Friday morning 20-year veteran personality Splash announced he would be stepping away from his role as Mid-day Host on Froggy 92.9. Froggy On-Air Personality and Promotions Director Jenn has been promoted to Mid-day Host in his place, starting Monday, March 25th.
Splash sat down with a Froggy929.com staff writer to have a personal, emotionally raw interview to explain his decision:
Thank you for taking the time to speak to us today.
No problem. I was just hanging with my cousins in the Froggy Prize Vault. They’ve been living down there rent free for the last two-and-a-half years. Oh geez, did I say that out loud?
Why yes, yes you did.
Hold on a second… (Splash stands, turns to the vault and yells downward.) Hey kids…the gravy train has run its course! Scatter, scatter! (Sits back down.) My apologies.
Let’s move on to the questions most people are wondering. After such a long tenure, why move on now?
I want to make this perfectly clear before the Rumor Mill flies off its wheels and injures a pedestrian. This is wholly my decision. Alone. Me. Our wonderful staff and management team had nothing to do with it. Rob and Joss’ departure had nothing to do with it. The addition of the Amber and Tanner in the Morning Show had nothing to do with it. Nobody I work with at Froggy or Amaturo Sonoma Media Group had anything to do with my departure.
It does come very close to Rob & Joss’ last day.
I know, and that’s just strange, coincidental timing. I’d actually planned on announcing sooner, but allowed them room to have their departure in February. Now, it’s my time to say goodbye.
May I ask what your next step is?
I hope you understand when I say I’d like to keep that part of my life private because it involves my family. What I will share is that this is most likely my last radio broadcast. (Pause.) Did you hear that? A majority of people in Sonoma County just breathed a communal sigh of relief.
It must be difficult to leave a place that you’ve spent two decades working and living your life.
I had no idea how difficult this would be and how I would react emotionally. Since the middle of last week I’ve had sudden shaking, a belly full of uncomfortable and I can’t sleep. This isn’t regret over my decision because I am focused and determined about my future, but the show, the people, the continued success of Froggy…that means the world to me and my body is reminding me just how important the closing of this chapter of my life is.
Honestly, ever since my kidney transplant in June of 2013, after they weaned me down to under a dozen medications, I’ve felt different about a great many things in my life.
Like what?
That’s hard to pin down. I returned to the very same job in the very same town and slept in the very same bed. I’m finding that, as opposed to my first two kidney transplants from loving family members, this one just feels different. This could be age and experience and major surgery combined to push me in a different direction. Or it could be that this kidney was from a young man in the very prime of his life, and that has had a major effect on me that I can’t fully define at this time.
What would you like to say to the listeners of Froggy 92.9?
(Splash looks down and hesitates for a moment.) To the caring, compassionate, no-holds-barred wonderful people that have been loyal and dedicated to me and Froggy 92.9: I’ve been so very fortunate to meet you, spend time with you, raise money for those in need with you and share stories and laughter with you. YOU made my radio adventures fun, hilarious, memorable and poignant. Health and happiness to each and every one of you.
Anything you’d like to say in regard to the forthcoming changes at Froggy 92.9?
Change is inevitable. This much change in a short period of time can bring on concern and questions. Dano is in charge of the station now, and has been doing a great job for our listeners and valued clients. He’s a great talent and has been integral in the creation of the new morning show. I adore Jenn, who has done an outstanding job so far, and will continue to be your friend during the workday. The Froggy Crew members I leave behind will continue forge ahead with Froggy’s mission to be a vital part of the community. I hope you accept them with warm arms and open ears just as you have for myself and so many others.
Any final words?
Listen, I’m one of the luckiest goons in radio. I found a station, miraculously, that tolerated my shenanigans, and enough people listened to keep my idiocy going for an overwhelmingly long period of time. If I have any regrets, it’s that I wasn’t always strong enough to rise above my health issues and bring you the best damn show you deserved.
Thank you for your time Splash.
I’m sorry, Filbert the Kidney has something to say.
How will we hear him?
I’ll translate.
Ok. By all means.
(Splash is speaking to his abdomen, just to the right of his navel.) Ok, uh huh. Dear goodness, yes. Yes, you’re right. Uh huh. Ok, got it. Filbert the Kidney and I want to thank everyone who sent good tidings, prayers and enthusiastic support at the time we were bonded as one. Your compassion and support are endlessly appreciated. What’s that Filbert? Oh yes. He says you should drink more water. Your kidneys will smile and you’ll be happier.
