So, I just got back to work after a week in Las Vegas. No, I wasn't there on vacation. But, anytime you go there, it sure feels like it. I am exhausted and trying to reflect on my week, while getting back to the swing of things with Peoria's 92.3.

This year, I have been all over the country on the weekends. I have traveled to New York, Florida, California, Michigan, and most recently Las Vegas. Why? I have been hosting the Monster Jam Fox Sports 1 Championship series. And this weekend, the Monster Jam World Finals.

Growing up as a kid, I LOVED Monster Jam. Still do. And when I would play Monster Jam in my sandbox as a child, I never thought one day I would be traveling the country hosting events with 65,000 people cheering on their favorite Monster Jam trucks.

You can see me jumping up and down just like everyone at these shows. 

If you had told me that I would be doing this one day, I would have laughed at you. 

I have wanted to be many things like a pop star, late night host, comedian, and a plethora of other entertainment gigs. So, I got into radio. And it is because of this, that I have gotten to the point I have today.

There have been moments of, "Is this what I want to do?" "Where is this taking me?" "Am I even good enough?" But, I never gave up and never stopped trying to better myself. We all have moments of depression. And I can tell you I have hit some rough patches where for an entire month I hated waking up at 4:30am to be on the radio. I wanted to just say "forget this" and stay in bed. I would walk into the studio, look at the microphone, and think about just giving up. Why? Not really sure. 

But, I persevered through it. And, at the end of the tunnel I hit my stride again and found my passion for what I get to do. I get to be apart of peoples lives who have never met me, who share the same love of music that I do, and don't mind the corny jokes I make. 

One thing that this radio thing has led me to is my opportunity to work with Monster Jam. A former intern set me up with an interview to be an announcer. Each one of the amazing announcers I work with all have a few goals. Entertain the crowd, be an amazing complement to what the Monster Jam trucks do, and maybe, just maybe appear on TV. There aren't many opportunities for that. So, when I got the word that this year I would be on Fox Sports 1, I had to pinch myself. I never EVER thought I would have this opportunity, let alone so quickly in my announcing career.

I work with some of the most amazing people. From the tech staff, the event managers, and the drivers we all have one goal in mind: Make sure everyone who leaves an event does so with a huge smile on their face because they couldn't believe what they had just witnessed. It is their dream to pilot one of these 10,000lbs Monster Jam trucks, and for that moment, that is as close as they can get to making their dream come true.

The Monster Jam fans are what make this job the most inspiring thing I have ever been a part of. Especially when you hear stories about how a child with autism didn't speak a word until he started mimicking Monster Jam announcers. And the same goes with anyone who has ever listened to Peoria's 92.3! I get to hang with some extremely amazing kids at Jamieson school. And when I am on the streets and you approach me and tell me how much something I said made you laugh when you were having a bad day, THAT makes everything worth it.

I am not by any means trying to complain about what I do, because I know that there are people who would love this opportunity. What I am saying is that there are days where dark clouds loom over head. You have to push through, even if it's a full on storm and you don't have an umbrella. You never know what door will open! You never know who is listening that could change your life. And, if you have a dream, the moment you give up is the moment you will not make it come true. 

Conan O'Brien once said, "If you work hard, and you are nice to people, good things will happen to you!" I believe this and live it every day. This last three months have been INSANE trying to be a dad, while traveling the country, and holding down the radio thing. But, I have kept it together and will continue to try to better myself and what I do every day.

The other thing that I realized over the last couple of years is that it's not about me. A lot of things I see on social media are people so consumed in themselves that they forget there are other people too. Sure, I get to be on the radio, but you come to the station for your favorite artist and information, I just happen to be the guy who gets to talk. I also learned this lesson when volunteering at the Jamieson school. Hanging out with those kids is one of highlights of my week! Laughing, joking, and smiling with them makes my heart feel warmer than an eskimo in the desert.

Also, the birth of my baby boy has changed everything for me. 

This weekend in Las Vegas, I got to live my dream by hosting the Monster Jam World Finals! I hope that whatever dream you chase, you get to see it become a reality! Just don't EVER give up.

I know Monster Jam is coming to the Peoria Civic Center on April 17th and 18th. I hope to see you there! I wont be hosting, but I will be there watching. If you haven't been, bring your family. You will be amazed at what a 10,000lbs Monster Jam truck can do.

For me, Monster Jam is a family! We would love for you to be a part of the family and enjoy the excitement that we get to be a part of. There is no other entertainment like it, so give it a shot and you wont be disappointed. Who knows, maybe you will be inspired to drive a Monster Jam truck or join me and the group of talented announcers and staff who travel the world and inspire others!

– ORyan