My entire adult life has been spent working for WKDQ, but all good things must come to an end.

I'm a kid from Boonville, Indiana, who grew up listening to 99.5 WKDQ. Never in my wildest dreams would I have bet money that one day, I'd be one of those people on air and doing some of the things that I have done throughout my career. In reality, this job has given me much more than a paycheck. So, it's bittersweet to announce that this will be my last week on air for WKDQ.

How it Started...

Growing up, I loved country music. As a kid, the second a song would come on the radio (which was typically WKDQ), I could tell you the song name and the artists who sang it. Heck, because of country music, I learned how to spell my first word: "T-R-O-U-B-L-E". Thank you, Travis Tritt. Needless to say, music has always held a special place in my heart.

As the years went by, and I was a teenager in high school, country music played an even bigger role in my life. My best friends, Matt Hatcher and Matt Russell, and I had a little band. We wanted to be like Rascal Flatts. Russell always said that the dream was for us to one day sing on stage with Rascal Flatts at the Grand Ole Opry. Sadly, Russell passed away in 2006, and his passing gave me all the motivation that I needed to live out the dreams we shared in the world of country music. Oh, and he's been there every step of the way in one way or another.

So, in college, I was working at Pizza Chef in Boonville. A co-worker of mine had told me about how she used to work in radio, and I reminded her a lot of the Afternoon guy on WKDQ, Eric Corninsh, because I loved country music and professional wrestling. She got me in touch with Eric to do an internship. In the meeting, Eric and I talked about our favorite country songs, but mostly about WWE. At the end of the "interview," Eric asked me, "Shawn or Brett?" Wrestling fans will understand that reference. Naturally, I said "Shawn." To which he quickly told me that I would start on Monday. That's how it all started. No talk about my qualifications, just country music and wrestling. To this day, I have never filled out a resume for any position at WKDQ. I often wonder what would have happened if I had said "Brett."

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Why This Career in Radio Has Been So Special

When I said that WKDQ has given me more than just a paycheck, I can't even tell you how much of an impact this job has had on my life. Two big things come to mind that might give you a bit of insight.

In 2014, I first started with WKDQ; the first song that was ever scheduled for me to play was "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts. That song was Matt's favorite song before his passing. Even some of the lyrics are used on his headstone. Fast forward a few months later, I took my first trip to the Grand Ole Opry with WKDQ. The legendary Charlie Daniels and Rascal Flatts were scheduled to play the show that night. I was standing on the side of the stage watching and singing along to Charlie Daniels playing “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” The next thing I knew, I turned to my right, and there was Rascal Flatts singing along too. In a way, I sang on stage with them at the Grand Ole Opry. Even got to meet them after their set.

In 2023, one of the biggest blessings ever happened. I interviewed Gary LeVox on the phone ahead of a show he would be playing at French Lick. So, I told him about Matt and the impact Rascal Flatts has had on my life. He invited me to sing my best friend's favorite song, "My Wish," with him. What makes the strange connections even better is that the concert was the day after what would have been Matt's 34th birthday. A birthday gift that I think he played a role in making happen.

A dream come true, and it honestly gave me a newfound peace with Matt's passing that I've needed for a very long time. As if, a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I'll never be able to thank Gary for what he did for me.

On top of this job helping me get over my best friend's death, it also gave me something else. Back in 2015 or 2016 (my wife is going to kill me for not remembering), I was shooting a video for work where I had to interview a ring girl for Guns & Hoses. Little did I know that the Morning Show team, Dave and Leslie, had been hyping me up to this girl. So, I interviewed her and kept it professional. That was it. Mainly because I thought that she was way too pretty to be interested in a guy like me. Well, about six years later, I found out that wasn't true. She and I reconnected, and she is now my wife. Had it not been for this job, I wouldn't have met my wife, Jenna, and become the proud bonus-dad to two amazing kids, Carter and Jaelin. Nor would Jenna and I have two beautiful kids together, Evelyn and Harper. This job essentially gave me my family, and I will be forever grateful.

Thank You For Being Along for the Ride

If you've ever listened to me on air, thank you. I appreciate you being along for the ride, and it's truly been an honor. Walking away from this is bittersweet, but I'm excited for the next adventure for myself and my family. I started in radio as a college student with endless time. Today, I’m married with four kids, and it's hard to always be there for their big events and milestones. My kids are only young once, and I feel like I’m missing it, sometimes. So, I made the decision to step away from radio. My last day on air will be Friday, September 4th.

I do have a few thank-yous to give out to those who have been along with me on this journey. First, my parents. Thank you, guys, for birthing me! Also, for the support along the way. Also, I'd like to thank that lady at Pizza Chef who set everything in motion for this 12-year career. She started this journey for me, and she also happens to be my co-host on the Q Crew Morning Show, Lori Mae.

I've had so many friends, mentors, and awesome people in general that I have met along the way. It's impossible to name them all, but Leslie Morgan (Radio Mom), Dave Fields, Jon Prell, Ryan O'Bryan, Eric (Brad Bacon) Cornish, Melissa Tinsley Awesome Brooks Clark, Bobby G., Kat Mykals, Billy Bolin, Phil Smith, Joe Bird- the list goes on. A special thank you to DJ and Ryan, the brothers I never had, who have always been by my side. Again, it's hard to name everyone who has left an impact on my life and career, but just know that I am grateful and appreciate everyone who has been a part of this journey.

Finally, to my wife, Jenna, and my kids, Jaelin, Carter, Evie, and Harper. I can't tell you how much your love and support have meant to me. You guys are my whole world, my motivation to be the best version of myself that I can be. I couldn't do this without you cheering me on. The best is yet to come for us!

It's been a fun ride, to say the least. In case you're wondering what's next. Don't worry, I’ll still be around Boonville and Evansville, so I'm sure I'll catch you out and about! Stay tuned for the next chapter.

I'll finish with this: the whole reason I got into radio was to entertain and make people laugh. I hope I was able to do that at least once for you. So, I want to thank you for listening and choosing me to be a small part of your life. I appreciate it more than words can say. I'll catch you down the road!