This Friday will be the final edition of the Friday Favecast (FFC).
Why didn't I say something earlier? Because I knew you'd try and talk me out of it!
This is something I've contemplated for a while and finally realized that we've had an incredible run and now it's time to move on. It's not just one, but five reasons (in no particular order) why I've decided to make this departure:
01 I'm Time Starved
Although this is nothing new, the demands on my time have become more important and proper time management is more critical now than ever. I've had to say "no" to a lot of things and people and, while I hate to disappoint, I can't help anyone if I'm stressed too thin, dig?
Above all else, I am a husband and father. . . no need to elaborate further on that. On the musical tip, I've just beta-launched
GROOVMNT-- a new site co-founded with my brothers:
Will Dawson (Dawson's Ink / Friday Fives),
Todd Kelley aka The Big La (Flowink),
EJ Flavors (Old School Wednesdays) and
KB (JustSayKB). I'm also scheduled to drop a series of EPs with
Cross Country Collective aka
C3 -- a virtual band featuring musicians on three different coasts.
On the literary tip, I have two (2) books that I need to publish plus two (2) more still in progress (one of which is a cookbook to help
preserve the sexy of your culinary skills). I would love to crank out a screenplay as well as write songs for my peeps working on stageplays right now.
I can't do it all and the FFC isn't as high on the priority list as it once was.
02 The Saturation
The landscape of podcasting has changed dramatically since I jumped into the game in 2006. There are at least 10-12 podcasts I listen to on a weekly basis and the
Music Podcasting Consortium includes nearly 30 podcasters who share their love of all music genres on a consistent basis.
Simply put, I won't be missed nor will I lose out on discovering great music through my peers. The void (of finding good music online) has been more than filled. I'm not needed as much as I'd like to believe.
03 The Skits
By now, you should know that I do all the voices (e.g.,
Annie Mae Jenkins,
Slim Jim Neckbone and
"Trailer Park" Earl) for my skits. These characters are based on people I've met on my journey and it's a stress relieving part of my podcasting production (I think they're funny as all get out). Nevertheless, there's only so much I can do with a geriatric MC, unknown blues legend and a belligerent country bumpkin -- without becoming redundant. I feel I reached that point somewhere in 2009, but I tried to hold on. It's time to let go, y'know?
04 I've Reached My Goals
When I started the FFC, I simply wanted to play hot music and connect like-minded people who shared my love for underserved artists. In three years, I've met award-winning authors and created fun segments to put in between the music. I was invited by the
US Navy to board an aircraft carrier and share my experiences with the crew. I've dedicated episodes to the empowerment of young girls as well as shared the mic with my children. I got to meet and befriend artists I've admired for years (e.g,
Eric Roberson,
Foreign Exchange,
Zo!, etc.) and work with talented journalists (e.g,
SoulBounce).
The blessings from this podcast have afforded me to attend the
GRAMMYS and host
Houston's first podcamp. And the connections I've made with brilliant people around the world is priceless.
What more can I do with this thing? I'd hate to jump the shark and descend from the great heights I've been blessed to reach by continuing to write in this chapter unnecessarily.
05 It's Time for Growth
In light of the accomplishments, there's so much more for me to experience and I'm convinced that the FFC is no longer the primary vehicle I need to continue my journey.
It's time to commence a new era and that requires my shifting the focus inward and working on me so I can be of better service to my family and community...on and offline. The FFC is a flowerpot in which I have outgrown and I need to plant myself in a bigger pot in order to reach my full potential. Can you dig it?
This is why the Friday Favecast must come to an end. It's been a fantastic ride that has exceeded anything I could have ever imagined. The FFC has been there through my job transitions, failed relationships, family struggles, relocations, marriage, hurricanes, deaths, computer upgrades and fitness training (which I also started back).
Now it's time for something else and I hope you continue to ride with me. I promise it will be amazing.
Announcements, Favecast, Featured post by Fave.
You’ve accomplished so much, much more than I ever knew and it’ll be great to see what comes next. I wish you and your family a multitude of blessings!
The best gift you can give yourself is to be clear about what you want.
Thanks for opening up my world, providing the opportunity to be introduced to music that was unfamiliar to me — and for being an important part of my weekends for the past year.
Congratulations on a good long run, and on positioning yourself for what I’m sure will be a very exciting “Next!” As ever, I’ll be cheering you on, intrigued and curious to witness whatever emerges.
“What more can I saaaaay?” So glad you have come to a decision, although bittersweet, on all of this my friend. You already know that we’re destined for great things and prioritization is key in doing things well.
I do still think you will be missed though, but honestly, you’re just being recreated in other wonderful creative venues. Keep up the fantastic work, looking forward to it.
i get it. far be it from me to keep you from doing you. go forth, brother. go with GOD. and let Him lead you where He will so that you can do His will. i’ll be watching, reading, listening, and supporting as always.
next level, my dude, next level…
you will be missed, but we will see you elsewhere , got plenty of podcasts and am already visiting groovmnt…. just continue to do what you LOVE …
I guess you’ll do what you gotta do and break my heart. Well, something like that Ralph said back in the day.
Seriously, you are evolving, my friend, and I would expect nothing less. The decision you’ve made is what is needed to begin this next chapter in your life. Forward ever. Backward never.
While I’m not happy to hear this news, I completely understand your reasons and realize this is not really any kind of end. You’re too creative cat to disappear, and I can’t wait to see what else comes out of your brilliant mind.
Best,
PC
I am so PROUD of you!!! It has been a pleasure to get to know you and work with you on this creative journey! During this year’s GRAMMY Awards I truly realized just how talened you really are…I look forward to working with you and supporting you in your upcoming endeavors!!! Run towards your future with open arms!!!
Your Gal Pal –
@BevJack
The only line that is all kinds of wrong in here is that you won’t be missed. You know you get a c’mon son for that one!
I look forward to what’s next. You got some huge things in store. All the best.
I’m sure you and your cast of characters will make a guest appearance here and there
The FFC is going down in podcast history…believe that. It’s mad memorable…and will continue to be. U done did real good!
That was very poignant and endearing. While I will miss the Friday Fave Cast for what it has brought to the podcasting community, I’m glad that you are able to move forward and evolve to greater things. This show has left an indelible mark in the community and had us wishing for Friday to come sooner. This show has informed, educated and introduced masses of people to new artists and provided intelligent thought provoking commentary that has uplifted us. I will certainly be looking forward to your upcoming projects and I’m sure they will be done with same precision and earnestness that you’ve done with the FFC. Good luck to you brotha, and keep evolving.
Preserve & Persevere
JayTeeDee
I love the Favecast but clearly you have thought it through!
I appreciate you making a Wright Girls Favecast and will always cherish that.!
Much peace and love to you
We will catch each other on the film tip!
Ignoring One’s Conscience is neither Safe nor Right!
Dr. Wright
The Wright Place TV Show
Friday Favecast is dead, long live Friday Favecast.
Salute, my nig.
*raises glass*
Tigalllo
You came, you saw, you conquered…. godspeed in your ventures, I’ll be peering from the shadows.
~Peace & Blessings~
Not like you’re leaving. Just evolving.
Happiness & sadness at this news my friend. However, when it’s all said and done, I co-sign to what Soulrific wrote, you really aren’t leaving us at all, just evolving into another phase of your musical growth. Much success in your new endeavors! (of course, now I’ll have to remove “being interviewed by Fave for an Friday Favecast episode” from my ‘bucket list’ as that will never happen {sigh}) LOL!
much love to you, namesake –
Gone, but not forgotten….
FAveE……. what am I reading ….??
I go to Nigeria for 4 weeks and the world stops!!!!
I can tell you now I’ve been a fan of yours for the last 18 months and in that time I have taken your podcasts to parts of the world I’m sure you’ve never heard of (Lobito, in Angola, Itigidi in Nigeria).
Its been real… All the best with your new venture….
regards
Ai