The Bert Show Shares Their Final Goodbyes

Summary

The Bert Show Shares Their Final Goodbyes

Podcast: The Bert Show
Publisher: Pionaire Podcasting
Episode Air Date: October 24, 2025

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Overview

In this profoundly emotional and historic episode, The Bert Show bids farewell after 25 years on the air. Host Bert Weiss, along with co-hosts Kristin, Abby, Cassie, Tommy, and the extended cast, gather for a series of heartfelt goodbyes, reminiscing about the journey, the sacrifices, and the legacy they've built together. Core team members, family, and close friends share candid stories, gratitude, regrets, and pride for what became Atlanta's most beloved morning show—a celebration of laughter, realness, and connection. This episode is a tapestry of vulnerable, unscripted moments from the entire Bert Show community, demonstrating the lasting impact of the show on its team, listeners, and the city itself.

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Key Discussion Points & Notable Moments

1. Opening Reflections with Bert and Stacy (Bert's Ex-Wife)

[01:07–09:24]

• Stacy's Gratitude & Reflection: Stacy opens up about their early beginnings, the sacrifices of family for Bert’s career, and her pride at being part of the show's legacy.

  • Notable Quote (Stacy, 03:26):
    "You never, ever, ever varied from who your audience was. You always delivered to them. It was always about them."
  • Discusses the blending of family with the show, the challenges, eventual personal sacrifices, and the enduring gratitude for their shared journey.

• Bert’s Response: Recognizes Stacy’s critical role in his career, managing behind-the-scenes logistics, contracts, and championing the non-profit “Bert’s Big Adventure.”

  • Notable Quote (Bert, 06:32):
    "Stacy made me as good as I could be at this because she handled everything else... she let me be the best Bert."
  • Emotional acknowledgment of shared grief, pride, and moving forward.

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2. Appreciating the Families Behind The Team

Renee (Tommy’s Wife)

[09:31–18:34]

• Shares how The Bert Show allowed her and Tommy to build a family in Atlanta, including a touching anecdote about a handwritten welcome card from Bert she’s kept in her wallet for nearly 15 years.
• Expresses deep familial bonds, gratitude for life’s sacred moments, and unwavering support for Tommy and the show.

Bert’s Sons: Hayden and Hollis

[20:36–32:58]

• Hayden: Jokes about being the “original Bert Show kid,” reflects on Bert’s work ethic, sacrifices, and influence on his aspiration to entertain.
  • Powerful Star Wars analogy (Hayden, 27:33): "You come into Atlanta, that's like you looking off at the two suns—and now, you literally get to look at two sons."
• Hollis: Shares nerves and excitement for the next phase, heartfelt appreciation for Bert’s role as a father and public figure.
  • Memorable Story (Hollis, 30:26): Story about a listener using The Bert Show to learn English, underlining Bert’s quiet, widespread impact.

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3. Tributes from Friends, Partners, and Long-Time Colleagues

Johnny (Bert’s Best Friend)

[34:07–39:17]

• Offers a humorous walk down memory lane, from gluing a plastic alligator on a Datsun to being inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.
  • Quote (Johnny, 38:12): "Nobody bet on themselves more than you and then used their platform and influence to help and improve the lives of the people in their community as much as you did."

Amanda (Bert’s Fiancée)

[39:18–45:29]

• Acknowledges the whole Bert Show team as the foundation for Bert’s success, celebrates Stacy for her role, and lauds Bert’s talent for nurturing others.
  • Quote (Amanda, 42:54): "You're not losing your voice... you have a God-given voice that is powerful and profound, and it will be heard."
• Bert credits Amanda with helping him become more authentic and for inspiring his next chapter.

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4. Team and Staff Farewells

Tracy (Founding Intern, Operations)

[46:13–51:58]

• Reflects on dedicating over half her life to the show, the family and personal milestones that intertwined with her career.
  • Quote (Tracy, 47:12):
    "I've spent more than half my life on this show. I was 22, right out of college… It's given me everything."
• Recognized as the "glue" and unofficial therapist of the show.

Youth Group & Current Cast (Mikey, Amber, Jackson, Rebecca, Katie)

[52:25–81:00]

• Mikey: Recalls awkward internship beginnings, gratitude for being allowed to grow and fail, and appreciating Bert's mentorship.
• Amber: Shares her vulnerability over losing her mother during her tenure, crediting the team—and Bert in particular—for literally saving her life.
  • Quote (Amber, 59:24): "You guys, you didn't just save my life. You literally saved my life."
• Jackson: Celebrates embracing a dream he never expected to realize, thanks to Bert and Cassie, and speaks to the impact of supportive management.
• Rebecca: Formerly a shy listener, describes her journey from fan to team member, and credits the show with giving her a creative voice and courage.
• Katie: Relives being referred by Kristin for her initial role, the surprise of how real and loving the team is, and her personal/professional growth.

Tommy (Producer)

[81:00–90:53]

• Narrates his own radio journey, being inspired as a child, intercontinental career moves, and finally finding a "forever" show with Bert.
  • Memorable Moment: Gift of a radio from childhood, symbolizing his lifelong radio dream.

Amy (Business Manager)

[91:33–93:15]

• Shares a candid, understated thanks for the years behind the scenes, emphasizing the support system that keeps the show running.

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5. Co-Hosts & Core Team: Final Goodbyes

Abby, Cassie, Kristin

[93:23–120:05]

• Abby: Overcomes self-doubt, finds belonging, and credits the show with deeply healing her, encapsulating many listeners’ experiences of acceptance and finding their place.
• Cassie: Reflects on personal growth, friendship, and validation found through the show, highlighting the contagious authenticity and trust Bert fostered.
• Kristin: Shares the catharsis of preparing these final shows; recognizes the unique platform to support and connect people, from handling personal grief on-air to creating shared moments that resonated citywide.
  • Quote (Kristin, 110:26): "...Radio isn't who you are. It's what you do, right? But this isn't a job—it's a part of who I am.”

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6. Bert’s Closing Reflections

[120:13–133:10]

• Struggles to encapsulate 25 years of gratitude, but ultimately finds pride and joy in the connections built, the audience served, and the legacy left.
  • Notable Quote (Bert, 128:28):
    "I'm so filled with pride, and I'm so thankful for all you guys... Thank you for 25 years."
• Acknowledges the sacrifices, the transformation of colleagues into family, and the deep, lasting impact on listeners.
• Reiterates joy and peace in ending on his terms, looking ahead to new adventures with Amanda.

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Notable Quotes & Emotional High Points

• "You have created this incredible community... people who are generous and kind."
  —Hayden (27:56)

• "You should be thanking yourself and being so incredibly proud of yourself... all those 4ams were worth it."
  —Hollis (30:26)

• "This show made people feel like they weren’t alone on hard paths—that’s why it mattered."
  —Kristin (110:24)

• "I am proud of myself, and I am proud of this. I am so proud you guys are crying over each other today—we created this beautiful thing."
  —Bert (124:38)

• "You never know what simple sentence, what, hello, can change somebody’s life."
  —Cassie (107:19)

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Timestamps to Key Segments

• 01:07–09:24: Opening goodbyes with Stacy (Bert's ex-wife)
• 09:31–18:34: Renee (Tommy’s wife), family sacrifices, community-building
• 20:36–32:58: Bert’s sons Hayden and Hollis; family reflections
• 34:07–39:17: Best friend Johnny’s retrospective
• 39:18–45:29: Amanda, Bert’s fiancée, speaks to legacy and next chapters
• 46:13–51:58: Tracy, founding team member, on legacy and longevity
• 52:25–81:00: Current cast youth group, producer Tommy, and operations staff
• 93:23–120:05: Abby, Cassie, Kristin, and heartfelt closing words
• 120:13–end: Bert’s final thoughts, gratitude, and farewell

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Tone & Atmosphere

The tone is deeply heartfelt, raw, nostalgic, and often humorous—true to the show’s long-standing blend of authenticity and levity. There are frequent moments of laughter through tears, impromptu jokes breaking up emotional confessions, and an emphasis on gratitude, vulnerability, and togetherness.

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Conclusion

The Bert Show Shares Their Final Goodbyes is less an ending, more a celebration of everything the cast, crew, and their audience built together over a quarter-century. It is a patchwork of gratitude, vulnerability, love, and bittersweet pride—a fitting finale for a radio institution that became so much more than just a morning show. The episode is not merely a goodbye, but a reminder to its listeners: connection, authenticity, and kindness resonate far beyond the airwaves.

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Transcript

[Bert]

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[Stacy]

Selfies check please with Verizon. Get the new iPhone 17 Pro, designed to be the most powerful iPhone ever. Plus a new iPad and Apple One. No trade in needed. Offer ends November 5th with a new line on Unlimited Ultimate Best 5G swears Route Metrics Data United States 2020 25. All rights reserved. Additional terms apply for all offers. See verizon.com for details.

[Bert]

The Bird Show. All right, now it's just Atlanta.

[Stacy]

It is just Atlanta.

[Bert]

Okay.

[Stacy]

Hey, atl.

[Bert]

I'm not gonna thank you guys in Atlanta yet. So we've got a laundry list of people that we are bringing on now. And how do you thank and hear words from everybody that has been so influential to this show for 25 years? But this show never starts. Ever, ever starts. It doesn't start in atl. It doesn't continue in Dallas. Years ago and I would have left the industry in Washington, D.C. there certain days, except for this woman right here, my ex wife, Stacy.

[Stacy]

Hi.

[Bert]

Hi.

[Stacy]

This is a weird day. Very strange feeling. Woke up this morning and was just reflecting a bunch and realized what a huge. This was our life.

[Bert]

When I say to you guys that radio has given me everything. Literally has given me everything. I met Stacy at a promotion.

[Stacy]

Yep.

[Bert]

Put her in one of those money machines where there's money floating all around her. Right.

[Stacy]

Pick me out of the crowd.

[Bert]

Yeah. I saw that cute thing with that short hair. I knew she had attitude and she was on the dance floor and I thought, huh, if I. I put her in there, give her some cash, maybe she'll go out with me. It turned out that was a pretty damn good decision.

[Stacy]

I actually went there to introduce myself to him. I've been listening to the show for a long time.

[Bert]

Yeah. So we met that night and that's where this whole thing starts. Yes.

[Stacy]

So that it was. We were in D.C. and Brian came to visit and we had a bunch of calls. And I remember, like, working with Bob to negotiate the contract, and we were like, holy cow. We just couldn't even believe what was happening to us. I kept looking at him and I'm like, what? They don't know what they're doing? What are they doing?

[Bert]

My husband sucks.

[Stacy]

No, but I mean, we just didn't know anything. And we were so young. I mean, holy moly. And then we got here, and six months later, it was already taken off. It was insane. I remember how nervous you were, and we just. We just didn't know what we were doing. So this morning when I woke up, I thought about what? Just how 1. You are amazing at what you do.

[Bert]

Thank you.

[Stacy]

I tell people this all the time. It's just a natural talent that you have. And you have this way about getting people to talk to you, to say things. You have this curiosity about you, and I think it's what's made you so great. But the bigger thing that's made you the greatest at the show is that you never, ever, ever varied from who your audience was. You always delivered to them. It was always about them. So anyone listening that's ever listene. And Bert made it about you all the time. All the time. To the point where we sacrificed a lot of our family for you to have him at 100%. And I thought a lot about that this morning, and I felt grateful for it. I didn't feel regret or that we missed out. The boys learned so much about what that took for us. We were the show. It wasn't separated. We lived it. It was our life. And it. It gave us so many joys and so many things, even though it was a kind of a crazy way to live, and there was a lot of demands on our time and. And we know we lost each other because we put it all into that in both things, the charity and. And the show. And it was a. You know, we both failed at that. We didn't put us first. And. And that's okay because I totally believe all of this happened exactly how it was supposed to. And I'm so grateful to be able to carry all of what I got with you all that time, even prior to here. But what we did in Atlanta is a legacy. It's very powerful what. What we're going to leave behind here. And I feel very much a part that this is my legacy, too, today, for sure. Yeah. I mean, we. We. I mean, we weren't a. We were. We weren't an llc. Like, we became the Bird Show. I mean, all of that was a part of the process, so I couldn't be happier. And now you're gonna walk away from this incredible thing that you've done, impacted so many people's lives. We've changed so many people's lives. Like, it's time now for you. Like, I'm so excited for you to be able to. To know Bert. Not Bert, Show Bert, but Bert, because there's, like, this really special person in there that a lot of people don't even get to know because you have to be something else all the time. So I'm really, really excited for you, and I can't wait to watch it and give yourself so much grace right now, because you're going to have a lot of grief. I have a lot of grief. The boys have some grief this morning. It was really interesting. Hollis is, like, all nervous.

[Bert]

I didn't have any grief until you started talking. Now I have grief.

[Stacy]

I didn't know I was. I didn't know if I'd cry or not. I hadn't cried yet. So, anyway, thank you. Thank you for getting up every morning, being. Doing what you're doing. The boys. I mean, Hayden being able to go to the school he goes to and all the things that we've been able to experience in our lives. Thank you. Thank you for.

[Bert]

Oh, and I'm going to say the same to you. Stacy made me as good as I could be at this because she handled everything else. I mean, literally everything. It's been a running joke now for all of these years that I don't know what the hell I'm doing outside of this studio. And that was because Stacy let me be the best. Bert, the same way Bart allows you to be the best.

[Stacy]

Kristen, you didn't even know how to dress yourself. She put binders together for you.

[Bert]

That's no lie. Go out to award shows, I don't know. But it all started with her. She handled all the contracts. She handled everything with the agents. She was the one that cried in front of the Atlanta City Council in order to get Burt's Big Adventure, our nonprofit, when it didn't look like it was going to happen, and the judge was coming down hard on you, and you started bawling. They were giving out licenses to strip clubs left and right, and they weren't giving out a license. And Stacy lost it in front of the judge, and I can't remember where that tweak was. Maybe your tears worked, but we ended up with that license, man. Burt's Big Adventure only affects all of These families because she started it, and she was such a badass at planning all of this stuff. All those lives changed, man, because of what we built and what. And. And your determination to make sure it was perfect.

[Stacy]

Thank you. Thanks.

[Bert]

Got lots of love for you. Thank you.

[Stacy]

You too.

[Bert]

And thank you for saying that about the kids, too. Because when you look back at your career and you look back, I want you guys to hear this also. My boys are in studio. When you look back at your career and you get to a certain level in your career, and you're determined to get to a certain point in your career, and you've got two parents that are determined to try to be the absolute best can be. It takes sacrifices all the way around. So I've really been reflecting on. Sometimes I ask myself, was it worth it, man? Like, here I am hanging out with Asa now at his school with his breakfast, and I didn't get to do that with my kids because I was busy doing this here, you know? And it takes a lot of sacrifice. And I wonder sometimes, like, should I been a little bit more flexible? Should I taken some more days off? Should I been more focused? And I've been living with those questions. Also, for you to say that this morning, I. I really needed to that.

[Stacy]

Awesome.

[Bert]

So thank you.

[Stacy]

Everything has been perfect. It's exactly how it was supposed to be.

[Bert]

I can assure you. Everything has not been perfect. But it's been great. But it has been great. Thank you for everything.

[Stacy]

Yeah. Thank you.

[Bert]

And Stacy reminded me this morning, man, you talk about full circle. Right? We've been talking about me setting Stacy up with Joe on the air as a bit. What I forgot was Stacy hired Amanda at first. Big adventure. Right. And all these years later, we're about to get married, so we've helped each other out.

[Stacy]

It's beautiful.

[Bert]

It's been a ride, man.

[Stacy]

Yes, for sure.

[Bert]

Thank you.

[Stacy]

Yeah. I love you.

[Bert]

Love you.

[Stacy]

That's the first one. We got a lot more to go.

[Bert]

Yeah. I told you. We're gonna be here till 3. All right. Oh, this one, she already started crying to me in the halls. She might have wasted all of her tears. Tommy's wife, Renee, with it. Such a beautiful story, and what a fantastic communicator. Hi. Hi. We had our moment in the hall together when I thanked her and I thanked Tommy, who I'm gonna thank again. And I thanked her for, like, my perfectionism over the years. It's frustrating. And Tommy is the one that controls all the stuff behind the scenes. So if it doesn't Sound perfect to me and my high demand of things. Then I come down on Tommy. And I know Tommy has come home to you and he has shared those frustrations, and I just wanted to acknowledge how much I have driven him crazy sometimes. Yeah. And generally you can tell how somebody. How an employee feels about you based on how their spouse reacts to you, because you got to remember they're going home and they're talking all sorts of crap. Right. Or they're saying good things or they're saying bad things also. And I'm sure Tommy has come home many, many times and given you a very fair narrative on why you should hate me as well. And you never have.

[Stacy]

I love you. There have been some tough days, and I have no doubt I'd said this to you in the hallway. I have no doubt that there have been some tough days. He may have driven you a little bit crazy. I live with him. I know that. And I know I drive him crazy. When Tommy and I were in la, and we were there for five years, and we had moved out there so that Tommy could work in radio with Rick Dees, and. And he had been out of radio for a couple of years. And after that first year, I remember him being out of radio, I remember him telling me that you had reached out to him. And it. I know it was a long process, and we didn't know if he would go back into radio. We didn't know if we. We thought we were going to be in LA forever, that that was going to be our forever home. And as things progressed and he was able to come here, to be a part of this show is one of the most incredible experiences I think, that we've had in our life. I think it was after we had gotten here. So Tommy started June 1st of 2011, and we had been in Atlanta for just a short time, and we received some beautiful flowers that you and Stacy had sent to us.

[Bert]

I didn't send us.

[Stacy]

I took. And there was a beautiful card. You know, the little cards that you have that come in a. Flowers that was in that flower arrangement. And we were starting over in Atlanta, and I took. I have my wallet in the studio, and I took that card 14 and a half years ago. And for 14 and a half years, that card. I don't even know if Tommy knows this. That card has lived in my wallet. Oh, my God, there are.

[Bert]

I'm impressed she pulled it out that fast, because anything in her purse or wallet. Good Lord, it's a jungle in there.

[Stacy]

There are a few things that I keep in my wallet that are close to my heart. One of them is a picture of me and Tommy, which actually is from radio and Raleigh. The other is a card that a hospice family had given me years ago when we lived in Florida. And one is from Tommy where he had sent me flowers during a very difficult time. And so of these four things that stay in my wallet, this is one of the. This is the card and it says Renee. My wife and I wanted to welcome you and Tommy back to the South. We are so excited that he will be joining the team. Thankfully, Bert and Bert, I want all of you to know and recognize this is handwritten in Bert's handwriting. It's not typed out. And I have carried this card with me. You gave us the opportunity to move back to the south to be near our family, our families and our parents who live, lived and some still live in North Carolina. And during the past 14 and a half years, having that time with our family here has been so sacred. It gave us the opportunity to be with my mother who died in 2014, with Tommy's dad who died in 2015. And if we had been on the other side of the country, we wouldn't have been able to do that. I have had the privilege of being at such sacred moments with, with many of you. Kristen, I had the best seat in the house with you and Bard at your wedding, officiating your wedding. Cassie had the best seat in the house at your wedding, officiating your wedding for you and Chad. And so being a part of your. Your lives in such sacred moments means so much to me and means so much to Tommy and I. All of you all are truly family to us and will continue to be family. It's been beautiful seeing you all build your families, to see you all growing and just to. To be a part of this incredible place and this incredible thing that you all have created. And Bert, thank you for giving my husband the opportunity to shine, to do what he does best and to. To make others look so good and to to be had the opportunity to shine behind the scenes and to shine on the air because I know that for over 30 years, this is what's given him life, to be able to do this. Tommy, I love you. I am so proud of you. For over 30 years you have been in radio and you have done such an incredible job, such an incredible job of helping others to shine, of helping them to give their best of producing and directing. And you're amazing. At has always excited my heart and made me so proud of you. For the work that you do and how you shine. And I remember early on when I. When we were in Raleigh or Miami or Los Angeles and you'd be on the air, and I go, that's my husband. I remember when we lived in Raleigh, North Carolina, and he was on a show and I was going to the grocery store, it was later in the morning and I was in the produce section and I heard the produce guys talking about Tommy. Did you hear Tommy this morning on the air and what he did? And I'm like, that's my husband. That's my husband. So to have. Just to have this opportunity for him to come to this point in his radio career, to be with such an incredible show and to end so well. Thank you, Bert. Thank you, Tommy. I don't know what the next adventure is for us. I'm excited about it and I will follow you all over this country, honey, whether that's in an RV or a car, but I will follow you and I will go along with you because life is an adventure and our life will continue to be an adventure. I love you.

[Bert]

I love you. Thank you.

[Stacy]

One more thing.

[Bert]

Yeah. Take as much as you want.

[Stacy]

Hey, Tommy, does this mean that I don't have to get up and walk you to the door at 5 o' clock on Monday?

[Bert]

She has done this. So I've been in radio 30 plus years, but that started doing mornings in 97. She has gotten up with me every single morning.

[Stacy]

Every morning.

[Bert]

Every single morning. Walks me to the door. It walks me to the car or the door. That's so sweet. Amanda just started that tradition this morning and you'll never have to do it again. Thank you, Renee. Love you. Love you big.

[Stacy]

Love you. Thank you.

[Bert]

All right, self check here. How's everybody doing?

[Stacy]

Good. It's time to get your sons on. We got to keep this. We got to keep this train.

[Bert]

We're going to stay on long, and if you know what, we're probably going to be past 1045 and probably that's going to happen. Hold it. You know what? Yeah. You know what? The station has been losing so much money on this show for a long time. What's one more day?

[Stacy]

You know what? It's finally like, it's finally registered. I'm going to stop being regimented and I'm just going to sit back and I'm going to let it fly.

[Bert]

They're going to worry about it. We don't have to worry about it today. How's everybody doing? Abby, how you doing?

[Stacy]

You know, I'm over here just taking it all in. You always come to me. I know. I am.

[Bert]

I feel like you are, sort of. Yeah. You're like the baby man. I am very protective of you. Honestly, on and off the year, I've had to catch myself a couple of times over the last couple of years. Like, especially when you first got here. I felt so much responsibility because your parents weren't here.

[Stacy]

Yes.

[Bert]

Seriously, like, to continue to text and make sure that you are okay. And I feel like it's the same right now.

[Stacy]

Also, it's funny because, like, when I first moved here, I was like. I don't really know. I was so thrilled. I'm like, I'm so excited to go out on my own and make Atlanta my own place that I really. Even though I appreciate that. And the fact that that was even a sentiment is, like, so, so sweet. But it's like, now I'm more like, oh, my God. Worry about me now. Like, now at least I knew what I was doing and where I was going two and a half years ago. And just seeing everyone recount the last couple of years and seeing Renee and Stacy, and I'm about to see your son. Just talk about what the last 25 years have meant to everybody. It's just really, like. It's so beautiful.

[Bert]

I'm so glad you're part of this and you're taking this wherever you're going.

[Stacy]

Yeah, no, it's. It's just. It's really just so special. And I just feel so, like, grateful to get to be here with you guys. I will say, just real fast, I've never gotten to really look at your nose, and it looks really phenomenal. Thank you, Dr. Pearson. You did so good. And thank you for giving me this job so I could get my nose job so that your girlfriend or your fiance could say that, because your girlfriend. Your fiance is so beautiful.

[Bert]

Yes, she is. Hey, son. Hey. This is my oldest, Hayden, here. How you doing, man? This is shocking that he's even up this early in the morning. What a sacrifice. I didn't. I didn't know if I'd be here. I'm glad you are. Listen, look at us. Look at us. Look at us. Look at us. Who would have thought we'd have. Who would have thought? Who'd have thought? Who'd have thought? Not me. It's. I mean, like, you, of course. You've been here my whole life. You. I. I just masked this out. I've known you for over half my life.

[Stacy]

Yes.

[Bert]

Half my life. I've Known both of you. Abby, I mean, I don't really know you, but you're around my age and you are infinitely more successful than me, so I have nothing to say.

[Stacy]

Please. Oh, my God. Give it a couple years, bro. I'm gonna be your Uber driver.

[Bert]

Yeah, they're trending up. Hayden. I don't know about her.

[Stacy]

Yes.

[Bert]

And the things that I've realized, even just this morning, I was looking out at all the little kids, like Jimmy and everybody, and just like, I was the first one. Yeah, I was the first Bird show kid. And that was wild to me. Like, so many lives have come into existence while I have just been growing up. And I'm like, that's time's an interesting thing, isn't it? Right? And you know, it's like I, like, I didn't know if this day would come. I thought you'd be doing this. So you were in hospice. So almost feel like I'm there. So, like, so, like in three years.

[Stacy]

Coming to the Pioneer Network, the hospice.

[Bert]

Hospice podcast, and just like so much has happened. And just in all seriousness, there is no man, genuinely, I think there is no man who works harder than this guy. For better and for worse, there is no man who works harder than this guy. Everyone listening. This man has got up from literal sun up to sundown. This man has worked his entire life to do this. And for 25 years longer than I've existed, two years longer than I've existed, but longer than I've existed nonetheless. He's sun up to sundown. Seven days. Dad's work does not stop when we go off the air. I've seen this man spend countless nights and early mornings even earlier than just 4:30, getting up to do this and entertain. I like, I want to entertain. That's why I want to do this, is because you've done it my whole life. So all that acting, school money, that's on you.

[Stacy]

That's on you.

[Bert]

You did that. And just, you've given me a lot. You've given me so much. I've gotten to meet incredible people, go to incredible places, have an incredible education. I, I, I am a college graduate because of you. Not every kid gets to be that. Not every kid. Let me stop you there. You're not a college graduate because of me. You're a college graduate because of you. Okay? You did all that. I paid for it. I mean, yeah, I wouldn't, but I, like I said, I wouldn't be in this industry if it wasn't for you. I've been, I Saw you entertain. I've been. And I want to be an entertainer. And that all started with you. That all started with you. It started with movies and tv. Yeah, but it started with you getting up day. Getting up every morning. When I was five, hearing my dad on the radio, I thought that was.

[Stacy]

The coolest, coolest stuff ever.

[Bert]

I gotta censor myself.

[Stacy]

Yeah, good catch, man.

[Bert]

That was.

[Stacy]

Listen, hey, let's get one more FCC find for old times sake.

[Bert]

Listen, I can like, let's not. I didn't know you weren't fun, Tommy.

[Stacy]

He's got Vicky, our sales manager, right next to him.

[Bert]

The radio station henchman now is like, no, you're going off the air 10:45. Hey, listen, if I'm the one who gets to bring it in, I wear that as a badge. Honor. Now I get to get the studio involved. It's just you, you've done so much and you've worked so hard. You have fought. This man has fought so hard his entire life to be here. This man has fought through everything. Through adversity, through turmoil, through terrible times, through amazing times, through. Through so. So times that are just kind of average. But he is. He's fought every step of the way and he has fought to bring you guys joy. He's fought to bring everybody here joy. All these people out here and all these people in here, some of us literally, the nosing, the case of me. We're all here because of you. You started all of this. All of them, all of y', all, that's you and the incredible woman behind me, but you as well. It's like you have created this incredible community of artists and people and there's just so many people who have relied on you for so many years and you have followed through every time. And not everyone can say that. Not everyone can say that someone has been as loyal and kind and giving as you. You are generous and you are kind and it has created people who are generous and kind, sometimes more literally than others. And.

[Stacy]

Like, you're my dad and that's so friggin cool.

[Bert]

And you've had this journey for so long and just like, kind of what mom said, I'm so interested to see where you go now. Now that you don't have to wait. Maybe, listen, maybe you'll finally sleep in. I've been sleeping in for years.

[Stacy]

It's great.

[Bert]

Listen, I can't wait to follow in your footsteps, man.

[Stacy]

You can wake up at 10am now and no one will care.

[Bert]

Yes.

[Stacy]

And it's. It's just.

[Bert]

I Mean, there's something that. And to me, I mean, I've. You know, me, I love movies and TV and all of that. And there's. There's one that's always connected us, one that I've been with since the beginning, one that you saw when you were 10 years old and you showed me, and that's Star Wars. And if any of you haven't seen Star Wars, I think even if you haven't seen Star wars, you know what this scene is. I. This entire time, I keep thinking about the scene on Tatooine when Luke is in the desert and he's looking up at the two sons. And that's. That's the start of his journey, right? He and you come into Atlanta. That's like you looking off at the two sons. And something I love about that scene is how Luke's expression, it's not necessarily joyous. It's more. It's very neutral and very kind of. He's nervous to start his journey. And that's how I imagine you were. I imagine you were terrified because you overthink things just as much as me. You can admit that now. And then in the Last Jedi, in Episode eight, he does the same thing at the end of his journey, when Luke finishes his journey, he. He sits down and he looks off at the two sons. And you looked at the two sons when you got to Atlanta, and now you're here, and you literally get to look at two sons.

[Stacy]

Aw.

[Bert]

Oh, you good. You're very good. I came up with that at, like, 11:00pm last night, and I was like, this is gonna hit so hard when I say it on the air, man. Listen.

[Stacy]

He ate with that one. He solid.

[Bert]

Listen, if I were you, I'd leave on the high, man. Leave on the high. The scad. Improv training. That's. This is your money well spent.

[Stacy]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Bert]

He's worth every penny. I love. Thank you. I love you so much. I love you, too. All right, baby boy.

[Stacy]

Now, how are you calling this man sitting next to me baby boy?

[Bert]

This is my son, Hollis. Well, I really wish I was as good at improv as my older brother, I'll tell you that. I do have something little, like, written down, but I do want to start off by saying that when my mom said earlier that I was nervous this morning, that is a complete understatement. I have been a train wreck since I woke up. Just because you were going to come on or just because you knew this was the last time? I haven't been able to put my Finger on it, like, all morning. And then I kind of. It's that feeling that you get when, like, you're in line at Six Flags and, like, you're kind of nervous, but, like, you're really excited to, like, see what happens. And it kind of made me realize that, I mean, my entire life, like, you've been known as Bert Showbert. And then I'm just ecstatic. Like, I. More than pretty much anybody else, like most other people, I've got to watch you, like, go through it every day. Like, go make the script and just do your thing every day and work so hard. And I'm just so excited to, like, get to see you be Burt Weiss. Just, like, just you and go do your weird thing. This kid was over at my house last night. He was supposed to be there for the Chargers game, but we ran a little late, so I went to sleep. This is one of those things, too. Sidebar here for just one second. So Hollis texts me yesterday afternoon, and he's like, hey, I'm coming in for the show, so why don't we watch the Chargers game together and then I'll crash at your house? And my text message back to him was, that will be great. I'm probably not going to be able to watch the whole game because tomorrow's the last day and I want to be fresh. And I sent it. And then I thought to myself, I don't have to make those time sacrifices anymore. Like when my son wants to come over and he wants to watch Star wars or he wants to watch a Chargers game, I can stay up till 11 o'. Clock. And I read that text, and I'm like, oh, man, I would really like to stay up. But now I don't have to have those thoughts anymore, man. Now. Yeah. Those time commitments gone. It's a great feeling. It's a great feeling. And then he's up all night. I can hear him, like, running up and down the stairs.

[Stacy]

I mean, like, just the nervous poops like you.

[Bert]

Oh, is that it? Well, you have your own bathroom downstairs. I don't know why a man has to come on here and expose me. What are you doing? All right, I'll get started with this. Well, Dad, I want to start by saying congratulations and thank you for everything that you've provided throughout my entire life. But all these amazing people around you will thank you a lot today. But more than anything, you should be thanking yourself and being so incredibly proud of yourself. I am so incredibly proud of you. From son to father, within yourself, you should be so proud of all the work that you've put in and know that all those 4ams were so worth it. And seeing it more than anybody else. The countless hours that you scrolled through buzzfeed to try and throw together something entertaining just to bring joy to other people's lives. And I must admit it, when I was little, I. I did question for a while how talking about Beyonce and the Kardashians every day was helping people. But as I grew up, I realized making people's mornings just that much more bearable can be really special. I've recently realized all the other ways you help people. Like, the other day, I was with my roommate Jack, and he was on the phone with his friend, who mentioned that she knew the show, freaked out, whatever. And she said the reason she knew it was because her mom moved over from France to play basketball over 20 years ago, and she used the Burt show to learn English as her second language. And as you know, I then called you about this, like, freaking out, telling you how cool I thought it was, and I was like, you're affecting people's lives in this amazing way. And your response was, oh, dude, I've gotten that one a few times before. And at first I was like, man, that's really disappointing. I thought you were going to be, like, super excited. Like, I was so excited to tell you. Then I kind of realized how beautiful it was that in your last week of ever being on air, I found out just one of the many ways that you help people's lives. And that's exactly the man I want to become. By the time my hair is as gray as yours, I'll save the die for it. I appreciate it. So thank you, dad, for being such an incredible role model in my life. And I'm eternally grateful for every amazing experience that we have had together. Congratulations on building this thing that has become a staple of Atlanta. Happy retirement. Enjoy seeing the world, and please consider bringing me on as many trips as possible. Congrats, Dad. I love you. I love you, man. All right, hug. Group hug. Here. Come here, you boys.

[Stacy]

Family hug.

[Bert]

I love you guys.

[Stacy]

Love you. Thank you. Thank you, boys. Thank you, guys.

[Bert]

You're so good.

[Stacy]

I'll take a quick picture of us, by the way.

[Bert]

Abby, say something.

[Stacy]

Yeah. Sorry, guys. You're going to have to hold on just a second. We're having a mini photo shoot. They're all by the Bircho sign because it's the first family of the Bircho. Oh, it is?

[Bert]

Yeah.

[Stacy]

Oh, sweet.

[Bert]

Oh, I'm exhausted.

[Stacy]

Yeah. Thank you.

[Bert]

Look, as a parent, that's all you can ask for right there is, you know, day in and day out, you're doing your thing and you're wondering if your kids are even taking notice, man. So when they come on and they say they have been noticing their entire lives and they respect it and appreciate it, and you've had some kind of influence on them, that's all you want, man. And we can leave now.

[Stacy]

There's still. There's still a lot of people that need.

[Bert]

There's still a ton.

[Stacy]

We're not even halfway through y'.

[Bert]

All.

[Stacy]

No, not even. All right, so, Amanda, I'm gonna let you introduce this voice memo. Yes. So before I get to mine, someone else wanted to tell you congratulations. And this is Bert's best friend, Johnny.

[Bert]

As my boy Bert prepares to ride off into the sunset of eternal Saturdays, I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how very proud I am of you and how happy I am for you. Over the last couple of weeks, I've been hearing all about the great things you have accomplished and the lives you have touched. But your listeners, they didn't see what I saw way back in the beginning. And to be an eyewitness to exactly how far you have come is truly astounding. I mean, you were a dumbass kid from Lakeside, California who literally glued a plastic alligator to the hood of his beat up Datsun before it was impounded for unpaid parking tickets, by the way. And now you are an inductee to the radio hall of Fame in Georgia. Hell, man, you would have even lost that bet. So here's a fun fact. Bert and I started our radio careers together as seniors in high school in 1985. And wearing tuxedos that we had worn to school that day so we could get a free tux rental for our prom. We drove to KCBQ in San Diego for our interview. To be research marketers, AKA the pain in the ass people that randomly call you at the worst hours to ask you what station you listen to. And when you listen. Being so very dressed for success, they really had no choice but to hire us. We made friends with the on air personalities and we heard their stories about working in little one horse towns in North Dakota for very little money. And after hearing this, I promptly quit after about six weeks. But Bert knew that he had found his calling and was not deterred. Even after getting fired for taking the microphone out of the phone of one of our pain in the butt co workers, which, by the way, she totally deserved it. And I believe they fired the wrong person. His connections at KCBQ paid off and they helped him land a job at another location, local station kson, San Diego's home for country music. And it was here that he started to learn the tricks of the trade. And people from all facets of the station began to take him under their respective wings. He started learning the radio business from all different angles. Technical promotions, advertising. But he knew what he wanted and that was to be on the air. His big break came when the station allowed him to to do mid afternoon sports segments. He got a press pass. He reported on the Padres, the Chargers, and in my favorite moment, losing to me in tennis6463 because we had made a bet that he had to announce it on the radio. All of this was done without pay. My guy was paying his dues and putting in the work. Noticing Burt's hustle, the morning show host Jack diamond brought Bert onto the number one morning show in San Diego. As a producer, I remember several occasions of coming home from a late night out and Burt was hopping on his scooter, yes, scooter, and going to the station. I was rudderless and Burt was focused and disciplined. But just as it looked like things were taking off for Burt, Jack left for greener pastures in Washington D.C. bert had a descendant decision to make and he decided to take the biggest risk of his young life. He left his beloved sunshine in the beaches of San Diego and smoking hot girlfriend and moved to D.C. with nothing more than a promise from Jack of a job. And I'm doing that finger quote thing at the station. The job was basically that of a glorified janitor. But again, the hustle and the willingness to make this move to the east coast got Burt back on the air. And from there he never looked back. This man was going to get his own show. After his stint in D.C. he moved to Dallas to work with Kid Craddock, who became his most invaluable mentor and friend. And probably more than any other person, set Bert up for the next 25amazing years in Atlanta. It has been so great to listen to the show over the last couple of weeks and hear about all of the lives you have touched for the last quarter century. And I specifically use that term to make you feel old. I have had the great fortune of being your best friend since seventh grade and we have surrounded ourselves with a lot of successful people in our circle of friends. But brother, nobody bet on themselves more than you and then use their platform and influence to help and improve the Lives of the people in their community. As much as you did, I can see why you are being inundated with so many tribute texts, emails, and calls. The love you are receiving is a testament to the love you have given and the awesome work you have done for the last 25 years. I could not be more proud of you and Jasmine. And I cannot wait to see you and Amanda this weekend to toast the beginning of the next chapter of your life at Lahainas. Happy retirement. Retirement. And congratulations on a job well done. I love you, brother. Wow. He's been there for it all, man. For everything. Okay, guys are doing the thing.

[Stacy]

You ready?

[Bert]

I'm ready. This is my fiance, Amanda. Hi, baby.

[Stacy]

Hi. So I wrote things down because I'm a better writer than I am speaker, but I want to start by I want to look at you, but I'm gonna start crying, so I'm just gonna read. But to everyone on the team and all the studios, thank you for the countless hours, social media comments and absurd stunts you've had to endure in order to support the show. I know there's been so much emphasis on Bert's retirement and what he's built and the impact that he's had, but none of that would have happened without you guys. I'll never forget Burton and I had a convo years ago on Burt's Big Adventure when I asked him what his one piece of advice was when it came to building an empire. And he said, hire good people. Some of my dearest friends for years are in this room because you are good people. You're honest, you're hard workers, you're loyal. You're some of the funniest people I've ever met. And the most generous, kind hearted, thoughtful and compassionate humans. And that is why I'm confident whatever you touch next will turn to gold. You're not losing your voice. You might be losing a platform, a vessel for which it's heard, but you have a God given voice that is powerful and profound and it will be heard. It'll just look different. Stacy, I don't know where you went, but I think it's important to acknowledge the time and effort you put into supporting Bert over the years. You are an imperative, part of the foundation of both the show and Burt's Big Adventure, but also in shaping the men that I love. Thank you. Thank you to the Bert Show, Everything and everyone encompassed by those three words. For my sweetest friends and the purpose I find through Burt's Big Adventure. And thank you, Bert show, for giving me my person and completing my family. You will forever be a part of my story, and it's an honor to carry your legacy, babe. You have such a gift for leading people into their potential, and that's not limited to radio. I've seen it in your conversations with the boys and their friends, with me and anyone who asks your thoughts. You don't insert your opinions or what someone should or shouldn't do. You offer wisdom and encouragement that, if taken, sets people up for success 100% of the time. I know you've been struggling with this being the end of life as you know it. This has always been the destination you wanted to get to. You've done with radio what you hope to do around the world. You've embedded yourself in the culture, the community and the conversations and given 110% because you don't know any other way. I'm excited for you to put that energy that created this towards new adventures, towards our family and the boys and toward the people you meet all around the world. I have no doubt it will be just as impactful as what you've done over the airways. It won't be as shiny or as known, but so much of the most profound impact never is. We never know what one interaction that's filled with laughter, one conversation filled with encouragement, or what one kind act can initiate. Entertaining is woven into the fabric of who you are. You are one of the weirdest people I've ever met in my entire life.

[Bert]

Thank you.

[Stacy]

Yeah, and that's not going anywhere. It's part of how God created you to be. There's been a negative connotation put on the performance and entertaining part of your personality. And maybe it was fostered in an unhealthy way initially, but it's not a bad thing. Think of all the good that has come from it. The ripple effect we've gotten just a glimpse of this week that you're entertaining and vulnerability and imperfections have had. To me, it's such an amazing example of how God can take all of our broken pieces and put us back together into something far more beautiful than we could have imagined and use us in ways no one thought possible. I've seen it with my own eyes in the quiet moments of our life together. You become more beautiful every day. We should get married finally. To the listeners, thank you for embracing me and for welcoming me. I really wanted to stay in the shadows and I didn't want to be a part of the grandeur of all of this. But you have shown me nothing but kindness and Love. And I wish I could return that tenfold to you. Thank you for the generosity you've shown our Burt's Big Adventure families and our community. You're the real MVPs. Please know that Bird is in good hands, and I promise to love him the way we all know he deserves to be loved.

[Bert]

I thank you, baby. I will say this again. I said it the other day. When it comes to Amanda, this is all her fault.

[Stacy]

Yeah.

[Bert]

I am leaving radio, and it's her fault. Not because she demanded it, but she made me a better person. And there were times. Amanda and I have been friends for a very long time, and for whatever reason, she would hold up a mirror to me and make me look at my own life while other people did it. I sort of dismissed it. But when Amanda did it, I listened to it, and she wasn't telling me anything that I already didn't know. But when she said things to me, they just made sense, and it made me want to change. And from those conversations, my life completely pivoted to a place where I wanted it to be less performative and more authentic. And that I can see in every area of my life right now. Where I live, what I drive, who I'm marrying, what my goals are. And those are all because you changed the trajectory of my life. So if you're upset that the Birch show is ending, it's her fault. It's totally your fault.

[Stacy]

Don't do that.

[Bert]

You've made me a better person and a more authentic person, and I have been thirsty for this for a very long time. So thank you. And I love you.

[Stacy]

I love you, too.

[Bert]

Let's get married.

[Stacy]

Okay.

[Bert]

Okay. How's everybody doing? What's going on behind the scenes that I see everybody talking about? What's up?

[Stacy]

Okay.

[Bert]

We good?

[Stacy]

Nope. Need, like, two seconds.

[Bert]

Two seconds for two seconds of silence.

[Stacy]

Good. So Katie said we're good.

[Bert]

It worked.

[Stacy]

Okay, never mind.

[Bert]

Okay.

[Stacy]

I just want to make sure we get all of this on camera for you for the rest of eternity so you can re watch it and realize what a mistake you've made. And the. The cameras in studio stop recording after one full hour of continuous talking. Okay, so Tommy was trying to time it in between, you know, heartfelt confessionals between you and your fiance.

[Bert]

Okay, I got it. Gotcha. I'm over here going, bert, give me a space. And you're talking. All right, Is Tracy.

[Stacy]

Is Tracy coming in? It is Tracy's turn.

[Bert]

Come on. Our very first intern, and she's always been an intern, Never took a paycheck 25 years. Never. So I have to give Jeff dollar credit for this. He was the one that hired Tracy as our very first intern, and she got in here and wowed us. And she shared. She shared an email with me yesterday that I had totally and completely forgotten that I had sent that essentially said, hey, what did it say?

[Stacy]

It basically said, you know, you impress me every single day, and I promise that no matter what I do, I'm going to find a way to get you paid.

[Bert]

And I did.

[Stacy]

Yay.

[Bert]

Here we are, man. Yeah, that was 25 years ago. And Tracy has stayed with us all the way to the end, even when she isn't a birth show employee anymore. Decided, hey, I'll help out in these last couple of weeks, putting the schedule together one last time.

[Stacy]

Wow. I just need a deep breath. I think I'm the only person, even including you, that can say this. I've spent more than half my life on this show. I was 22 right out of. I wasn't even out of college. I was still in college when I started on this show. And, I mean, it's given me everything. Everything. And the biggest things are standing right behind me right now. I met Scott on the show. We had our two girls on this while I was on the show. I don't even know how to put into words, and I can't even imagine a life without its existence. And I mean, without you. Sorry. What's the cry counter up to now?

[Bert]

We're getting up there.

[Stacy]

Yeah.

[Bert]

Yeah, we're really getting up there.

[Stacy]

I love this woman so much. There's a lot to be done.

[Bert]

She's worked so hard for this show so much.

[Stacy]

I mean, it's been such an emotional roller coaster the last couple of weeks, going through so many things that I never remember that we did. So many big moments, so many big events, so many great times, so many awful times. I mean, I learned how to be an adult on the show. Oh, I'm sorry.

[Bert]

Here we are with the women apologizing again. I know.

[Stacy]

I. I didn't. Yeah. I didn't expect to feel so. It's a lot. It's overwhelming.

[Bert]

Yeah. It's within the fabric of our lives, man.

[Stacy]

I mean, this show would not be at the level of success it is if it wasn't for you, Tracy.

[Bert]

Not even close.

[Stacy]

Not even close. And I just want, like, you think producer and you think operations manager and all that stuff, but, like, the countless hours I spent in her office and talking to her, like, she's talked so many people on the bird show, off the ledge. Like, we should have had your title as Bircho therapist. And you're just. You're so good at what you do as far as, like, your creativity and the content that you brought to the table. And on top of that, you're just an exceptional human being.

[Bert]

You really are. You are amazing.

[Stacy]

And the things you pulled off over the years, I mean, being able to see some of the things behind the scenes and the strings you pulled to pull, like, impossible things. And you and Tommy, like, it was. It's magic. You have created magic over the past 25 years. And so much of this park show would not have happened without you. Well, thank you. And it wouldn't have happened if I hadn't been given the opportunity and to learn from the most extraordinary people in the entire industry. I was insanely lucky. I mean, insanely lucky. Everybody starts in radio and they have to leave their hometown, and then they have to go to a smaller market and they have to, you know, jump from show to show to show and city to city. And somehow I landed an internship on a brand new station on a brand new show and got to stay here in my own backyard with my parents, you know, 20 minutes away that they can listen. I mean, the station and the show didn't exist. I remember my very first. I was a 99x intern. I had no idea what Q100 was. I had no idea what the Burt show was. And they recruited 99x interns to do, like, I think it was one of the very first, if not the first, Q100 event. And it was your happy hour at hand in hand. And I was there, and my job was to stand at the door and just say, welcome to the Burt Show Happy Hour.

[Bert]

You didn't have to say much.

[Stacy]

I didn't. And then 4pm people walked up and I was like, oh, oh, come on, we can. I'm like, welcome to the Bird Show Happy Hour. And you're like, we are the Bird Show. I'm like, welcome.

[Bert]

I love that.

[Stacy]

And, yeah. And that was 25 years ago.

[Bert]

Yeah.

[Stacy]

It's been insane.

[Bert]

It has been more than insane. And she really has been the glue behind this show for 25 years, trying to make sure everybody's trying to get along with each other. And I think you said it, man. The therapist that she has been for 25 years must have exhausting, man. And she did it with a smile.

[Stacy]

On her face, and you did it with so much grace. And it was just. It was. It was such a pleasure working, being able to work with you for 14 years. Thank you. And I'll keep in touch with all of you.

[Bert]

You better. You better. We all owe you a big old thank you.

[Stacy]

I owe you all a big old thank you.

[Bert]

Thanks, Trace. Thanks, Scott. It's also amazing. Yes, Tommy. I'm just sad that we're ending the show before Thanksgiving because now we can't do Tracy's idea. Will a turkey Turkey. I think Kevin and Taylor are doing.

[Stacy]

It.

[Bert]

All right now. Current staff. Yeah.

[Stacy]

Yes.

[Bert]

Okay.

[Stacy]

We have hit the point where current staff gets to come on and. And say their piece.

[Bert]

I'm not good at emotions and you guys are making me face emotions. I'm spent. Are you guys spent? No.

[Stacy]

I have my emotional support milkshake here to get me through. Thanks, Axby. Mikey. What?

[Bert]

Messy Mikey. Huh? I said, you know, I'm gonna say this before you even start saying anything. And I said it before on the air. Is that. Man, did I miscalculate you, dude? There was. It was. Well, because there was a question that I was asked, I think during one of our hot seat segments where they're like, which one of the youth group isn't equipped to be on to be on radio? And I thought with your personality that you're a podcaster. You're more of a niche guy that's gonn be in the. I don't know that you'd be on a. Be great on a mainstream radio show or doing it. And I was wrong. I didn't know you well at the time. And yes, you've got the goods, man. And I was absolutely wrong. I appreciate that. That was like two months ago. Might have been two hours ago. And his mom is here and his dad's here. Also family here. Well, whenever I arrived here, I. I'll be the first to admit I was kind of an idiot. And I've blossomed into a full blown genius. Before your say I'm wrong, I can see that this is the one industry that you get paid big for being an idiot. It really. It's worked out well. Yeah. So I was in college. I needed an internship. I was scrolling through indeed. What a terrible place to be. And I see I've full disclosure. I had never heard of the Burt Show. I came across the Burt show internship. It said real funny radio. I was like, this sounds like the thing to do. I don't want to be sitting at a desk crunching numbers. So I turned in my application and then I just ruthlessly hit Tommy with emails for months until he finally agreed to give Me. An interview came in for my internship and the rest went okay. But, yeah, over. I said the other day, just, I've been feeling so incredibly grateful that you guys kept me around for as long as you did. Like, just. I don't know. You didn't have to. Yes, we didn't keep you around. You have earned every second that you've been here. Well, thanks for letting me earn every second I was here for. It's been literally. This has got to be one of the weirdest and most fun jobs of all time. And I'm sure by the end of my life, this will still probably be the coolest job I ever had. I'm keeping mine short. Everyone's talking a bunch today, huh? We used to do this consistently. We would stay on the air till 11, 11:30. Oh, I thought you meant come on and cry a bunch.

[Stacy]

No, that too, probably. Well, as your mentor, I think you should go a little longer and show a little bit more emotion. Get those tears going.

[Bert]

No, I'm actually trying to hold them back right now. I. I have a bet with Jackson. Whoever doesn't cry gets all the marbles. And I'm. I'm hoping he's gonna start falling. Yeah, no, but this is. Every single one of you has shown me such an incredible amount of kindness and patience. For sure. A lot of patience. Just come on here and do the worst bit of all time. You don't get in trouble. It's just. And you don't even say anything. You just come back and try to do better the next time. That I really appreciate. You gave me so much room to try stuff out, and some of it went pretty bad. And someone's all right. I don't know. I. I got not that many words because my head's starting to, like, well up a little bit. And it's hard to believe that this is the last time we're going to be doing this, but it's been incredible. That's my takeaway. You know, I'll bring this full circle to the conversation that we had with Brian earlier that launched this show is that he gave me and gave all of us the freedom to really suc. And there weren't. We weren't getting chewed out afterwards. We were just coming back, and we learned to suck a little bit less every time until we got better. And that, of course, is passed down to you. And I think you're fantastic on the radio, dude. Thank you. I think you're very good, too. You've done all right. You have really motivated me to Stay. Thanks, dude. Thank you, guys. All right, bring the Kai baby in, Amber. All right, here we go. This is. She's already crying. She just walked in the damn door. Bring in the industrial box of Kleenex.

[Stacy]

She's swimming in here just in a river of her own tears. I'm gonna fight it. I'm gonna fight it.

[Bert]

You have no chance, Amber.

[Stacy]

Just. Just let it happen, babe. Just let it happen. Just let it. Just. Just give in. Well, I just. First of all.

[Bert]

Ah, crap.

[Stacy]

I just. I want to thank all of you.

[Bert]

Every member of the Birch show, the people in this room, the people outside this room in the next studio, the people who were no longer Bircho workers, you know, employees. I grew up with the bird show in 2020 and 2001.

[Stacy]

I was in high school. It was like ninth or 10th grade. And I was a P1 from the beginning.

[Bert]

And I remember all the crazy segments.

[Stacy]

My mom.

[Bert]

I used to make her listen to.

[Stacy]

It whenever we were in a car together during the week.

[Bert]

And you guys were on. You got Drew on the bird show.

[Stacy]

And she's like, that is some silly stuff, okay?

[Bert]

And I would.

[Stacy]

I would force her to listen.

[Bert]

Listened. And before my mother died, I told her that Cassie and Tommy had reached out to me, and I think it was Tracy.

[Stacy]

First she sent me an email, and I didn't even see the email until like a month later because it went to. It went to my spam.

[Bert]

So I had no idea that Tracy.

[Stacy]

Had reached out to me. So then I. I respond to the email, and I'm super excited about it because I'm like, it's like a job offer for the show that I've been listening to since I was in high school. And so I opened this email, and.

[Bert]

I'm like, responding really quickly because I'm.

[Stacy]

Like, I gotta do. I still have my chance. Cause I was so late. And then they got back to me, and then Cassie and Tommy, they got me an interview.

[Bert]

And I remember the question that I think is, what got you guys attention?

[Stacy]

You said something about, what is something.

[Bert]

Strange that happened to you or something? And I told you about me falling.

[Stacy]

Off a volcano when I was in Guatemala. And you look so entertained or I.

[Bert]

Guess interested in that.

[Stacy]

And I remember all of the kind.

[Bert]

Things that you all did for me once I actually got here, when my mother passed, you all had my back. And I was only employed here for, like, two weeks. And all of you, you made sure that my family had food for months. You sent my mother flowers to her hospital.

[Stacy]

I. I didn't want to.

[Bert]

I don't. I don't mean to say this, but at the time, I was so down. I didn't want to be on this earth. I did not want to be here.

[Stacy]

And living, going on without my mom. I definitely didn't want to.

[Bert]

But coming here every day laughing with.

[Stacy]

You and even answering the phones and talking to our.

[Bert]

Our listeners was so helpful, was a wonderful distraction. You guys, you didn't just save my life.

[Stacy]

You literally saved my life.

[Bert]

But you've done that for so many people who don't have the opportunity to sit here and tell you this to your face. And I'm so blessed.

[Stacy]

And I'm able to do that.

[Bert]

That.

[Stacy]

Because every last one of you, even you, Abby.

[Bert]

Have done something extraordinary for me. And I. I'm so blessed to be.

[Stacy]

Here because at one point, I didn't want to be. And you guys opened up my eyes, and you made me want to try.

[Bert]

You made me want to live. And, Abby, from what we talked about on your podcast, the breakup breakdown, you know how. How down I was at that time.

[Stacy]

And you guys literally brought me back.

[Bert]

To life, and I cannot thank you enough. You have had my families back even.

[Stacy]

Before you knew me, and that's the kind of people you were.

[Bert]

You are. And everybody would always ask, well, are they really this way?

[Stacy]

I'm like, I promise you, what you're.

[Bert]

Hearing on the radio is what it is.

[Stacy]

That's it. There is no.

[Bert]

They're not on.

[Stacy]

This is just who they are.

[Bert]

They're just genuinely good people. I feel so blessed to have any of you in my orbit.

[Stacy]

And now, Amanda, you're not. You're my favorite shark person. That's our little inside thing. But I just. I'm so grateful. Jackson and Abby and Mikey, Katie, Rebecca.

[Bert]

Everybody from the youth group, you guys.

[Stacy]

Made me feel young, even though I was, like, old as hell. Y' all made my knees feel like I could still do some things.

[Bert]

And now that I don't have.

[Stacy]

Have this opportunity, I won't lie.

[Bert]

I am scared, wondering if I'm going to still be able to find my smile without being able to see you guys every day. I used you as a crutch for.

[Stacy]

Years, and I am wondering, am I.

[Bert]

Going to be able to do this life thing? Not. Not without you, because no one's dying.

[Stacy]

You know, we're going to see each other eventually, but it's just not the same. Coming in here every day and seeing.

[Bert]

These beautiful, happy faces every morning. I'm going to miss it. So, Bert, thank you so much for inspiring me, dude. There were times I had a tape.

[Stacy]

Recorder and I was recording songs. I did this with you, Franksky, and Melissa Carter.

[Bert]

I would record the music that you guys would play, but then I would.

[Stacy]

Pretend to be you and make my.

[Bert]

Own radio show on a tape recorder.

[Stacy]

I was one of those weirdos at.

[Bert]

My own radio show. That listener of one me. But thank you so much for literally everything, man. I, I, I don't think thank you.

[Stacy]

Was enough for any of you.

[Bert]

I'm, I'm, I'm normally not so flabbergasted.

[Stacy]

But I'm just, I'm just very grateful. I'm so grateful. Thank you.

[Bert]

Emotional day, man. Thank you. And you've been a big part of this also, so thank you. And Amber also. I mean, she's been rotated in and out of different positions, never once complained, and always did everything with enthusiasm, man. You have been an inspiration. Thank you. I complain behind your back. Okay, that's. I never saw it. I never saw it.

[Stacy]

I'm a firm believer in the universe and you were destined to be here so we could give you the support you needed when your mom passed away. I firmly believe that in my heart that there was divine intervention there and that this is where you were supposed to be. And I'm just glad that we were able to be there for you because you deserved it, babe.

[Bert]

I really appreciate it.

[Stacy]

And I didn't have anyone that was.

[Bert]

Able to join me this morning, but just like Cassie, I do feel like.

[Stacy]

My mother is here.

[Bert]

I felt her all morning.

[Stacy]

And unfortunately, tomorrow is the anniversary of her death. So I'm crying for a lot of reasons this weekend.

[Bert]

And I certainly hope that when I text you with my crazy emotional banter, you respond, because I'm bird. Show laughter. We will. Promise. Thank you. Thank you. All right, Jackson, let's go. Look what you've done to this man. You weight shamed him and now look at. Look how skinny he is now. Look what you've done.

[Stacy]

Sometimes bullying works.

[Bert]

What's going on, my dude? Oh, man. Your favorite's on the mic. For the last time, I get to say that. I have a clip of it and everything.

[Stacy]

Yeah, you do. It's, it's. Hey, you have audio proof?

[Bert]

Yeah, that's. That's absolutely going on the old resume and maybe my Instagram bio. I. Today is a lot. Not only is it the end of the show, but I'm getting engaged in my lives, which is crazy. Like, I have the ring here that my mom finally brought from our house and it's, it's, it's something special and I'm. Wow.

[Stacy]

It's so beautiful. Pass it down. Congrats in advance. Nobody touch it. Cuz it's going on our finger tonight.

[Bert]

This is true.

[Stacy]

Oh, that's gorgeous. It's so shiny.

[Bert]

So shiny.

[Stacy]

Get it out of a bubblegum machine.

[Bert]

Hey.

[Stacy]

No, I'm kidding.

[Bert]

It's. Is it nicer than yours?

[Stacy]

Babe, it's gorgeous. I'm not going to lie.

[Bert]

So you guys all know that I came from a very corporate background. My parents had big high aspirations of me either being a doctor, some big shot business guy. And it just wasn't meant for me. Literally every single day that I woke up in those jobs that I had was waking up truly in a nightmare. And I had no idea what I was doing or where I was going. And when this opportunity here sort of fell in my lap, I had no idea that I'd be here two years later. I truly took the job and thought that I was gonna do it for a couple months just to tie me over, have something to do. And then it's turned into me being here for the long haul. And now every day since, I've been able to wake up and feel like I'm truly living the dream. And it's been so nice. My sister knew how unhappy I was just. WWW Q Atlanta A Cumulus Media station.

[Stacy]

John Foy Personal Injury Law Studios Atlantis.

[Bert]

Hit music q 997 your home for.

[Stacy]

Free money with 5k a day solidifying.

[Bert]

My choices, sticking around here and I'm so happy that I did. But beyond the, the content and the bits and the games and all the fun trouble that I've been able to get myself into over the last couple years, that was the last epic stunt of the Birch show is you getting into Mercedes Benz, into Beyonce. That was the last epic stunt that we had.

[Stacy]

Not twice, three times.

[Bert]

Kudos to you. That's hall of fame stuff right there, man. Man, I just wish you got to live and exist a little longer than it'll be both, man. That's how this industry's changed. But again, beyond all those bits and all the crazy stuff and wacky stuff that we've been able to do, it's, it's genuinely and truly all the people that are here that have made my time here so special. And I want to thank everyone here, obviously, and I'm going to be sending individual notes to people, but there's two people that I want to than in particular the first one, obviously it's Bert Bert, thank you for taking the chance on me. I remember I googled and found your phone number, and that's how we got in contact the very first time. And just a couple months later, I was on air. And then a couple months after that, Tommy gave me a call and was like, hey, do you want a job here? And I took it. And so that's how low the bar was set. I don't even think I submitted a resume, if I'm being honest. I just got the job and showed. Showed up one day. But seriously, you're an inspiration and a role model, and God, I wish that I had found the show just a couple years earlier and stuck around for a little bit longer because I wish I had more time with all of you. But the second person that I especially want to thank is Cassie is you. From the very start, you have fully, wholeheartedly believed in me and encouraged me and trusted me, and that's the first time in my life that I had ever felt that from a boss before. Bert's obviously big man boss, but Cassie's my direct boss that I have reported with, and we have worked very closely together over the last couple years. And I had just struggled so much in my last jobs of finding people, good people to work with and work under. And I had never experienced what it was like to actually work under someone who was inspiring and instilled trust and confidence in me unlike anything that I had ever experienced. And I think that's what makes me so terrified about leaving you in Pioneer for this new opportunity. It's because I'm very scared that I'm never going to find as good of a boss as you.

[Stacy]

Thank you.

[Bert]

And I know I've said this before, but I'll end this with how lucky am I to have gotten a little less and gotten paid a whole lot less, but to go do something that I truly loved. Thanks, everyone.

[Stacy]

You're going to be so great at your next job. They are so lucky to have you.

[Bert]

I'm not so sure.

[Stacy]

Jackson, the thing is, even if you never find anybody as amazing as me, because that's not going to happen, but you are that person. You truly are, and you're going to have a team, and you're going to be that person for your team. I fully believe that.

[Bert]

That I learned from the best. Thanks, buddy. Thank you for everything.

[Stacy]

Absolutely.

[Bert]

Okay. This is long.

[Stacy]

Yeah.

[Bert]

This is a lot.

[Stacy]

It's. It's almost like we work in radio. We like to talk.

[Bert]

I don't know what I'm going to have Left in the tank by the time it gets to me. Hey, Rebecca.

[Stacy]

Well, we had to save you for last. You recognize that, right?

[Bert]

Yeah, I know. I just don't. Woo. I'm spent. Come on.

[Stacy]

Well, you better dig deep. We got a little longer to go.

[Bert]

I got a couple. There's another 38. There is no retirement. Now I know what you're doing. Now I know what you're doing. Let's just keep the show going non stop so we can never leave you.

[Stacy]

You think the queen of run on sentences had a plan when she did this?

[Bert]

Now I get it. Genius.

[Stacy]

We might have to finish this on Monday now.

[Bert]

Hey, Rebecca.

[Stacy]

Hi, guys. I wrote something, of course, but I am trying to just look at you all in the eyes and talk, which is not normal for me because I'm such a producer, sir.

[Bert]

What color eyes do I have?

[Stacy]

A year Community service.

[Bert]

That was a call back to something earlier.

[Stacy]

Yes. So I prayed not to get this job. I would actually pray. Like the week leading up to me hearing back from Cassie, I was so afraid. I was a coward. I remember over four years ago I saw the job listing because I followed Cassie on Twitter and I read it and I said, well, well, sounds like they're looking for me. But I was so afraid. I was terrified of change. I was so shy. I couldn't even talk to people I worked with at my previous job. And I had been there for four years. So every night I would say, God, I don't know if I can do this. I'm pretty sure I'm going to get it because I just feel like it fits for me. I feel like it's for me. But God, I don't know. If this is not for me, if I can't handle this, please don't give it to me. And somehow I got it. Even though the interview request that Cassie sent me, I, I didn't, I didn't answer it for two weeks because I had used my quote unquote business email that I never checked. But I replied and she still wanted to interview with me for some reason. And I said, okay, I got this. And now I'm going to do my absolute best. I am going to dive in headfirst. I'm going to talk to my coworkers. Imagine that. And I failed. For eight months, I didn't talk to anybody. Oh, God, I was so scared because I had listening to the Burt show since I was 13 years old. I had a boombox radio in my room and I would put on way too much makeup for a Middle schooler. And I would just get ready in the morning, and I would listen to the Burt show. And on and off. Up until I got the job, I was listening. Kristin was my favorite.

[Bert]

Mine, too.

[Stacy]

I remember seeing you guys go by in Pride, and I was so drunk, and I said, kristin, Kristen. And she looked at me, and it was the very end, and you could tell she wanted to get off. She went, hi. And I was like, guys, I just said hi to Kristen from the Bar channel.

[Bert]

She's my best friend now.

[Stacy]

You never told me that. I know. I'm like, how am I gonna bring it up now? No. But I got the job, and I was still so shy. And by some miracle, the miracle being Cassie was out for maternity leave. I was asked to be on to do the ask Me Anythings. And I remember every time Tommy would say, more energy. Energy. Bring the energy. You got the energy. You can do it. And I would just say, I can't do it. I can't do it. And I remember one day Tommy said, I'm gonna ask you to do something kind of crazy. I want you to go in there, and the first thing I need you to do is scream at the top of your lungs. And I was like, you might have. You might as well ask me to run a heist in the Louvre. I don't know if I can do this. But I walked in and I sat down, and as soon as the mic cracked, I just went. You guys jumped. Because I don't think I had ever gone over, like, a whisper decibel. But after that, it was like I had broken the ice for myself for working with you guys. And I'll always remember when I heard Bert say, you know, Rebecca, she's, like, secretly funny. I've noticed this about her, and ever since. Since I have always forgotten that we're on radio. Every time I come in here, I am just trying to make you guys laugh. Every single time. I just want to make you guys laugh. And then sometimes the mics go off. And I remember that it went out to hundreds of thousands of people, and I'm like, okay, interesting choice to say what I said. But, Bert, this has been the most creatively challenging job. It has been an adventure. It has changed my life. It has given me a voice. They tried to take it. But you didn't let him. I didn't let them. I mean, this is an institution that you built, and I feel so honored to be part of it and to be able to participate in it. And, I mean, how cool you're A radio icon. But you're a legend in my heart forever. And I love all of you. I love all of you guys. Like you're my friends and I. I mean, who am I gonna make laugh now? I can't do My prod gives bits to my friends. They're not gonna listen to me.

[Bert]

I'm asking the same thing.

[Stacy]

Don't you have a personality? Hires podcast. Listen to it, guys. It's really good. It's number 22 on the charts. I heard in the comedy section. I keep forgetting about that. I just wish I could go back in time to like 2007 and tell 13 year old Rebecca that she is on the final show of the Brute show, saying goodbye, talking about how much working here has meant to her. Because I know exactly what she'd say. She'd say, what the hell happened to your tongue? And I'd say, don't worry about it.

[Bert]

It's gonna be fine.

[Stacy]

It's just been such an amazing ride. I mean, having my parents here means so much to me because they took care of me so much the past two years in ways that no parent should have to take care of a 30 year old saying. I know they're proud me, so having them here to watch me means so much. You guys have supported me in ways that no job ever like and I can't imagine a job would ever do. And I've had more fun than I think legally you should at a job. So it's been amazing and I can't thank you enough. I'm so grateful.

[Bert]

You are one of the most courageous people we've ever had in this studio and we have all drawn inspiration from you and it has been fantastic working alongside of you.

[Stacy]

Thank you. You're no longer secretly funny, you're outward.

[Bert]

Yeah, totally.

[Stacy]

So funny. Thank you. That means so much.

[Bert]

Thank you for everything, Rebecca.

[Stacy]

Thank you for it.

[Bert]

Hi, Katie. I was just thinking here, man, like, didn't they say that Stephen Colbert has like 800 people on his staff? Could you imagine him doing his last show? Everybody coming in and saying something. Hey, Katie.

[Stacy]

Hey, Bert.

[Bert]

What up?

[Stacy]

Katie? I have a confession.

[Bert]

Bring it.

[Stacy]

I'm very overstimulated. It's a lot. It's a lot.

[Bert]

It's a lot.

[Stacy]

It is a lot going on. It's a lot of people. And just like you, Bert, I never thought I was gonna tell anybody this. I also have nervous poops and I gotta go now. So you are gasping for air. Cause I've been running back and forth when I tell you, like literally the nerves in my stomach, they've been going crazy.

[Bert]

But just an organization organizing everything or just that this is it?

[Stacy]

No, just that. The feeling of this being it. Yeah, it's. It's just one of those mornings where it's like, oh, it's happening and it's here. Damn. But I love all of you, every single one of you, and this journey has been wonderful, and I'm so grateful to you, Bert, but especially to the woman that got me here, Kristen. I will never forget the first time that we did a promotions event together. And I had heard tell of that. Kristen was like, okay, you gotta tiptoe around her. I was like, what? No, seriously, wait. Wait till you hear this story. Seriously. Like, they. Over on the other side, I was told something else because I worked in the promotions department first. And so they was like, yeah, just be prepared, because those Birchill people are crazy. And I had never really listened to the show before, so I didn't know. I was like, oh, well, that's what it is. And so she and I were doing an event, but it was, like, together. And so I remember when I first met you, Kristen, and I was like, she's so sweet. I don't know what any of these people are talking about. This is so crazy. We had a great time. We did. Then we went out afterwards to get some burgers, and I was like, oh, I like it. I like Kristen.

[Bert]

What?

[Stacy]

This is. That's why you shouldn't. That's why you shouldn't believe everything you're here. Exactly. It was one of the best promotional promotion events that I had done, and I was so excited. And then, lo and behold, someone reaches out and is like, hey, we need.

[Bert]

A phone screener on the bird show.

[Stacy]

And it's all because of you, Kristen, in that event that we did together. And I will forever be grateful for that. Well, it's a testament to you as a person because, like, you were.

[Bert]

Your.

[Stacy]

Your. Your aura, your energy, your vibe, your professionalism. Like, I could just tell you had your s. Together and you. It was a flawless. A flawless event, a flawless promotion, which is hard to come by in radio sometimes. And I just knew. I like to think I have good instincts and I have a good gut when it comes to people. And the first time I met you, I was like, oh, this is a good. Right? And so you literally were the first person I thought of when it came to hiring a phone screener. Oh, my God, you've become so much more. And the fact that, like, starting there. God, how long ago was that 2016? And to fast forward, and I, I, I hope you got to hear what Bart said earlier. Oh, yeah, Daddy. Bart almost had me. You don't have to start crying about it like that. Yes, that he. That man and I both, we love you because of the way you love Jimmy. And it was one of these things again, just because of the type of person you are. I'm like, oh, yeah. Like, if Katie is game. And granted, I had never seen you around kids, and I'm like, so maybe she likes them, maybe she doesn't. But, I mean, he. This is when I knew my instincts were right, because the way he gravitated to you. You and the way you gravitated to him and the bond that you guys formed, it was just so beautiful. And we are so grateful and thankful to have you in our life. I love Jimmy so much, and I love you all so much. You will always be a part of the Mattingly family. Your mom is gonna have to share. So what you said the other day, you're like, you better stay in contact. I'm like, where do you think I'm going? You just won't see me in the mornings. But of course, I'm gonna always be around. I love this. I love the friendships and the bonds that have been built from here. I've learned so much from all of you all, and I am so extremely grateful for this. I love you all so very much. Now, one last thing. Who has Jackson's ring? I told to come and get it. I put it right next to him. Someone was trying to hold on to.

[Bert]

It, so we already lost it. My son's in the room, so I'm glad you took it out. This man needs food money.

[Stacy]

I see. Saw the Louvre heist, and I was like, how can I top this? Right?

[Bert]

Katie's so good. I'm not letting her go. She's. Are you coming over to Pioneer? Do you look at that other opportunity?

[Stacy]

Oh, wouldn't you like to know?

[Bert]

Yeah, I would.

[Stacy]

Yeah, I think. And everyone listening would, too.

[Bert]

We kind of have to know. Did you call them?

[Stacy]

Oh, yeah, I did call. Did have a conversation. There might be another conversation next week.

[Bert]

Okay.

[Stacy]

We'll see where it goes.

[Bert]

This is like a. I'll just say this, that it is a show that is. Is a syndicated show that is much bigger than this one, and that would be fantastic, but you'd have to make some serious decisions, girl.

[Stacy]

Yeah, I know.

[Bert]

Okay.

[Stacy]

There's a lot to think about.

[Bert]

All right. All right. Love you.

[Stacy]

Love you, too.

[Bert]

All right. Oh, boy. I'm not sure how this is gonna go, Tommy. Wow. I've been trying not to break. Renee almost got me, but I had a couple of tears in my eyes, but I didn't break yet. But this is 19, the summer of 1989. I started at WKNC, which was NC State's radio station. Started in news there. I remember I was so nervous doing news. You could hear me. You could hear the paper shaking. I was shaking so hard. And then ended up. By the time I left state, I got an award for being the best DJ on the. On the station. And then shortly thereafter, started my career. I was a promotion director for five years. Kristen knows the joys of promotions, and that led me into radio. And I remember I went on a Monday night to see the movie Private Parts that Howard Stern did, and I was in promotions at that time. And I'm sitting there the whole time going, God, this is what I want to do. I want to be on a morning show. Show. This is what I want to do. And the next day I got a call that Bert, your friend and. And mine, Jimmy Alexander, was leaving Raleigh. The show that I were ended up working on. Kristen ended up on working on after me and my radio. My morning radio journey started there. And I went from Raleigh to Miami, Miami to LA to work with Drake days. And then I got out of radio, and I was done. And I wanted to go to three cities. Either stay in la, go to New York, or I'd love to come to Atlanta in the South. Except I knew Bert and Jeff from the Birch show, and I didn't want to compete against them because I knew how great the show was. Was. Little did I know I'd be working with Bert almost 14 and a half years. So I was working. We had gotten laid off. Our station had gotten bought out in la, and I had a good severance. So I took some time, took some, like, comedy classes, writing classes at ucla. And I was tired of not doing anything. And with all this useless knowledge that I've thrown up over the years on the Bird show, when you got usually followed by neat from you guys, that.

[Stacy]

Was our favorite for Torque. Neat, Tommy, neat.

[Bert]

I use that knowledge. And I. I wanted to get into TV and film and thought, hey, I can get a job at Warner Brothers being a tour guide, and I can get my foot on the lot. So I started doing that. And that was fun. It was. Believe me, it was fun. But it was very low pace. About four months into it, Bert called me, and it took about eight months to get me here, but it worked out. And I want to thank you and Stacy for bringing me and Renee to Atlanta. And Renee mentioned a lot of this earlier. Being on this side of the country. Our parents are in North Carolina, and we've lost a couple of our parents since moving here. And it was much easier being on this side of the world than the West Coast. So thank you for bringing me back for that. But for getting me back into radio, I mean, I loved it when I was in kindergarten. And you do show and tell. Oh, God, this might make me cry. So, damn it. This just popped in my head. I had no intention of talking about this. So show and tell. Even at five years old in kindergarten, I loved radio. And I had this Donald Duck radio that I'd gotten for Christmas. And I was the guy. I was always the guy at school with the radio, Always had the boombox on the bus with the sports teams and everything. I was like the DJ back then. And it all started five years old with this little Donald Duck radio, which, you know, I don't know what happened to it, but I mentioned that to Tracy, our operations manager, who is my best friend on the show, and I mentioned it once, and she found that radio, I mean, a pristine version of that radio. It was just like the one I had when I was five years old. I opened that thing and I cried and cried and cried. It meant so much to me. And radio has meant a lot to me. And all of you are family. I mean, Renee said earlier, we've been there for your weddings, man. I've been on this show since Tracy's had kids, Kristen's had kids, Cassie's had kids, and I. My goal in morning radio, Here's a guy named little Tommy Sablan from San Diego, worked with an legendary morning show from San Diego called Jeff and Jer. And he's like the king of morning show producers. Everybody looks up to him. And I wanted to be somebody's little Tommy forever. Well, I was, you know, six years on one show in two different stints. It was three years I left, came back, did three more years in Raleigh, Then I went to Miami, did three years. Then I was with Rick for like two and a half. And I never thought I'd have a chance to be somebody's little Tommy. But Burke Kohl, old, and I've been here 14 and a half years, so I feel like I finally was somebody's little Tommy. More like a big Tommy, but you get. You get what I say for sure. But again, I just Want to thank you and Stacy. Kristen, I've told you, you're the best co host I've ever worked with. And I said not I. And then I correct myself. I said not a co host. Co host. You're a host.

[Stacy]

Thank you.

[Bert]

And I'm not worried about you. You're gonna go on and you're gonna do great things. And even when I was talking to your mama, Sheila, and she was freaking out about your future, I tried to calm her down and reassure her that she has nothing to worry about.

[Stacy]

There's one thing Sheila does great and that's worry.

[Bert]

But you know how I feel about you and Bart and Jimmy.

[Stacy]

We love you guys.

[Bert]

We love you too. Abby. I've told you. I mean, I think you were the most scared when you found out all this out. You're going to be fine. I've seen a lot of people over the years. You are super, super talented. You're going to go on to bigger and better things and your name's going to be in lights somewhere else and you're going to be on more magazine covers. So I can't wait to, you know, follow your journey. Cassie, the genius of the bird show, the person I go to when as a former spelling champion, I make sure that my words are spelled right when I go to Cassie or that I'm using the proper grammar because I often don't when I'm relaxed and talk normally. But I love you and Chad and your family, too.

[Stacy]

We love you.

[Bert]

I feel like you, me and Tracy were the behind the scenes backbone of this show for years. And I know we've all three of us have leaned on each other over these years. Like Traci said, there were good times, there were bad times, but all in all, it's all love.

[Stacy]

You and Tracy were like my mom and dad of the bird show. And Tommy, you are my big Tommy.

[Bert]

Thank you for the mom and dad reference.

[Stacy]

You know what I mean?

[Bert]

Tracy does now. Tracy was my psychologist over the years, so I'll still be calling her, I'm sure, but. And everybody else on the show. Katie. Katie's my right hand and I know. Oh, I hope not. I know she's got a. Ew.

[Stacy]

Your son is sitting next to you. His wife is in the studio next to him.

[Bert]

He was thinking it.

[Stacy]

I. Jesus.

[Bert]

I know she's got a gig with Pioneer and that's great. But I hope you do go after this job that somebody has hit you up for because it can be huge for you and I can't wait to see how it shakes out. Regardless, you're going to be great. You're going to go on to bigger and better things. And Rebecca, it has been a joy joy talking movies. Where's she at?

[Stacy]

She's on the outside.

[Bert]

She's out in the hallway. But it's been a joy talking movies with Rebecca. I asked her every week, what have you seen lately? And we bounce back and forth on movies. So I'm just telling everybody how I love being your movie friend.

[Stacy]

It was cool.

[Bert]

Did I miss anybody? No, you got everybody. Everybody. I mean, everybody else, you know I love you. But there were a few people, listeners that reached out who wanted one last rap from Willie T. Oh, damn.

[Stacy]

Shut up.

[Bert]

We breaking it out.

[Stacy]

Shut up.

[Bert]

No.

[Stacy]

But I did.

[Bert]

I did write one last rhyme to leave you with us. And that is. Now that the bird show is ending, I got the RV itch. So I have one last thing to say.

[Stacy]

I quit this.

[Bert]

Go see the country, man. Go check it out. All right. One you don't hear from a lot, but has is behind the business of the Birch show and has really more than. Do I need to pull out? Pause for you.

[Stacy]

Hold on.

[Bert]

Yeah, one more time. Just pause. We're about to go off the air. Yeah. So Amy here is my business manager. The Burchow's business manager. But more than that, my sister, my closest. And you talk about loyalty, Scary loyalty, a loyalty that I have never witnessed before. And she's here also. Hi.

[Stacy]

Hi. I didn't know I was on there until I was sitting in the office back with Jackson and Mikey, and I was like, oh, I'm so glad I don't have to go on. I don't have anything written. They're like, oh, no, you're on the list.

[Bert]

You don't have to if you don't want to.

[Stacy]

No, I just. I'm not prepared. And everyone's been so sad, and I just feel so cold hearted. I'm like, I'm gonna go in there. I wish I knew how to tell a joke. But I do thank all of you. I've been around for 12 years, and I don't like to be in the spotlight and. And I still get all the benefits of the fun that happens on with what you guys do. So I know I'm not in studio every day in the last four years, I've been in Florida, but I have definitely made a conscious effort to always try to connect with everyone in some way, whether it's Abby with books and Cassie with my work wife to vent about and Kk with football and. Oh, girl, you sent my son a fart machine. You're the best, right? I do. I love loving on all your kids. So. Yeah, I don't. I know we're so late. I really don't have a lot.

[Bert]

I don't know what late is, man. Thank you. At this point. They got mad at us at 10:45, so thank you for everything that you do for all of us behind us.

[Stacy]

I'm glad we're still sticking together.

[Bert]

So, I mean, when I tell you that this woman has propped me up for years and years and years, I don't know where my life is heading in what direction, and she's the one that's been doing it for all of us, so thank you.

[Stacy]

Vice versa. I've fallen down trying to handle your.

[Bert]

Life a few times. All right, home stretch.

[Stacy]

Here we go.

[Bert]

Home stretch.

[Stacy]

Been sitting here, like, dreading it, like, oh, my God, this is the last. The last time. And, oh, my gosh, I'm just. I just feel so grateful. Oh, my God. And now Jackson has the big camera in my face. Hello. God. I just. I just was never supposed to be here. I was never supposed to do this as a career. I remember because I'm a part of, like, the last, probably the last mainstream generation of people who grew up with morning radio and who. Who had those people in those cars, in their cars that they listened to every day growing up. And I remember probably my first. What I can remember from listening to morning radio growing up, other than the shows that I listened to. I used to listen to Elvis Duran, who I interned for, and I listened to a show at a trampa that I remember they used to call their interns the Flying Tomatoes. And I remember thinking, God, that job would be so fun. But, like, that's not, like, a job that you do. I was so, like, academically oriented growing up. I was like, no, I'm gonna do, like, a real job. I'm gonna be, like, an accountant or a psychologist. And I remember I had the same thought process in college. I went to UF and I was going to be a news anchor or reporter or something, which I didn't even really know if I wanted to do that. I just knew I was good at talking and performing, and I thought, this is a way to do that for a living. And I hated it. Oh, my God. I was so close to changing my major, and I was going to be, like, a PR marketing girl, and I was going to write press releases for a living, and I was going to live in New York and just live a very chill PR girl life. And then somebody approached me to join this college radio station that they were starting in 2016, which is probably the dumbest thing you could do. Who was starting a radio station in 2016. But it gave me the opportunity to get behind a mic, and turns out I was decent at it. And it led me down this path again, where I'm thinking, you know, this radio thing's fun, but, like, it's not a real. Just not a real career. I'm not gonna do that. Like, you don't just get to do this for a living. And I just kept tripping and falling into these positions that led me here. And I just remember when Cassie posted the post on the Facebook page that this was a rare opportunity to join a national show. And I knew that I was like, oh, my God, this might be my one chance to do what I've always thought I wanted to do, but just never thought was possible. I just went like, this is just not a thing that you get to do. And every job, I think, becomes a job at some point. But it's never lost on me how lucky I am to have gotten to do this for the last two and a half years and to get to have incredible co workers and to get to laugh and make jokes for a living and just really enjoy what I get to do. And all of you are what makes this show so special. I was a little nervous joining the show to be politically incorrect and to just break the fourth wall. I was a little nervous. Obviously, I did the Google searches, and I was a little afraid. And of course, I brought Rebecca and Romeo to give me all the tea. I was like, what do you know? What can you tell me? And just from day one, you guys have shown me just how much love you have for each other, how much love you have for the people that work on this. And I have never once doubted for a second since moving here that you guys care about. About me and the other people on the show and all the. All of your co workers. And I just felt so loved and embraced. And I was trying to think about, you know, I've talked about all the career stuff, and I can go on and on about how special this is, but on a deeper level, what this role has really. Sorry. Sorry. Women shouldn't apologize. What this role has really meant for me is that it has really healed. This is really embarrassing. It has really healed. A part of me that I think was broken as a kid that, of course, I refuse to talk about because I don't want to pay for therapy, so I just come to this job. I always felt rejected as a kid, at least felt like I was never the person that people wanted to hang out with or thought was cool or that was fun or that was funny. And I joined the show and just every single person, from the bird to big adventure women to my co workers here, you always embrace me like I was somebody already. And the show has made me feel like a somebody in a way, but not just because I get to sit behind a mic or because I get to come on a. A big national show and live out the dream and post the Instagram photos and be on the Jezebel magazine and blah, blah, bl blah, but because I feel like before I even accomplished anything, you guys saw me as a person and treated me just so well and welcomed me and accepted me. And in turn, the listeners, I feel like, have done that as well, where I've had to kind of rewire my brain to stop thinking I'm this person that nobody wants to be around and that I have something to offer the world. So, admittedly, I'm a little scared to let that go. And I have to figure out who I am without the validity and the healing that I've gotten from this role. And I have to create my own magic somewhere else. So I just want to thank you guys so much for just everything. And I. I could go down the list and I'm going to write you guys all individualized notes. So I just want to thank you guys for everything and just how you've welcomed me into this family and letting me get to be a part of this rare opportunity that I will miss so much. And I don't know what's next for me, so I don't have some big fun announcement to be like in surprise. I'm going to blah, blah, blah. We're gonna be figuring that together, that out together. Um, but yeah, I'm just really grateful and I. I'm so happy I get to be on the last cast of the show and I get to witness everybody's experiences on the show and be.

[Bert]

A part of it.

[Stacy]

But, yeah, that's really it for me. Thank you, guys.

[Bert]

I said this so many times about you that, you know, you say that you are insecure when you join this show. I have never seen somebody join this show before. Not anybody that's come and gone that was as bold and confident and seamlessly fit into this show from day number one. And that is going to take you. Are everybody in here sees it and everybody believes it. That there is going to be a day here where this is going to be a celebration of Abby.

[Stacy]

Thank you. I appreciate that.

[Bert]

Cass.

[Stacy]

You know, last night I was in my backyard and looking up at the stars and I was just thinking how big and vast the universe is and how in the grand scheme of the infinite, you know, mass of time, time, 25 years is a blip. And the almost 15 years I've been on the show is even shorter. And how crazy it is that the universe has been existing and will continue to exist for eons. And yet the past 15 years of my life have been so important and critical. I discovered who I was on this show. It has helped me grow into the person that I am am. And I never thought that a gig in social media on a morning radio show could have such a life changing effect. Stacy Bird's ex wife embraced me even when I was a Rebecca at first and didn't talk to anyone. And I was small and quiet. Well, not. Not physically small. We all know that. You get what I mean. Small voice in the corner. And she brought me me in. Even though she was this big, beautiful, loud personality, she still gave me a chance. Molly from Brit's Big Adventure was part of that initial team that I met. And she always made room for me and always brought me into conversations. And now she's one of my best friends. And speaking of besties, Amanda, I met you. I remember sitting at a table with you at the Children's Museum over a decade ago, and we were both like new photographers to Burt's Big Adventure. And that's how we met. And just a friendship that blossomed that was unlike, I mean, anything else. I love you so much, Amber. Your enthusiasm inspires me and I hope that you never stop being yourself. And speaking of that, Mikey, you embody your authentic self like no one I've ever met. And honestly, I trying to learn from you because I'm gonna have to figure out who I am after this show. Without the show. I've gotten so much validation from it. It's now time to discover myself outside of the show. Jackson, thank God. Finally someone smart joined the cast who.

[Bert]

I could talk to.

[Stacy]

But thank you for letting me bounce ideas off you. And I know that whenever I brought something up, you would get it done or tell me that was a stupid idea. And it just was nice to have somebody in my corner that way. Rebecca, your creativity is unmatched. I knew Bircho socials, which I was weirdly possessive about, were safe in your hands. And you let me get go because I was so damn tired of posting on Twitter. Oh, my God. Until you've posted on Twitter for 10 years in a row. Thank God she came on board. And yes, I will. I will admit you are so funny. And I'll put it out there. She's so funny. Katie, you are the most loyal person I have ever met. You're the person that I can trust. And I have never seen anybody carry themselves with as much moral integrity quietly but confidently as I have seen in you. Amy is my work wife. I love her so much. She is always there to listen or vent. She always has my back. Tommy, I've learned so much from you in my career, but I've learned from you and Renee what true love in marriage looks like. And this was before Chad got engaged, so don't read into this, people. But it's so beautiful watching how you talk about your wife. And it is such a pure form of love and almost. God, I could see why, because your wife's a literal angel. But I love you both so much.

[Bert]

We got some videos if you need them.

[Stacy]

Oh, my God.

[Bert]

Kidding. Are you?

[Stacy]

Tracy, we joke about you being a therapist, but the impact you have had on my life. Thank you. Isn't enough. I don't know if I would have lasted. I don't know if I would have been able to cut it without you there and being a sounding board and a guide and a mentor for me. And I am eternally grateful. And your daughters are so lucky to have you as a mom, even if your husband does do all the set design, and he's so amazing at that. But thank you for being my confidant, my mentor, my friend. Kristen, there aren't enough words. I have learned from you what it looks like to be a good friend, what it looks like to selflessly pour into others, and to exist to serve others. The way you live your life is a litmus test for mine. And I weirdly try and copy you a lot because I feel like I didn't learn social skills growing up. So thank you for making me seem like a normal person and not a weird alien. Your love that you have for everyone in this world and how you truly try to leave the world a better place and you live that ethos is inspiring and so rare. There are good people out there, but people who truly dedicate. I mean, it's the last day of the bird show and she got another charity plug on the air. The people who put the money where their mouth is are the true change makers. In this world. World. And you are actively making this world a better place. Thank you. I think that's everybody. I'm kidding. You gave a quiet, weird Emory girl a chance. And then you let me elbow my way onto a mic, which I'm sure is one of your biggest regrets, but too late. But it is one I'm so thankful for. My life looks like it does because of you and because of what you built. And you let me be a part of this, this amazing team of people. And I always tell everyone, you have such a talent for picking people to surround yourself with who are good at what they do, and then you trust them to do it. And that also was a rare skill. But you've built this family and you've protected it and you've carried us through thick and thin. And we heard with Rebecca earlier how even though she got cancer and had to get chemo, you still paid her throughout all those months. And that's the type of birth boss and person you are. And knowing that someone like that was at my back this entire time, it's more than I could have ever asked for. Thank you for building this and thank you for letting me be part of this family. And thanks for giving me a job with Pioneer. That really helps.

[Bert]

I'm not letting you go anywhere, man. It's a lifetime contract.

[Stacy]

And to the listeners, I would share things thinking I was a complete weirdo freak, and I am. But then you guys would email me and be like, like, girl, same. I'm struggling with this. And you would let me know that I'm not on Lonely Man Island. I think growing up to British parents, and I'm also very awkward person with a lack of social skills. I didn't really know how to move about things. And I would say in the us, but it's really just life anywhere in the world. I suck. I'm really bad at it. And you guys made me feel I wasn't alone. And you guys made me feel like I wasn't weird or stupid or dumb for having the thoughts that I had. And you had my back. And you have helped me through giving me glimpses into your lives, become a better, more rich person. And I want you guys to know that even though I can't respond to all the emails and dms, I read as many as I can. And your words have more impact than you know. And I really want you guys listening to take one thing away today. You don't need a microphone and you don't need a platform. You just have to use your words. So, to everyone listening, please promise me that you'll use your voice. Even if it shakes, you'll use it because you never know what simple sentence, what, hello, what, how are you doing? Can change somebody's life. You just don't know. So be the kindness that you wish to see in the world and use your voice, because that is how you've changed the world.

[Bert]

Well said. Kristen said four days ago she was over this. I can't even imagine this morning. All right, kid.

[Stacy]

I. I have, because I'm. I'm a preparer. I like to write my thoughts down. There's, like, two types of people in radio. Either you can wing it and be off the cuff, or you. It's easier to follow a script. And for weeks, I have tried to sit down and put my thoughts to paper, and I just couldn't do it. And I started beating myself up about it. Like, come on, lazy ass. Like, you got to get this done. You want us. You want this to be good. Like, you want your final words on the Burt show to be something you're proud of. But I couldn't face the music and thinking about the final show and trying to write down what I wanted to say to everybody. I just. I couldn't do it because I didn't want it to become a reality, even though it is obviously very painfully a reality right now. So I just want you all and the listeners to know that I want you to please consider the last four weeks of shows. Ever since you made your retirement announcement. That's been my love letter to the Birch show community. I've. I've really poured myself into making sure that you got the proper goodbye from us that you deserve. And this is unheard of in radio. Like, to Cumulus, thank you so much for allowing us to be able to do this, to. To relive these incredible moments over the last 25 years and to put a spotlight on people that deserve to have the spotlight on them. You just don't get this in radio anymore. And the fact that we've been here, like, oh, my God, we've been talking for, like, 20 hours straight. This is just. It's just unheard of. But I have poured my heart into and soul into to these last couple weeks of shows just because I love you so much and you are deserving of it. And I love. I love this city, and I love the listeners and I love the people I work with. Something I had shared in a bonus episode, which I'm going to share now. So if you want reimbursement hit up, Cassie, when we had Sanjay Gupta on. And this is going to stay with Me. Me. So Dr. Sanjay Gupta came on, and we were talking about your retirement, and I was really beating myself up. I have a knack for doing that. That's why I still go to therapy, y'.

[Bert]

All.

[Stacy]

That, you know, radio isn't who you are. It's what you do, right? That there's more to life and your focus should be here, and that this is a job, but this isn't a job. And what Dr. Gupta had said, that it's okay for what you do if there is love and passion behind it, that it becomes a part of you. And this show has become a part of me, which is why I kind of feel like I'm losing an appendage today. And, yeah, radio is what I do, but it's also a part of who I am. And I'm. I'm now fully embracing that. And I'm not gonna fight it and I'm not gonna try to defend it, because I feel like you and I have done a lot of good over the last 14 years, and I'm really proud of that. To the listeners, especially my TTC club and those who have lost a loved one ones and walk the journey of grief every single day. Oh, my God. Your words of love and encouragement and support and prayers. We are forever connected and will forever have a bond. And that's what this show has always been about. It's about. It's been about bonds and connection, and it's why it's been so successful to let people know that you're not alone on these really hard paths that we have to walk. Because life is unforgiving and life is unfair, and it doesn't matter if you're a good person or a bad person. It's just what comes with the territory of living and the living that I've got to do the last 14 years with this show. Oh, my God. The memories and the fact that. The fact that I had this platform and I got to come on and talk about taking my dad's ashes back to Dayton. I didn't know it was a joke segment about, like, what do you do with ashes when you're going through the airport? Like, is he gonna have to go through the x ray@tsa? Like, I'm not really sure. Like, that seems a little disrespectful. And then Delta reaches out that morning, and they're like, we want to give your dad a hero's welcome home. And laid out the red Carpet for us and gave him the military honors and tribute he deserved. When he got back from Vietnam, he got spit on and things thrown at him. And Delta rewrote that story by allowing him to have a hero's welcome home. The sea of people when we walked off the plane that were standing there waving American flags to say thank you to my dad. I'll forever be grateful for that. Like, these are mo. These are memories that will forever impact my life that I'm gonna get to tell my son about, which I'm just so grateful that he's here today to see this hot mess. So, to Mikey and Amber and Jackson and Rebecca, you're all's heart and dedication and love for the show. Because, you know, it's one thing for Bert, who started it, and myself, you know, having been here for as long as I've been, of course we're going to have, like, this attachment and love. And you guys just out the gate like you never hesitated. You just poured yourselves into this job and gave everything you had all the time. Time, Amy, you're going to hear this word over and over again, but you are, like, you're. You're. You're. Your loyalty is unmatched. And I've. I. I am so grateful that you have my back. Cuz I'd really be scared to be.

[Bert]

On the other side. You have no idea.

[Stacy]

To Tommy and Renee. Tommy's the person I've known the longest. I've known Tommy for 19 years. Years. I'm sorry. Yeah, I know, right? And, man, I just. I love you guys to the moon and back.

[Bert]

We love y'. All.

[Stacy]

Thank you for all of your love and support over the years with everything and being there at those. At those milestones. The good and the bad. Abby, I'm gonna just reiterate what I said earlier. You've handled yourself with such grace these last four weeks. Cause you could have been just so bitter and so resentful, because I know I would have been. But you have added so much since you've joined the show, and you are a tremendous talent. But just know, Mama KK's always gonna worry about you. And I say that with love. I'll worry about you, too. Thank you. Thank you to Tracy. Tracy, thank you so much for everything you gave me over the years. All of the support, the shoulder to lean on and to cry on when things got tough, but also sharing in all these special, wonderful moments. You. You have such a way about you that is so calming. Even when your world is swirling and you're the one that's dealing with so much. But you do have this innate, beautiful ability to calm those around you, even though you are in the thick of it in like, like, unsurmountable stress. So thank you for being that rock, because you were always, to me, you were the rock of the Bir show. Jessie, you don't know how much I'm gonna miss sitting next to you every single day. You miss my smells. You're all of it. I never expected to make a best friend out of this job. And the fact that we are going to. Of course we're going to continue this friendship, but to have had this journey with you the last 14 years, years, sharing the ups and downs, now being able to enjoy motherhood together, I just. I adore you and your huge heart. And I think you.

[Bert]

Are one of.

[Stacy]

The most special people in my life. I love you so much. Thank you. You and your family just know.

[Bert]

What.

[Stacy]

You'Ve had to endure the past couple of years, you have handled with such strength. But I want you to know that you don't always have to be strong. And when you can't be strong, I'm just a phone call away. Thank you.

[Bert]

Oh, God. I'm not exiting. I'm not exiting. I'm not exiting.

[Stacy]

Is this where y' all confess your love to each other? Everybody already thinks it anyway. It's one of the running conspiracy theories on all of the Reddit threads. I do love you. And it again, it wasn't anything that I could have ever expected that our friendship would get to the point where it is today. You took a chance on a hick from Kentucky and you brought her into a show to add a little lemon and a whole lot of stupid. And as my dad always said, what's the point of being stupid if you ain't gonna show? Might as well show it on a nationally syndicated radio morning show. But I have learned so much from you. And you have not only made me a better radio personality, but you've made me a better person. And the gift that you have given my family and I, and the way you and Stacy embraced Bart and I when we got here and looked out for us, we will forever be indebted to you both, sir. Your generosity knows no bounds. And I'm not talking about gifts. Gifts. I'm not talking about money. I'm talking about with your words, the way you have constantly lifted this team up and thanked us and congratulated us and acknowledged us. You're the best host I've ever worked for. And I can't thank you enough for this experience and for trusting me and for allowing me to stand by your side for the past 14 years. Thank you.

[Bert]

You done?

[Stacy]

Yeah.

[Bert]

It is only the last couple of minutes when you guys were talking that, and I knew it was coming somewhere in the back of my head, but just now realizing that this is the last time that I am going to be opening up and ending a radio show, and the last time I'm going to be behind the mic of the bird show, it's too big, man. It's just too big. I think I've individually thanked all you guys over the last couple of weeks, so I'm gonna save some time and not do that and I'll do that individually off the air. But I'm like, kristen, I tried writing something out. I can't do that, man. I'm just not good at that. I put some bullet points together, so bear with me because this might be really, really bad. It really. Because there's just so much to cover, man. I mean, we're all going around the room right now and thanking each other, but if I were going to do that, it would be 25 years of thank yous, man. I can't do that.

[Stacy]

And then you're going to forget someone because I totally forgot. Abby. Oh, did you be honest? I was sitting here, I was like, I had no idea Cassie and I had beef. I was like, and I can't even pitch this as a personal story because there's nothing to pitch.

[Bert]

No.

[Stacy]

My eyes were so watery. I thought I was wrote Amber's name down twice. I recounted and counted. So I'll tell you after the show, Abby. But there's no beef. I love you. Totally fine. Totally fine. You know, it's funny. I just sat here and Bert's like, you're done. I'm like, yeah. And then I was like, oh, crap. I didn't thank my husband or my kid.

[Bert]

This could go on and on.

[Stacy]

Yeah. I love you, babe. It really.

[Bert]

Yeah, it really could.

[Stacy]

No, it could. It has.

[Bert]

Yeah, it has. Yeah. We're going on six hours, and it's not a radio thon. This just. You guys, Guys. This does not feel like my life. Everything that I've worked towards and everything that I've wanted, I'm living and I got. And it, in a strange way, does not live. It just does not feel like my life. This feels like a life befitting my mentor, Kid Craddock, who. Who never got to do this. This is a radio legend that I got to work with. For two years. And it was so much more than that. We became brothers. And he passed away at, I believe, 56 years old on a golf course at his own charity event. And even back then, you know, he was kind of looking at the end Also, he had found himself in amazing Woman. And it's funny when that happens, how you just want to dedicate your life to that person. And this doesn't seem nearly as fulfilling as hanging out with that person. So he found her. And it was the first time in his life or that I had known him, that I saw him truly happy. He was ready to leave. We had an exit strategy together where he was going to give the Birch show all of his syndicated markets. But he found his lady, and he was ready to take takeoff. And he never got there. And the city of Dallas never got to do for him what I'm assuming has happened here over the last couple of weeks. And I just never thought that me, us, we all of us, would have that kind of impact on people and a city. I have always strived for success, but I. I can see this is also weird, you guys, because I could see kids last show, and I could see a mayor calling up or stopping in and a governor of Texas calling Kid Craddock. And that happened for me. That happened for us. And it just doesn't feel like my life, man. Even though I've been working on it so hard for all of us, it just doesn't feel. Feel like this. Doesn't feel like this. It's too big for my life. I don't say that. And it's always been a struggle for me. And you guys know how I grew up not really being celebrated and stuff like that. That it is really hard for me to take a look at myself and my body of work and my personal life also and really embrace being proud of myself. I am really proud of this. I am proud of myself, and I am proud of this. I am so proud. This is going to sound strange that you guys are crying over each other today. I am so proud of that. That we created this beautiful thing together that people are crying over. Amanda and Hollis will tell you we were in Athens this weekend and we're walking through the street streets, and a woman comes up to me to thank us for all the years now. She might have been buzzed and she starts crying. She starts crying and her friend starts crying, thanking me for doing what we have done right. What a tremendous honor, man. People DMing me saying that they're crying because they're feeling the loss of all of us not being on the radio anymore. Sorry you're in pain, but I'm proud of it. I really am, man. I mean, that is something else. When you can penetrate somebody's life like that and really make a connection and make them part of your daily routine, that is big. And when I say big, I'm talking about awesome. Not the word like, oh, that's so awesome. When you can get into somebody's life every single day. Or this is the only radio show they know. Right? Chad, our engineer, was telling me earlier he got in the radio as an engineer. He was a mattress salesman. Before that, the only morning show and the only radio show he, he knows is this one right here. And it's a common story that I have heard for the last couple of weeks. People whose parents made them listen at 5 years old and are now 30 years old. Right. I can rattle off email after email after email for you guys. That from people that have Amber's type story that feel saved by this show. They were in such a bad place and they would wake up in the morning and they knew that they could get a chuckle or a little escape from what we do. Damn, this is too big, you guys. It is. It's too big for me to wrap my head around.

[Stacy]

So you shouldn't retire Monday morning, 6:00am.

[Bert]

You know, and here's the thing. I have never once questioned it because I know the timing is right. I haven't questioned it at all. And it might be part of the reason why I'm not crying this morning. Because I am mostly I, I'm totally at peace with the decision to stay in here and cheat this show and cheat this radio station and cheat this industry and come in here and not give everything. And I can't do it. I don't got it in me. I'm at such peace with it. I've dreamt my whole life of traveling and seeing the world. I've dreamt. I, I didn't know it at the time, but I, I, I, I, I have found the right woman at the right time. That really does. Now I understand the cliche. She completes me, you know? And I get to travel the world and I get to hang out with her and her son. And there's so much peace in that. I'm filled with joy. I have been filled with joy for the last couple of weeks, and I don't feel that very often. I kind of run away from it because I'm always a little bit nervous. Like, Abby, I think that maybe once you start to admit that things are really great, that things are going to get crappy. So I have really felt joy the last couple of weeks. I'm proud of what we've done. Kristen has given me the most beautiful gift.

[Stacy]

Gift.

[Bert]

The most selfless gift over the last couple of weeks in demanding that I take a look at what we have all done together over 25 years and this group of BIR show also, because I wouldn't have done it. And you've given me the gift of joy signing off today. And I wouldn't have done that without you. And you have done that with me time and time. I have learned so much from you. So much from you. The other day, I just. We were taking a look around the studio and there's this big bircho sign behind me that I'm taking with me today. It's going to be the last thing that I do in this studio is take that thing off the wall and walk out the door and shut the lights off. And I've been looking at it quite a bit the last couple of days. Not just because it's a sign, because the words mean something, you guys. You know, when you look at the Burt show, it's not just the logo. It's 25 years of bringing a city together over certain things. It's 25 years of connection, but it's also 25 years of escape for a lot of people. Also, when I look at that. That logo, which really hasn't changed in 25 years, even though the show has and we have individually, that logo really hasn't changed in 25 years. It means so much to so many people in this city, and I am so proud of what we have done together. I still can't quite wrap my head around that this is the last day. So maybe when I leave here or maybe when Amanda and I are in San Diego this week, it'll really hit me in the the heart. But today, I'm just feeling so much pride and so much joy and so much gratitude for you guys and for everything that this city has done. And I'll say it again, galvanizing people is a very difficult thing to do in radio. It's a very difficult thing for them to trust you and trust the projects that you're taking on and follow you. We've done that so many times over 25 years time and time and time, time again. And what an honor that is. So how can I be sad today? I'm so filled with pride and I'm so thankful for all you guys that have given me so much over these last couple of years. And so much for you guys that have been listening day in and day out and supporting us. And even when you get pissed off and maybe list, you stop listening for a couple of weeks. And then you came. Came back. I still can't find a word that means more than thank you, but my gratitude is as deep. You've given me everything. You guys have given me everything. Ah, here we go. It's given me everything in my life. We covered it earlier this morning. I met Stacy all those years ago because I was on a radio station. We got married. We had two kids. None of that happens without the radio station. And then this here in my life has given me Amanda. Has given me Burke's big adventure. Has given me friendships that I will have for the rest of my life. Has given me paths to follow and be proud of moving forward. Abby. Have given me friendships that are going to continue in my business relationship also, like Cassie. It's giving me everything. Yeah, I. I'm just feeling tremendous joy and tremendous gratitude. So I'll end it with that. That. Thank you guys so much. Thank you for being here for me. Thank you for being here for everybody every step of the way. 25 years in radio is a thousand years. It is a thousand years. And the fact that we've been able to transition over and over and over again, and you guys have allowed us to do this with people coming in and people going out. Man, I'm feeling so much pride, so much joy, and so much gratitude. Thank you for 25 years. I guess that's it, you guys. Thank you. It's so hard. Are you serious? Come on.

[Stacy]

Listen, listen.

[Bert]

No.

[Stacy]

Absolutely not.

[Bert]

Are you serious? Get out of here.

[Stacy]

I quit. This.

[Bert]

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[Stacy]

Jeff Bridges. Why are you still living above our garage?

[Bert]

Well, I dig the mattress, and I want to be in a T mobile commercial like you. Teach me. So, Dana.

[Stacy]

Oh, no. I'm not really prepared. I couldn't possibly at T Mob. We'll get the new iPhone 17 Pro on them. It's designed to be the most powerful iPhone yet and has the ultimate pro camera system.

[Bert]

Wow. Impressive. Let me try T Mobile is the best place to get iPhone 17 Pro because they've got the best network.

[Stacy]

Nice. Jeffrey, you heard them.

[Bert]

T Mobile is the best place to get the new new iPhone 17 Pro on us with eligible traded in any condition. So what are we having for launch?

[Stacy]

Dude, my work here is done.

[Bert]

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[Stacy]

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[Bert]

I'm Hannah Burner and I'm also thinking.

[Stacy]

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[Bert]

Same.

[Stacy]

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