I gotta spill the tea. And let’s be real ya all, I’m trying to distract us/me from this particularly awful election.

Every now and then a little press comes out about my company and then I get some emails. Most are super nice, some, not so much (because humans are gonna human #amiright).

A couple of months ago I got an email from (we’ll call them), an aspirant. They took issue with the referenced radio markets in some recently released publicity. It made me think that this person had way too much time on their hands.

This time, when a pretty significant piece of publicity came out, I had a job applicant. That’s cool, I’m always open to folx coming into the fold, especially talented and dedicated ones. But this one made it clear they had just lost a network gig where they had obviously been unhappy. Then they let me know the owner of said network had been bad-mouthing me pretty regularly. 🧐 I don’t even know the dude, but whatevs.

It reminds me of a time when I was hosting a talk show and I was being harassed over email (progressive talk in a Red state). They went after my looks, and whatever else they could say to try to get under my skin, just because they didn’t like my particular brand or style. My boss at the time said, “hey, at least you’re getting emails”. But, it was hate. He also said I should be flattered. Is it true that an air-talent/personality (or entertainer) should accept hate as a compliment because they’re still getting attention? Is it true that a competitor looking to emulate one’s successes should also be looked upon as someone who is actually praising you?

I send all of this out to you as a reminder, that there are ways to respond to these things. 15 years ago I would have probably shot back some sort of nasty note, stooping to their level. But now that I’m older (and have gone to loads of therapy and done a crap ton of yoga 🤣), I just get curious. I ask why? Sure, I am not above getting annoyed and making a comment back to someone on social media – in my private life. But, when it comes to professional communication, why? Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? I feel like it’s just a waste of energy to engage with these backslappers.

I love this quote from Atomic Habits author, James Clear: “…The raw material for a sweet life or a bitter life is always there. The story you emphasize is the one you notice.”

(And while I have your attention, stay safe out there tomorrow ya all.)