"Is there anybody out there?" - Pink Floyd
January 26th, 2011
I imagine anyone who would be reading this only stumbled upon it. That's to say I'm not dumb enough to believe anyone would still be checking in after all this time. So for the few who found these words from some random google search in the middle of a busy day, maybe you had three minutes to kill before a conference call or something and wondered what happened to those two jackasses who used to be on the air in Detroit, lol, let me tell you what very little I'm allowed.
The divorce is finally done. It was official a week into January. The last few weeks have been filled with busting up bank accounts and signing over cars and lots of bullshit that too many of us know all too well. If you're in that group you also know about domicile rules with family court and the 100 mile radius rule. Radio is a business where you sometimes need to move. 2010 was a year I needed to move to take a new job, and I could have, but I didn't, because I was fighting to be the one my children would be tucked in by most of the time. If you're in that group, you may know that when fathers feel so strongly about what's best for their children that they're willing to fight they still lose 92% of the time. Change of domicile would have been impossible to get concurrent with original awarding of custody, so every lawyer I spoke with explained to me that I couldn't move away and fight for my kids at the same time. One put it this bluntly. "It's your career or your kids, you gotta choose."
I chose my kids. I assumed at that time I would never have the chance to work in the business again, and being in my 40s had no idea what I'd be able to do. Today I received my first intent to foreclose notice from the bank. Still out of work. The way things shook out though, I'll be able to search for work now not only here but elsewhere, so I'm foolishly hopeful that after this much time and pain Bill and I will be able to soon get the show back on the air. If you're wondering how the rest of it worked out, I tucked my kids in about an hour ago.
posted by Jeff Deminski at
9:25 PM
68 Comments:
Jeff,I'm glad to hear that you're tucking the kids in. No job is worth losing the kids. I'm not a father, but I do know you're right in that.
And thanks for all the years you've entertained Detroit. I'm still a fan, even if you aren't on the air. You have my utmost respect on so many levels. Thank you for touching my life and the lives of so many with your voice.
January 26, 2011 at 9:58 PM
Still out here. Glad you are too.
I am so sorry to hear about your troubles, but so glad you are there for your kids.
Look forward to hearing you again, hopefully here in the D, but if not on the internet.
Best of everything, know that not only are we still here, but we care.
Not go back in there and hug your kids again for me.
January 26, 2011 at 9:58 PM
Thanks for the update on the divorce & radio show. I wish you well. Please remember that a great number of us enjoyed your show and will listen again when you get back on the air.
January 26, 2011 at 10:05 PM
Jeff, we are still here!! Glad to hear things worked out the way you wanted. Now get your nose to the grind stone and get your radio voice in shape! Hope to hear you broadcasting again soon!! If you find work here is the plan to get the band whole back together?
January 27, 2011 at 12:39 AM
OMG, Yes we still check in on you! Miss you guys a lot, too. We always hope one day to hear you in Detroit again. There was a quote I once read that always stuck with me, although I don't remember the exact wording. It was something like: "LIFE is actually a succession of lives, one right after the other." Or sumthin like that.
I'll bet that once upon a time, years ago, Ellen Degeneress was really bummed out that her sitcom got cancelled too, but I think she's over that by now... ;) Sometimes things end up working out really great, even though it seems hard to believe, they really do.
Good Luck and always keep us posted! :)
January 27, 2011 at 1:13 AM
good one thing went your way now for the rest of the stuff ...an excellent job with good pay and preferably on the air for us to enjoy and things would be great :) wish you can get all of the above
January 27, 2011 at 1:41 AM
Still here Jeff, still hoping for the best for both of you guys, and hoping you can get on your feet soon. best of luck to you sir!
January 27, 2011 at 6:23 AM
Yes, have been checking every week or so to see if you had updated. Wish you well.
January 27, 2011 at 6:34 AM
A lot of us still here. Thought of you just last night when I was eating Pringleses. Glad to hear you are still in the area. Hope you guys get a gig somewhere. Miss hearing you guys do your thing. Best wishes and keep us informed.
January 27, 2011 at 7:32 AM
So happy to hear from you! I've been checking this blog weekly hoping to see an update. Wishing you the best of luck in this new year.
January 27, 2011 at 8:11 AM
We're still here, and we still care! Hope to hear you guys on the air in Detroit again soon...If not, I at least hope things work out well for you and Bill wherever.
You 2 are way to good of people to have bad things happen to.
C.Adams
January 27, 2011 at 8:45 AM
Jeff,
We check in often here and on FB hoping one day to see how things are going with you. I am relieved to hear that things are finally done and that you are the one to tuck your kids into bed at night. You are an amazing father! We wish you nothing but good luck and success from this point forth. Our personal preference would be that you guys find your way back on the air somewhere around here but wherever you guys land just know we are fans for life and we'll find a way to listen to you.
January 27, 2011 at 10:26 AM
Yes still out here, you are in my Google Reader! So glad to hear you have your children, and I hope the difficult times are behind you. Best wishes on your future both with your family and career!
January 27, 2011 at 10:51 AM
sorry to hear about the personal problems but like me yor children are the most important thing in your life. Hope to hear you on the air again someday, hopefully in the Detroit area.
January 27, 2011 at 10:55 AM
I'm still checking every week or so, hoping to hear you're going to be back on the air in Detroit... I miss you guys. Keep us posted.
January 27, 2011 at 11:10 AM
Jeff, tears came to my eyes when I read "I tucked my kids in about an hour ago." So glad you fought for that. Keep us posted on your new job...I know it's coming. God bless.
January 27, 2011 at 11:50 AM
"I imagine anyone who would be reading this only stumbled upon it..."
ARE YOU KIDDING? We're still here and hoping for the best for both of you!
Huron
January 27, 2011 at 4:28 PM
Jeff,
It's good to hear from you again. I have your blog bookmarked and check for new entries a couple of times a week. The fact that you haven't posted in awhile doesn't discourage me from checking. We realize how much turmoil you've been going through. Most of us miss the show terribly, but wanted to give you your space to work through your family problems. I've never lost faith that somehow, someway you and Bill might someday make it back onto the air here in Detroit. In the interim, I've found other shows to listen to (mostly Karsh and Anderson and Valenti and Foster) but make no mistake, if you guys came back on, you'd go back to being my #1 choice. With regard to the "career or your kids" decision, you made the right call. If you can find a way to have both, that'd be awesome. Anyway, as always, please keep us posted.
-Mark in Hazel Park-
January 27, 2011 at 4:56 PM
Your site is bookbarked and I check regularly to hear any news! Glad to hear your kids are with you. With your talent, and Bill's, I'm sure you will find a job soon and your Detroit following will be listening!
January 27, 2011 at 8:33 PM
My son is going through a similar thing, so it gives me a whole new appreciation for your situation. My best to you and your kids. Like everyone else, I have been checking for updates every so often. Looking forward to hearing you on the air again.
January 27, 2011 at 10:50 PM
Jeff as with many, I have been checking the blog every week or so. I am truly sorry that you have had such a hard way to go. Wish you and Bill the best and would be thrilled to have a chance to hear that you guys got another show, with the cherry on top being that it was here in Detroit. You guys are the best.
Debbie M
January 27, 2011 at 11:23 PM
Fantastic, Glad to here you choose to stay here. We are all rooting for you guys to get back on the air. Can't wait Hope it works out the way you guys want it too.
Maureen in Milford
January 27, 2011 at 11:41 PM
You are doing great. The best you can. Things will evolve. Nothing stays the same forever.
January 28, 2011 at 12:08 AM
Yes there are a lot of us fans that still check on you. I am glad to hear that you got to tuck you kids in. Keep us posted. We miss you guys!
January 28, 2011 at 6:20 AM
As you can see I am not the only one that misses you and the show. We spend years with you and to us fans it meant a lot I know it did to me. You're a good person Jeff and a better dad.
January 28, 2011 at 6:33 AM
A man who sticks to his guns and gets the job done. Congrats Jeff! Now phase 2: GET BACK TO THE AIRWAVES, IT S WHERE YOUR ASS BELONGS! :-D
January 28, 2011 at 9:38 AM
Congrats, Jeff. I listened to your show from the first day you arrived in Detroit and through the moves; I still miss you guys but I'm very happy that you stayed the course and did what you knew was right. Hope we hear you on the airwaves soon.
January 28, 2011 at 9:57 AM
Of course WE'RE ALL out here, waiting for you, be it on the waves here in Detroit or on the internet, you'll be sure to have a following somewhere! I hope you guys are able to get on the air in Detroit - would love to have met you at one of your outings, never got a chance to get to one. Anyway...
Can't wait for both of you to get "back on track" with life and hope everything pans out the way you want it to. This definitely seems like a step in the right direction; good luck in everything you do and please, keep us updated a little more! :-D
January 28, 2011 at 10:38 AM
Jeff,
You may be surprised to find out just how many of us are still out here. I know that you are a very proud man and in no way, shape or form are looking for pity, so you won’t find that here…but I do want to say that I’m very sorry to hear all that you’ve gone through. I am happy to hear that your divorce and custody battle is finally over and that you’re able to tuck your kids in bed at night. Men don’t often win in custody battles, as you said, so I know it must have been a long road for you…it’s good to hear you and your kids can finally get on with your life. I’m also excited to hear that you can start looking for opportunities again! While, selfishly, I want you and Bill on the air here, I know that it’s unlikely. So I hope the two of you land in a great market that is truly deserving of you guys. It still bothers me to this day what happen to you guys in Detroit, after all you have given us. It’s rare that you find people that move to Detroit and fall in love with it the way you, Bill and Beaver did. You gave your all to this market and you’re commitment to try and stay here for your fans is unparalleled. I can’t think of another show with that type of loyalty…which is why you guys have such a loyal group of fans. So good luck to you, your kids, Bill and his family! I hope that an amazing opportunity is on the horizon for all of you and that things start to look up very soon!
January 28, 2011 at 10:41 AM
This blog is at the top of my Google Reader! Was stoked for an update. My dad left when I was 3 and my brother was 6 months and didn't come back until we were in our 20's. You made the right choice to stay near your kids. Good on ya!
That said, can't wait to hear your and Bill again! I miss you guys so much. I still think you guys should try to get an Internet Radio Show going if you can't get back on traditional airwaves. I'm sure you have lots of fans (like me) who would help you out with that. The internet is HUGE, you can do the show from anywhere and reach anyone in the world! Much better than terrestrial radio. The only problem is figuring out how to monetize it... but people are doing it. Look at Dan Carlin or the TWiT network.
Anyways -- all my best -- keep updating us here! Best of luck with everything!
January 28, 2011 at 10:52 AM
God be with you jeff
January 28, 2011 at 11:40 AM
Jeff, you and what you've been going through over the last year or so has been in the back of my mind for just as long. I think you are just a genuinely nice guy and do not deserve what you are or have been going through. You deserve better and I hope that, for your sake and for the sake of your children, you can find someone who appreciates your kind and generous spirit. I sure do miss you guys on-air and I can't wait to hear the show once again.
Cher (not the famous "Cher," just Cher...nevermind)
January 28, 2011 at 9:47 PM
Jeff,
There's a couple of things you seem to have forgotten, and who could blame you after all you have been through?
1) The people whose lives you touched during your time on the air really care about you. Not just because you were the guy on the radio who made us laugh--you have been much more to us than that and we haven't written you off. We are still here and always will be, even if you never spend another minute on the airwaves.
2) You are an enormous talent and The Deminski and Doyle Show was something very special and can be again. Maybe the radio business has never been harder than it is today, but I believe there is still a place for your show...somewhere. If you want it, you need to believe it, too.
You never treated your audience like just a bunch of stupid listeners because (I believe) you never thought of us that way. So listen to us now: this ain't over. Go kick some ass and get your show back.
But, if you have to leave Detroit, don't forget about us, pal.
January 28, 2011 at 9:52 PM
Wow, It's good to hear from you again Jeff. Glad you get to tuck your kids in at night. I'm positive you guys will find your way back onto the airways either locally or some place far away. Stay strong!
January 28, 2011 at 11:15 PM
Please know that many of us think of you and Doyle often. Your show gave so many of us the "distraction" that we needed during difficult times, if only we could all repay the favor. Best wishes with the job hunt.
January 29, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Jeff -
I was gonna write a big long response, but Lisa pretty much summed up everything I had to say. Just know that the wife and I will continue to be loyal fans wherever you and Bill land.
Best Wishes -
Tom & Kelly Coe
Birch Run
PS
Rudy's Gay
January 29, 2011 at 12:52 PM
I am sorry to hear about your troubles this past year. You definately made the right decission to fight for your kids and I respect you even more for doing so. Most men just step back. Good for you and your children will love you even more for it. Good luck Jeff.
Hugs,
Michelle
mom to Christina 19
Isabella, Logan and Brody 8 1/2
January 29, 2011 at 1:13 PM
You did the right thing my friend. We're all still out here and waiting for the revival of Deminski and Doyle. (Although Rudy is being a PIA at UofM Dearborn with 21 credits)
God's speed to you.
January 30, 2011 at 7:15 AM
Hey Jeff,
Does this mean you'll be on here more often? You are probably going through Kwame withdrawals right about now.
Jimmy (clutch)
January 30, 2011 at 7:31 AM
Jeff, of course we still checked here! Stalker just don't disappear ... sorry for all you have been through and I applaud you for your devotion to your children. Keep us updated on your job search - it would be the best to hear you and Bill again!! How is Bill, BTW??
Mary
January 30, 2011 at 2:02 PM
So glad to see the update, and your commitment to your kids is heartwarming. And, was pleased tosee you hopefulness at getting a show back on the air. Though I am still hopeful it will be in Detroit, wherever you land will be lucky to have you!
January 30, 2011 at 2:33 PM
Jeff - I'm happy that something went your way! I listen to satellite radio now, but still miss the D&D show. Keep us in the loop about what you're up to and I'm hopeful I'll be a D&D listener again. Best wishes to you for everything you do!
January 30, 2011 at 5:59 PM
Jeff,
Great to see a new post. Hope you guys are able to find your way back to the radio someday soon. You guys were really a huge part of my life for several years.
January 31, 2011 at 7:40 AM
Thanks for the update. Don't count us out. We are still out here, waiting for you. You have the emotional support of all of your fans, friends and family. We miss you.
January 31, 2011 at 7:58 AM
Jeff:Yea for the kids sake! I am still here too and I do not/never have lived in your area. I drove truck to Detroit daily and listening to the D&D show faithfully as soon as I could get the signal. I no longer drive truck but tried to listen on-line as often as I could. Where ever you get your show, I will be on line listening!
P.S. When I heard about the homeless radio announcer in Ohio, I so wanted to contact you and tell you that there is hope for you but thought it might not be appropriate at that time in your life. Now, I think you would enjoy the humour in it. :)
LTD (Lady Truck Driver)
January 31, 2011 at 8:32 AM
Good luck Jeff! you are very talented and im sure something will come along soon! Nice to hear the kids are getting tucked in by their dad!
January 31, 2011 at 8:35 AM
Wow. Very sorry to hear you had to go through a divorce. Makes it especially hard when children are involved. Know too many people who have gone through it.
I started listening to you and Doyle about 11 years ago. We've moved a few times, once out of state. Live in Tecumseh now but will likely have to move again. :( Getting really tired of it but what can you do. Gotta do what you gotta do.
Just trying to say I really liked listening to your show. You guys were funny, entertaining and interesting. It's a new year so you never know what the future holds. Stay positive. It's very easy to feel down and think about what you don't have or what's missing so if you ever do, just look at your kids.
Good Luck and Best of Wishes for 2011.
Claudine Vitti
January 31, 2011 at 11:30 AM
Jeff, so sorry to hear about all that you've had to go through personally & professionally. I'm glad that you've made it through the other side of the domestic situation and that you are playing the role you fought for in your kids' lives.
Many of us are hopeful that you and Bill will find something local, as you have a dedicated following here in Detroit.
Good luck with everything and nothing but best wishes from the fans!!
January 31, 2011 at 12:29 PM
Jeff,
As everyone else has already said...check the blog frequently "hoping" for posting to see how you are and what's been going on. I'm sure you are glad 2010 is over and you and the kids can get on with life. Of course we miss you on the radio and really hope and pray that you guys will be back. Until then...PLEASE keep us updated.
Renee (dirty blond girl!)
January 31, 2011 at 9:05 PM
Jeff, we don't give up that easily! We knew you've been in the middle of total chaos with the divorce, so we've been waiting. This blog post was the reward. I'm glad you got the kids, and that you'll still be able to find a radio gig!
January 31, 2011 at 10:10 PM
I, like so many others, have checked in here a few times a week.
I figured you would eventually be back when everything got settled.
I'm just really heartened by all the responses I see here. You and Bill deserve not to be forgotten, and you two haven't been.
You two were the BEST thing going in Detroit radio and no one has come anywhere near to taking your place.
Selfishly I hope you two start working again right here in Detroit, but if that can't happen I wish you success wherever the road leads you.
Cecilia
January 31, 2011 at 11:26 PM
Yes Jeff I have been checking all the time just to hope to hear something. Yes divorce sucks big ones. Just remember you did your best and as usual the courts screwed the man. One day they will see what they are doing. Hope to hear you and Bill on the radio soon. Keep us informed. And good luck
February 1, 2011 at 8:50 AM
It'd be so great to be able to hear you and Bill (and your little Rudy too) on the air again. Whether here, or if in another city through da interweb.
Good luck!
February 1, 2011 at 9:03 AM
You are listed as one of my favorite blogs on my blog...so I check often...had no idea you were having so many marital issues. Sorry about that. I'm sure the economy, the lack of a job, the 2 houses, etc played a big part in the divorce...of course, that's just a guess.
I really hope you guys come back on the Detroit airwaves...and soon....and afternoons :D
February 1, 2011 at 10:25 AM
Jeff,
I've never met you, but I feel like I know you well. As you see from the amount of comments here, there are a lot of us that feel the same.
I think it is commendable that you chose to fight for your kids. There are far too many people that are willing to put the maddening frustration and stress of careers in front of what truly matters. Careers can be set aside and picked back up later. Your kids can't.
I'll be ready when you're able to pick that microphone back up and chat with us for a while. Until then, peace and good vibes.
February 1, 2011 at 12:55 PM
I check weekly to see if you have updated us on yours and Bill's current status. Glad you got what you wanted - custody.
I think we all look forward to hearing you and Bill on the air again, together, whether it's in Detroit or somewhere else - we can always listen online!!
Take care, and have Bill update us on what's going on in his life, if he's willing!
February 1, 2011 at 9:39 PM
We're still here, and we miss you and love you guys. Looking forward to hearing you again, and confident it will be soon.
Sarah E
February 1, 2011 at 11:40 PM
Jeff, Of course we are going to check in!! There are many of us that are loyal fans, even after a long departure from being on radio. Look forward to hearing you guys on the air soon.
February 2, 2011 at 12:02 AM
Can't remmember my password on here, but we are still here. And we still wait to hear you guys doing your thing again! Its been too long, and we have LOTS to talk about!
February 2, 2011 at 9:49 PM
I just want to be SHINE BOXED!!!
Congrats Man. Good Luck on the job stuff. Like everyone else that has posted I check in to see for an update every couple weeks.
February 3, 2011 at 2:17 PM
Does this also mean that if I email you, you will write back? :-)
Jimmy (the clutch)
February 3, 2011 at 3:17 PM
Glad to hear you have the kids.
Double bonus for you is...no more corn surprise! ;)
February 3, 2011 at 7:50 PM
As a dad that fought for his kids and won I am sooooooooooooooooooo glad you did too. There is nothing worth losing your kids over. I pray you find work soon and preferably in Detroit (OK being a little selfish). Man I know I speak for everyone when I say we miss you guys.
February 4, 2011 at 3:21 PM
You two are the greatest in radio. Period. Get back up and running soon. D & D is something really special. A Detroit treasure.
-Peter
February 5, 2011 at 1:25 PM
Im really sorry to hear what has happened. I live in Windsor. The highlight of my day used to be Deminski and Doyle!! I sincerely hope things work out for you. It might sound stupid but listening to the show was just like hanging out with good friends!!
February 7, 2011 at 2:31 AM
We are here, we are here, we are here......I think we commentors are all saying the same thing. You and Bill have not been forgotten. Hope to hear your voices again real soon.
February 7, 2011 at 1:27 PM
Hey Jeff -
Thanks for the update.
I booked a flight to see my daughter on the other side of the country after reading your post. (I'm going through a divorce right now too.)
You keep being an inspiration to all of us, so thank you!
February 8, 2011 at 4:09 PM
Glad to hear that you got your kids man, and also real glad to hear about a possible D&D show coming back. With the internet now it doesn't matter where it is because i will be listening 100% (as long as the station has a stream or podcast that is). D&D in 2011!
February 10, 2011 at 10:08 AM
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