isn't just slipping away and building up into other

[00:45:47] unwanted and negative energy and what to do when other people who are your friends and family aren't supportive or aren't helping you or aren't listening to you on something. It, it is, there's never not a challenge in life. Truth be told, if no one's had a challenge, they're probably doing it wrong or they've closed other people out and not listening to what they're actually wanting. So yeah, it's, it's a predicament.

[00:46:17] I've definitely seen it with other friends and family where it's like, uh, you need to listen to your father more often. You're giving them smack and I'm friends with both you. So, uh, as the neutral power in this relationship, I think you guys need to listen to each other more instead of talk shit about each other behind the scenes. Yeah. And I, I be the target of all this. So it is annoying though, too.

[00:46:41] Um, anytime anyone just wants to talk about the history of radio and music and the different comedy skits and the different material played. And I was a radio intern once upon a time and my job was to do, uh, be the segment timer is like, okay. And in scene and in commercial, you know, or wrap it up in five minutes. Um, it is interesting how many don't value their time.

[00:47:09] And then, uh, anytime without fail, when people want to talk about the history of radio, so many seemed more interested in just the controversies of the history of the shock jock and everything. What would you like the history of radio to be remembered as most, you know, other than, uh, a chance at a lifetime of opportunity, having an on-air persona?

[00:47:35] What, what, what do you think people should remember the age of radio for being more of? I would say, I think it, for me, I would like people to remember radio. Let's say, for instance, radio was gone. Like, I would want people to remember the music, remember the voices, remember the, um, the way people will volunteer.

[00:48:01] I know not all radios are volunteers, but to still remember their time that they came out to do it, to make you laugh. Cause at the end of the day, like the host, the co-host and all that, we, they all, we all have our own lives to live, but we choose to put our life aside. Yes. We're having fun on radio, but at the end of the day, radio is not radio if they're not listening. You know what I mean? Like we're there for the listeners and we're uplifting them and then making them laugh

[00:48:27] and, you know, being funny and giving them music to set their mood. Like if they're sad, we put an upbeat song so they could get happy and bring their mood up, you know, like different stuff like that. Um, I think that's something that they should remember that we put our time to help uplift them. And I don't want them to feel like they're lonely and nobody's there to care. Cause even though we're on air, we're a voice, we're there because we care, you know, because

[00:48:55] we're listeners trying to bring the music to you to, you know, make your move better. And for us to uplift you and for you to just have fun and joke around and, you know, just live life and enjoy it. Cause life is short, you know, it shouldn't be, but it is. Yeah, it is. So I just feel like radio should be remembered that it helps us get through life and helps uplift us.

[00:49:22] I mean, I know the, yes, there's some sad songs, but at the same time, even. The sad song is meant to have the opposite effect. Ironically. Yes. Yeah. Just like a sad movie is supposed to have a moment of truth, a good sad movie versus that was just tragic and well acted. And I didn't think it was good objectively, you know? Yeah, that is true. It's like, yeah, it's like somehow a negative and a negative equals a positive. Yeah. That's very true.

[00:49:51] We're multiplying here. Um, and what, what would you hope to can change in terms of makeup artistry? Uh, there's all different kinds of people starting their own salons, especially in this area. Uh, what, what would, what would you hope that kind of evolves? Cause like you say, you were talking modeling earlier and that definitely reminds me of how many people, you know, had to open their eyes up in the tooth that late nineties, early

[00:50:19] two thousands on, uh, the horrors of modeling where this is like, uh, yeah, you, you don't have to look or sound or be like that persona on screen. And if you want to, you still have to put in a lot of work in, it's not going to be, you know, starving yourself or, you know, putting on a fake persona that you can't have be part of your actual persona. And it doesn't have to be L'Oreal. Come on. You know, it doesn't have to be an expensive product.

[00:50:49] Exactly. Yeah. Yeah. And now that we have all these droplets and all these other just stuff that heals our skin and calms it more, there's like so many other shortcuts now that. There is. And then like, and that goes back to AI. Let me just take a picture. Yeah. Right. Scan. Yeah. And I'm good. Like, you know, um, I would say I want, I would like for it to evolve to where evolve,

[00:51:18] like where everybody ends up showing each other love, because I see a lot of makeup artists right now where they're like, Oh, I didn't like that. Or she did the technique wrong. I don't feel like necessarily that there's any technique that's wrong. Okay. I'm not saying that you could just throw makeup on and be like, okay, I'm done. All done. You know, there's so many, there's so many techniques that everybody does different. And like you said, everybody is unique and they have their own persona.

[00:51:47] So everybody's going to learn differently. Everybody's going to, you know, bring beauty differently. And I just feel like everybody later shit and like evolve and work together or at least uplift each other, not be against each other. Cause this world is so big that there's clients for everybody. That's the other thing too. I get a lot of the turf wars is like, geez. Okay. You guys aren't rivals. You're breathing the same air. You're literally sharing the same customers.

[00:52:15] So it doesn't need to be. Yeah. Upcharge or give a discount on this person is like, I don't know. And yeah. Treating the work staff is very underrated. It really never ceases to amaze me how so many want everything to be faster, but not better. They get louder, but not more clear in what they're asking.

[00:52:42] And I've had friends who have worked in banking and it just sounds like, oh, you know, nightmare. People bring down your shoulder. And it's like, that's not going to get a better result. That's going to get either an HR dispute or someone just giving an excuse to just fire you just because I don't like how you type. I'm like, okay, I'm typing as fast as I can. Yeah. Yeah.

[00:53:04] I mean, like you said, also like what I mean by involving too is like, because there's a lot of young girls that are in makeup now too right now. And so the trend is always changing. So like when you look at makeup from way back then compared to now, like I couldn't do what they did back then. But at the same time, I'm like, I have my style, but there's some new styles that I don't even know how to do yet because the trend changed.

[00:53:30] So I learned what I know for my era, but you know, and so the trends always changing. So that's why I say everybody's unique and I feel like everybody should just like get together. Truth be told, we wouldn't want to do what they did in earlier years because kind of like how technology was way more time consuming back then than digital. Same thing here now where it's like, I don't want to use that kind of makeup that had an ingredient that causes, you know, allergic reactions.

[00:53:59] I don't want to use this kind of thing because it's got this one chemical or ingredient that's, you know, harmfully come upon and mixed together. So, yeah, it is like I'm just going to I'm going to look at earlier people and take something away. It might not be exactly what I need right now. And that's OK. It's what I need versus what they used and needed.

[00:54:21] It's it is interesting how there's so many is like just because you've never stopped taking notes just because you're out of school doesn't mean you never stop. Learning studying. Yeah, I still had to learn that. And I fortunately had enough people saying you never stop learning. And it's like, yeah, it's true. Yeah, you'd be told half the tips and tricks we're trying to use for a job interview or for a. Raising family or for just.

[00:54:51] Other personal care, a lot of those are outdated and you're always having to just say, OK, I'm going to. I might as well use the social media in the right way. I'm going to ask an open question, you know, and people see the question because. I've had to. It's funny if it's in social media, I've had to do that, too, with certain Facebook groups I was in. It's like instead of tagging everyone and using the at or follow, just ask a question. We will all see it and we will all be inclined to respond if interested. And they don't believe me.

[00:55:21] I'm like, I guarantee you, if you press the at, everyone's going to get angry because they're like, who is this? Why am I getting tagged? I forgot I was in this group. Stop it. Yeah. Yeah. That's true. Just tag me, but don't use the at and don't just ask a question. Yeah. That's true. Yeah, because a lot of people do that. And you're like, what are you doing? Like. There's so many different ways.

[00:55:51] Pretty soon, all these formats are going to change and we're going to have to learn again. That's always learning. Sky's not too high, though. No, you could always climb and go further and further. It's just how high do you want to go? I don't fly anymore. And it causes too much stress, but I'll find a way to climb the sky. Yeah. I got to climb on a bunch of trees. I'll do it. All right.

[00:56:19] Hey, that that works sometimes. Any other upcoming events you're excited about? I have the Botox and the lip filler. Botox, yes. Botox is a new, I'm about to start learning Botox. So I'm actually doing that. I was actually getting really nervous because they said like esthetician, cosmetologians,

[00:56:48] like they could inject, you know. And right now the law is like as long as they say that as long as it's a small needle, like the insulin needles that you can inject. But they're trying to change the law to where it's only like an RN nurse and above. And so it's all the time I'm like, oh my God, I got to go get nursing now. And then my mom's like, you're going to do it. And I'm like, just to do my aesthetics, not to go work in a clinic or anything. Yeah, calm down.

[00:57:15] But my mom, she's excited because she was a medical assistant. So to her, like, that's what she wanted me to do. That's why she kept makeup away. And now I'm being forced to like, like, God, I don't want to have to go be a nurse. But I mean, if I have to, then I have to. That's where you just have to remind people, hey, you can think what you want. I'm doing this for what, for a personal reason, not for you. If you feel validated, cool. But that's not why I'm doing this. Right, exactly. Yeah. But I mean, other than that, like, I'm just excited and learning new things.

[00:57:44] Like you said, we're learning and those are just new services that I'm learning to add to my belt. And I'm just, like you said, a hat wearing all different kinds of hats and trying to be everywhere. But at the end of the day, that's what's helping me, you know, stay focused and my coping skill and that. So it works out. Coping, there's the key word for all who are listening. It's like, yeah, I'll make it work, but it's not going to happen overnight. Yes.

[00:58:12] And that's a delight because it's like, yeah, I mean, we all have stuff that we can do, but we would prefer not to do. And then we realize that, you know, friends, enemies, closer, that might be actually a good idea. Yeah. Back up. Should we hit an inevitable bigger dent in the road? Yeah. You know, we're like, dang, my parent was right. Yeah. I hated mowing the lawn growing up. Now I wouldn't mind doing a side gig of it because second nature.

[00:58:44] You you pick and choose. And then sometimes when you can't. Pick you. You. You pick one that's a less undesired result, and then sometimes it's not half bad. Yeah. Yeah. You never know. You really never know. Well, this has been a huge and valuable source of positivity, which is something, again, we all need, as you say. Mm hmm. Mm hmm. And.

[00:59:11] It is always fascinating how, you know, you're about the fifth person I've interviewed in the music and radio world. Mm hmm. And without Phil, it's hard to find out how it's all crafted because it kind of just. No one determines the course until they're in the middle of it and thick of it. And. Yeah. Again, all.

[00:59:34] As a theme with this pop culture show interviewing people who have worn several different hats and are comfortable with so many of those. It is wild how we we have so many skill sets and half the time. We just hang it on our shoulders. This is like I did that now onto the next thing. Yeah. You're just like you go through them to see which one will fit you the best. Right. Which one do I want to retire at?

[01:00:02] If I get fan mail from it, thanks. But that's past me. Oh, I've got a lot of fan mail. OK, perfect. What's the best fan mail you've gotten? You've had some supportive ones. You've had some great people who actually want to share their mind with you and get your take on it. But what was one where you're like, that's the icing on cake that deserves this piece of mail if it deserves to be framed? I have to say. Honestly, OK, so.

[01:00:33] I don't want to talk about like religion or anything. Go into that. But like, well, I was on the radio. We were doing a pledge and I remember somebody called to pledge and well, he told us. I remember him strictly saying like, I can't pledge, but I want to make sure that you're on the station. I could give a dollar, but that's all I got because I'm homeless. He's like, I lost my wife. He was just saying he lost his job. He was telling me like his story and he was upset.

[01:01:03] He was actually thanking us for like uplifting him. So he was just letting us know that he would hate for the station to go. But give me a moment of his time. That's a dollar is good. That's it. It's like I don't have, you know, a lister money. I don't have Richard Branson money. I don't have. Yes. Some other crazy typhans. And after that, I kind of, I kind of just gave him a scripture and he's like, well, I don't believe in God. And I was like, that's fine.

[01:01:32] You don't have to believe in God. I'm not telling you religion. We're not attacking you. Everybody has their own beliefs. I respect everybody. Yeah. I was like, all I'm asking is just for you to read these words daily. And I just want you to let me know how it changes your life. And then he called us. So we have a pledge every quarter of the month, you know, like every quarter of the year. So our next pledge, he called and he's like, I want to speak to Valerie Diamond.

[01:01:59] And so they gave me the phone and I was like, hi, how can I take your pledge? And he gave me a pledge. He ended up pledging like $300. And I was like, 300. He's like, no, you know what? I just want to become an elite sponsor. And then I was like, okay. But he's like, no, I just want to pledge 500. So then he ended up pledging 500. And I was like, wow. And then he's like, I don't know if you remember me. You gave me some words to read. And I told you I wasn't a believer.

[01:02:28] But I just want you to know that after I started reading that, after a week, he's like, I got my job back. I got a house now. I got my wife. I have my kids. He's like, and I just want you to know that you changed my life with that. And now I actually read. And like I said, I wasn't trying to preach to him. I'm not trying to tell him, hey, you need to be a Christian. I just said, save these words because that's what helps me when I'm going through it. That's basically all I was sharing was my experience.

[01:02:55] And that was very nice that I was like, I need to frame this because he called a pledge. He let us know he didn't want us to go nowhere. And it actually changed his life and not realizing it like that was just I started crying. And I was like, oh, my God. Like, you know, whatever will put anyone forward. You know, there's so many different ways to go about it. There's so many ways to make it matter.

[01:03:25] Mm hmm. And then reminding you, you're the person. You matter. Mm hmm. And that's basically that all I wanted to say, because I've heard it in his voice. And he was even like, I don't want to start crying. I'm not trying to sound like a crybaby. I'm a man. He's like, but I just want y'all to know that I don't want I don't want y'all to go nowhere. Y'all help me get through the day. And like I said, that is why I do radio. And so that I have to say is my fan mail that I have to hang.

[01:03:54] That's like, oh, I treasure that one. That's beyond rad. That's and again. You know, this wasn't cliche. This wasn't just a I love you. I support you. I you know, you're the best is like, no, nothing forget about all about this. He could have literally even said nothing and just giving you a thumbs up. But it still was a little just more than that. It was like, man, it's like and his lifestyle changed.

[01:04:20] And in a way, we've all changed the minute we've impacted someone, even if very little personally changed, somewhat, somewhat changed. Especially mentally. Yeah, I think that's the biggest thing for me. Overall, that's what Valerie. That is what I am. I say that Valerie Diamond is, is a person that loves to uplift people and to enjoy life and be funny.

[01:04:51] Because life's short. We have to. I rather laugh during life and making jokes and being funny versus, you know, being sad and depressed and going through life because life happens. Why do you think many respond to you? Because obviously you have a pleasant voice. I've enjoyed doing this even more than I thought I would. I thought it was just gonna be cool. I was like, no, this is flipping awesome because there's a persona behind the other persona, you know.

[01:05:21] And. Why do you think many are responsive to you? It was like, I gotta let, you know, I gotta let her know. Gotta have a piece of her mind. I would say because I, I would say, um, probably because I stay humble and I let them know, like, you're not going through it alone. Like, I'm here with you. I know what it's like. Like, uh, again, that goes back to the book that I'm writing.

[01:05:47] Like, I've been through so much in life, like literally you could ask me anything and I would say, yes, I've been there. Like, you know, like I said, my child, my first child was raped. Like I've been molested. I've been through domestic violence. Like I was kidnapped when I was a little girl, like we were like nationwide. They found us. Like, I just been through so much that I feel like I could connect with people that way. And the whole time I, I didn't understand why my life was like that or why.

[01:06:17] But now I look at it that it opens up a door for me to connect with so many people to help uplift them. And that's basically my purpose on life. What I feel like that Valerie Diamond wants to do. I can't imagine that experience, but I'll be grateful you weren't a true crime topic. You weren't. Oh, yeah. You got through said struggle. You realized the deadliness of the world. We're still we're still encountering deadliness of the world.

[01:06:47] And yes, it feels like the world's had its head up somewhere because so often we're having to remind people that stuff like this has gone on for years just because this now impacts you doesn't mean it never didn't impact others or your neighbors. Yeah. Empathy. Right. I mean. We have all these other scandals going on where celebrities will say something and then misspeak. We had the recent Olympic incident where someone was claiming to be a proponent of women's

[01:07:14] rights and then was caught backstage saying something totally not female friendly. Yeah. All I can say is, hey, this should inspire you, this person, this participant to want to do something bigger and better. And it doesn't have to be just a money giveaway. It can be so many other social circles. I'm going to some progressive thinkers groups. It's funny how we have to remind ourselves instead of just watching the six o'clock news

[01:07:39] and being disappointed by a pretender on TV or someone else whose heart clearly isn't in this cause, even though they're a mascot, instead of being angry at them and don't give them a minute of your time, give yourself a minute of this time. Remind yourself, hey, I mean, I got back from a friend's birthday party today and I reminded you, hey, you owned that college class. Everybody wanted to be like you.

[01:08:10] And that's all I can say about others is like, hey, you're setting a cool example. You're more than just cool to hang out with. You are. Hitting the nail on the head, you're saying some kind of truth that I couldn't say better myself. That's you validated us. And it's more than just a social group of people. It's more than having similar thoughts and viewpoints. It's like you're just unique in your own way. It is amazing, though, how we feel like we have to be able to give a speech and other stuff.

[01:08:38] It's like there's so many other wiggle room and other stuff you can play around with that you can utilize. And it doesn't have to be a boring lecture either. You know, it's everything is a personal, mental and physical investment. Before we get to financial investment, there's all kinds of other time consuming stuff we use to build ourself up. But no, kudos to you for finding these stepping stones.

[01:09:04] These tools in your set and utilizing them. Thank you for that. I didn't expect a podcast to happen. And then COVID happened. I'm like, I'll continue this. Yeah. Well, and this is the ultimate why we do these podcasts is like just shake someone's head, pat on the back. Keep it up. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you for that.

[01:09:34] Give it your best shot and clearly have. And again, everybody, please keep doing into KNO. Even if you can't be there for all portions of the day, give them some love and give anyone of your local town agents. If you know someone who has a fashion business or starting to trying to start up their own farming division, their own mom and pop store, their own. A utility store, anything dollar store.

[01:10:05] If you just need if they just need your support once a day, instead of shrugging them off, saying you're being a drama queen, you're being a diva, you're being an ego headed maniac is maybe listen to what they're saying just once in a while and be like, hey, mom, I guess I will just let you know just this once or find a different way to do it. Then how they might ask that still gets what they need. Mm hmm. Yes, definitely reach out and help them out.

[01:10:36] Instead of just whatever, man, like, well, gee, thanks. Mm hmm. Yeah. Remember, this is the person who's been feeding and caring for you. It should be more than just you owe them should be right. Don't don't sour the friendship before it all goes to hell in a handbasket. Yeah, right. Exactly. I see so many. Did you have anyone growing up before you go who was like, you'd see them talking smack?

[01:11:06] I hate my grandparents. I hate my folks. And you're like, they would describe and you're like, I don't see anything wrong. It's probably just you. I had that with pals who hated the teachers. Like, I'll give you that. They're boring. But nothing they're doing is bad. Right. Yeah. No, I have had that actually with family members, too. Like one of my cousins, she like would bash her mom. And I'm always like, just go at her. And I'm like, I don't see her doing anything.

[01:11:36] I was like, I think you're just spoiled. Well, truthfully told, a lot of us are spoiled, even when we don't want to use that word. But then it comes down to is like spoiled in which way that I'm ungrateful or. Yeah. Just talking smack or the person is helpful, but they go too far by worrying about me. And sometimes you just have to state it a different way, because guess what? Talking behind the scenes, that also doesn't help. Yeah, that's true.

[01:12:05] You know, I had a coworker who decided to put our boss on spotlight by going to HR. And it was to set a bigger president. And hopefully something will change. I don't think everything's going to change, but hopefully something did in some capacity so that this is the final time they have this conversation about better communication, better skills. I don't know, man. But hey, you still have a wonderful life in front of you. It's not worn out yet.

[01:12:35] Keep at it. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. This is a delight. Great moment of time. I have fun. Well, we try for fun. And then and then more. Right. Follow us on the web on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

[01:13:00] The podcast is available on Podbean, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Anchor, Apple and anywhere else podcasts are available. Feel free to review our show and leave comments on any of those sites. Thanks a million for listening. I hope you guys will be here. Bye. Bye.