I’m Wrapping Up 2025 and Looking Forward to Better Health in 2026

Back in May, everything changed for me. What I thought was a one-time medical scare turned out to be something much bigger. I learned that I had been having seizures regularly, sometimes multiple times a day, for eight or more months without realizing it.

Suddenly, simple things I always took for granted were off-limits. I couldn’t drive for three months, and I was restricted to part-time work until I was medically cleared. My independence and rhythm were interrupted overnight.

Part of navigating all this meant starting medication to manage the seizures. And even recently, my neurologist had to increase the dosage because the symptoms weren’t fully controlled. Between that and everything else, the exhaustion has become overwhelming. Every single day, I’m extremely tired. So tired that I now nap about two hours a day just to function. Work takes me much longer than it used to, meaning I’m often working late into the evening to keep up with once effortless tasks.

Meanwhile, my radio world was shifting too.

My co-host of twenty years, Lori Voornas, retired, which was an emotional transition all on its own. For over 20 years, she was like the older (much older?) sister I never had. I’m incredibly fortunate to now have a great partner in Lizzy. She’s talented, supportive, and a true teammate, but even positive change comes with its own challenges and adjustments.

Then came another piece of the puzzle: sleep apnea. After months of suspicion, it was officially confirmed just this week. I’m now waiting for my CPAP machine, hoping it will finally bring some real rest and clarity into my days.

All of this has taken a toll I never expected. My anxiety has increased. I’ve started new medications. Some for anxiety, one for blood pressure, and I’m trying to adapt to how all these changes affect my mind and body. I’ve been forgetful, unfocused, easily frustrated, and overwhelmed by things that used to come naturally. I’m also beginning to recognize signs of depression, something I plan to talk with my doctor about soon.

It hasn’t been easy to articulate any of this. When people ask how I'm doing, my response is always "There are good days and bad days." Some days I can barely make sense of it myself.

I’m incredibly grateful to my girlfriend Michele, who has seen my decline firsthand and helps me find the words when I can’t. Her support has been a lifeline in a year that often felt like too much to carry.

So why share all of this? Because maybe someone reading this needs to know they’re not alone. Maybe you’re also fighting invisible battles. Maybe you look “fine” on the outside, while everything inside you feels heavier and harder than ever before.

On the radio, I may sound like my usual self, mostly. But behind the scenes, my life has changed drastically. And I’m learning, slowly, that it’s okay to talk about it.

To all of our listeners: thank you. Truly. Your support has meant more this year than you’ll ever know. I appreciate each of you, and I hope you all have a safe, peaceful, and bright holiday season.

Here’s to healing, honesty, and hope as we head into a new year.