I salute you...Jackie Robinson

I'd heard about Jackie's accolades at UCLA and Pasadena City College. I'd read all about his excellence in sports, lettering in track, basketball, baseball and football at each school. I've heard people speak about him and what he'd done for our country through sports. He was the first man of color to play professional baseball. He had the courage to go to the stadiums, into the clubhouses and locker rooms knowing it would be difficult because he was different. The only reason he was different, his skin was a darker color than the other players. During the late 1940's, when this happened, people all over the world were quite ignorant, therefore, he wasn't welcomed. But, he managed, he more than managed, he pushed through and truly changed the world. Even Martin Luther King Jr. once said Jackie Robinson did more for the civil rights movement than anyone of his time. He's been my hero for most of my adult life. His struggles and adversities motivate me to push through mine. If Jackie could do it, then I surely could. So, last night when I had the pleasure of standing in front of Jackie Robinson Stadium on the campus of Pasadena City College, I was mesmerized. I felt him there with me. I know his strength and perseverance have been by my side through the celebrations in my career and the pain of the disappointments. Being there last night, right where he'd studied for two years, 75 years ago, meant more to me than anything in a long time. I don't want us to lose his memory, I want young people to know the significance of his lifetime. I want to be sure kids always know who he is and what he did for so many of us in this country. He made it possible for people of all races and backgrounds to play sports. In the military and competitive sports were the first two places men of color worked side by side, reaching out for the same goal. I salute you Jackie Roosevelt Robinson. You have led me and inspired me year after year. I thank you for your guidance and vision. I've celebrated good times in my life and my career, because you taught me how to work through the challenges with a smile on my face. What would Jackie do? He would never give up. Cheers to Jackie Robinson. Hip Hip Hooray! I'd like to thank my partners on The CJ Silas Show for believing in me and supporting one of my dreams and encouraging me to Never Give Up!!!! Community VW of Santa Maria, Dr. Brad Kurgis Dermatology, Lido Restaurant @ The Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa, Dr. Daniel Lapidus & Larry Ackerman, G Brothers Smokehouse, Breven Baima @ Farmer's Insurance, Star Autmotive and Tim Holt of Preservation Capital. Without you by my side believing, The CJ Silas Show would be only a mere idea in my crazy little brain.

AAAAahhh a weekend...

It's finally here the NFL with legit officials, the last week of baseball w/ the final playoff spots, and college football is in full swing now. Aaaaahhhh, September and October, my two favorite months for sports. I still can't believe the boys in Blue may be watching the post season. Ugh! My NFL team is pretty horrible, one of my college teams is definitely horrible, at least USC is in the top 25 with post season hopes and back on track with a clean slate. Whew! Sports are such a cool way to escape the daily grind of life and the tough times. I am so grateful and thankful for my own personal "fandome," what are you thankful for???

Ups and downs...

Holy Cow...life can throw you some crazy pitches...cliche? yes. I've got nothing else. I can honestly say the last seven days have taken me to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. But, here I sit the day before my first Hancock Football home game and I'm going to be okay. My nephew went home yesterday, whew! He's got a long road ahead of him, but kids are fighters. I've learned that over the past week, for sure. I feel far away, but at least it's only three or so hours. If my brother and his family need me I can get there quickly. Now, I need to get my head ready for the 3:50pm start of Hancock hosting Moorpark tomorrow/Saturday. I got this... This is what I've always wanted, I've got this. This is what I've worked over 20 years to attain, I've got this. This is where my life has traveled, according to my dreams and goals, I've got this. This is a big deal, but not life or death, I've got this. This is an accomplishment, I've got this. This is a big deal for the state of California, I've got this. This is huge for girls and women who want this, I've got this. This is a dream come true, I've got this. This rocks!!!

When Life Shows Up...

Life seems so overwhelming and tough sometimes. We all strive to get places, fulfill goals and acquire certain things along the way. We want something...we go for it. We decide something...we do it. We lose something...we look for it. We learn something...we remember it. I think I'm officially freaking out. I've wanted to do football play by play for over 20 years, almost my entire career. Now, it's here. I'm getting my spotting board/chart ready, my notes and stats too. I know I can do this, I might be rusty, but I'm ready and excited. I put so much darn pressure on myself to be perfect. That's impossible, there's no such thing. So, here I sit, talking myself down from the perfection ledge. My rational and logical mind knows I'll do great. I need to, according to Harry "f***! the jitters, keep smiling and enjoy it!"

Endless Summer...and a new exciting JOB!!!

Luckily where I live it feels like summer most of the year. Yes, it gets cold on California's Central Coast. But, the sun is shining on most days year round. The coast in the early mornings is always peaceful and welcoming. My favorite time of the day is before 8am on our little quiet community beach. Most weekdays I have the 1/4 mile stretch of beach all to myself. I should add, Inde the dog is always with me too. When I remove my shoes and walk down the 20 or so stairs, I look forward to feeling the water and shells between my toes. Sometimes another dog or two runs along in the distance, Inde galloping to find out who it is. She's middle aged, nearly 10 years old, but runs like she's still a teenager. No ball or stick will go unnoticed with this gray and black beauty. As summer moves into August, I celebrate my journey and the places I've been along the way. A new stop has appeared, yes a new gig, a big one, a huge one, a life changing dream come true for this California girl! Drum roll please... I am the new voice of your Hancock College Football team. Yes, radio/TV play by play of community college football. I have always wanted to do play by play. I'll get to paint the picture for our listeners while my partner explains the action from a football mind. I will give the best description I can of the action on the field, while he tells us how and why. This is so cool and exciting. My job is describing the action, while his is to add color, reasoning and expertise. Fun for us all. It's my first time doing play by play. After 23 years in this business I'm doing an entry level job with a bunch of solid experiences behind me. I cannot wait. Practice beings August 9th, I'll meet the coaches asap. It'll be different for all of us. But, I will make Hancock proud and all of the people who have supported me over the years as well. It's the beginning of a new chapter in my story.

Another book signing...Half Dome...wow!!!

Wow, life changing experience last week in Yosemite to the top of the illustrious Half Dome. A granite rock bigger than I have ever seen in person. It was a perfect place to take a deep breath and realize where my life has taken me. Or, I've taken my life. Actually, we do create it, don't we? We manifest and plan our own lives, the good and the bad. We take responsibility for it and for what we've done, who we've been involved with, what we've said and how we've treated ourselves and others. Too deep for you? You can handle it! I'm in a different place today, personally and professionally. Such an unplanned shift for me at this time in my life. When you're questioning your path or journey, why not go hike a rock, climb up some sketchy cables without any equipment; challenging yourself to do something you've never done before, but can and will!!! How strong might you and will you feel when you've completed such a physically brutal task? AMAZING!!! I didn't ever think in my life I'd own my own radio show. I didn't ever think I would be selling it, marketing it, producing it, doing all the research, booking the guests and also, being the host. But, here I am, and I CAN do this. I AM doing this. My intern Scott, who in his own words, "is amazing," said to me recently... "CJ stop stressing, if you build it, they will come!" So, here I go, building it, planning it, creating it, marketing it, selling it...and I will manifest success. I will make it happen. I will get the listeners, I will promote the show and people will "make an appointment to listen." This is what the last 20+ years is all about. This coming Saturday is my final Hard Cover book signing. It takes place in San Luis Obispo, CA. 2-5pm at Chamisal Vineyards. For the first time in my life, I am using everything I have learned and experienced along the way to "create, and make my life, my book and my new show a success!" Yeah for me. Ok, did I admit it yet...I'm a little nervous, I have butterflies in my stomach. If I didn't, then I'd be worried.

Book signing coming...

No Girls Allowed: The Jock & Jill Mentality of Sports Broadcasting. Yes, about 50 books remain of the hard cover edition. After this batch, that's it, poof, no more. Soft Bound and ebook coming next. So, if you want one, and you want to drink wine while I sign it for you. You should make an appointment to be at the book signing on June 9th at Chamisal Vineyards, in San Luis Obispo, from 2-5pm. It's going to be crazy fun and the last time I put a sharpie to the hard covers. If you want one before then you need to email me at cj@thecjsilasshow.com. I'll make it happen for you before June 9th. You can even come to the radio studio on a Saturday morning, visit the show, buy a book and I'll sign it for you. Sound fun? I think so. If you can't seem to find 7am on a Saturday morning the right time to hear the show you can listen to the Podcast, ANYTIME. Just go to my website, click the link under my photo and Voila! The last six episodes are there for your listening pleasure. www.thecjsilasshow.com Follow me on Twitter...@cjsilas

What a fantastic weekend...

I know it's early. But, I haven't felt this good as a Dodger fan in years. Really, it's been since before the Murdoch schmucks ran the team. I know it may not last all season, or that Matt Kemp may not stay on this tear, or that Clayton Kershaw may not dominate like this all year. But man, is it fun right now to be an LA Dodger fan. I have stuck with the boys in blue through it all, and I mean ALL!!! Now, a moment of zen, peace, tranquility...okay maybe not that hokey, but still. It's awesome!!! If you've followed the drama with this team over the past 10 or so years, it's been rough, for sure! But, some of us have still gone to the stadium, felt the desire and rooted for the home team through the toughest of times. Now we are in a calm place, how long it will continue, we do not know. But, at least we have this shining moment. This season is the best the Big Blue Wreckin' Crew has started in years. I'm going to enjoy it, revel in it, breathe through it and celebrate every second. Because, with Frank McCourt's ugly mug still around, you never know what could happen. For it's one, two, three strikes you're out at the old ball game!!!

Tri-Tip Tri-Top Challenge...

Yes, it may hit 90 today while I'm on the hills to compete in the Challenge. Three local hikes in San Luis Obispo County in four hours or less. The payoff, a delicious Tri-Tip Sandwich or probably Tri-Tip salad at Firestone Grill downtown. First, it's Cerro San Luis, a lot of people in this town call it Madonna Mountain...the next is Bishops Peak...the final The P on Cal Poly's campus. I've done the first two. Cerro probably will take a little over an hour. Bishops about an hour as well. The P, I have no idea, I've never done it before. I figure, since I'm not running the First Annual San Luis Obispo Marathon, I needed to do a physical challenge too. Seeing as that I'm climbing Yosemite's Half Dome on May 27th, I need to be ready for anything! I've got gels and mini cliff bars from Pismo Beach Athletic Club to take on the hills. I'm freezing a couple bottles of water and then bringing a few snacks for the car in between stops. I think the biggest question is 'can we get it done in four hours or less?' The driving from place to place, the quick clothing changes and the 'I gotta pee' breaks, we shall see. I'll post pictures somewhere and tell the stories in the next chapter of...Tri-Tip Tri-Top Challenge. Stay tuned... Oh yeah, if I don't make it in under four hours, I have to wear a life size toothbrush costume all day and at a Cal Poly Baseball game, mortifying for sure!!!

Back in radio....

Aaaaahhhh, after week #1 I wasn't sure, man, was it strange to be back. But, after spending the next week breathing, planning and enjoying the business again, I feel much more comfortable. I'm having fun and don't feel much pressure at all. That part is huge. So often in the past, working for others and trying to please boss after boss, I was constantly feeling the stress. This time it's different, for this I am grateful!

On my very first show, I visited with sports talk show legend and TV sportscaster Dan Patrick, as well as Denver Nuggets Head Coach George Karl. Then I had Horace Grant for my second show.

I'm going to challenge myself to get one big name guest every week. If it doesn't happen EVERY week, I'll be okay. But, I'm shooting for that! Go big, sister, or go home!

I couldn't do it without Community VW of Santa Maria, Debi Cloud of The Cloud Company, Lido Restaurant, Star Automotive, Dr. Daniel Lapidus and Larry Ackerman at SLO Dentistry and of course Mike Chellsen at ESPN Radio 1280am. Scott Malatesta, there would not be a show without you in my corner!!! Thank you all for supporting this show and being with me from day one!!!

Oh and a few random thoughts from CJ Silas...Bobby Petrino you are a loser!!! Morgan Freeman, you creep me out. Tiger, blah! The only real baseball team in the Bay Area is the Oakland Athletics! Just sayin'!

GO Big Blue Wreckin' Crew!!!

I love the Final Four...

I love the Final Four, but big leads going into half time, not so much. Kansas just couldn't come back. I still think this is one of the best sporting events out there. March Madness and September are my two favorite sports times. There's so much going on and high energy all around the sports world.
If you haven't heard the new show...head to my website and listen to the debut on my Podcast. www.thecjsilasshow.com
Thanks to Community VW, Lido Restaurant, Dr. Daniel Lapidus at San Luis Obispo Dentistry, Star Automotive, The New Times, SLO Baked...yummy, The Cloud Company, The Law Offices of Stephen Stern and Mike Chellsen at ESPN for supporting my return to the airwaves. This is going to be soooo much fun!!!!

The calm...after the...

OMGoddess...I made it through my first show back 1401 days since I left ESPN Radio. Times have changed, people have changed...and I most certainly have changed. Radio has evolved thanks to social media, email is not the only computer communication program around anymore. Twitter, Facebook, Blogging, and none of them are going away. I will embrace change, I will handle it and I will make it all a part of The CJ Silas Show on ESPN Radio 1280am The Ticket.


You can find me and my podcasts every week at Libsyn.

Will you ever get enough?
Can I give you enough?

You'll only find out by following, listening and reading!!!

Busy getting ready...

It's only four days away....the debut of The CJ Silas Show on ESPN Radio 1280am The Ticket. In the middle of all of this prep and craziness, is prep and craziness.

If you want to be one of the fortunate businesses involved in the show before it airs, before the rush, before the lines form, email cj@thesjsilasshow.com.

Get in early while there's still time.
Get in early while there's still room.
Get in early while it's reasonable and exciting!!!
Get in early while we build our team of partners and non-profits!!!
Get in early while we take your call or email.
Get in early for the early bird specials, free bread and butter with every meal...ooops, different business.

Tune in this coming Saturday for, drum roll please, the debut of....
The CJ Silas Show. on ESPN Radio 1280am The Ticket.


www.thecjsilasshow.com

I love March...

So much fun stuff goes on in sports during the month of March. The weather is amazing, some places. The foods of the season flourish and we have more locally grown tastes available for our palate. The wine is poppin'.
It's March Madness and all around a good time, especially here on California's Central Coast.

It's championship weekend, and it's hard not to root root root for my alma mater, Syracuse. I'm still a fan and always will be. Those out there who think I can't do my job if I root for teams or players are WWWWWRRRRRRONG, as Greg Brady once struggled to say.

I am a fan, or I wouldn't even be here in this position. I am objective, but admittedly unobjective at times. I'll continue to have my teams, pull for them and cheer. That doesn't mean I can't have opinions about other teams. Man, people sure do find a bunch of time wasted on criticizing others 'fandome.' I will be the type of fan I want to be, you be the type you'd like to be and so on. I won't judge you, you don't judge me, capiche?

Enjoy March people, and get ready for The CJ Silas Show debuting March 31st at 7am pacific time on ESPN Radio 1280am!!!

You want to be a part of the only local weekend sports talk show on the Central Coast, email me cj@thecjsilasshow.com.

Woot Woot!!!

The CJ Silas Show, coming back to ESPN Radio...

February 29th comes only once every four years. I think that means something. What better time to take a chance, risk nothing and finally, finally be my own boss?

'These are the times that try men's (women's) souls.'

Thank you Thomas Paine...

Focus CJ, focus, I tell myself.
Make it right, make it great, make it the best.
First time for everything, CJ.
It's about time, your own show. You own it, you program it, you produce it, you create the guest list and you make it the best radio show possible.

I keep saying this stuff to myself hoping it will sink in. It's like manifesting a positive in a world full of negative. I will not succumb to the pressures of the outside world. I will make my own dream a reality this time!!! No relying on others, no one to answer to, just me, my producers and my shows partners! Yeah baby!

If you want to get involved, this is your chance, we're moments away from the debut...email my staff at cj@thecjsilasshow.com.

Woot Woot!

My new show is right around the corner...

I find all of my time is spent getting ready for the new show. Picking my music, booking the guests, connecting with partners/sponsors, hiring producers, and building the show team. I find the best part so far is having the courage to do my own thing for the first time ever. I have spent over 20 years working for other people, networks, program directors, station managers, etc. Now, I'm doing it on my own.

What will I talk about? Whatever I want. What will motivate me and stimulate my conversation...my mind! If I want to talk about the NBA, I will. If I want to talk about MLB, I will. If I want to talk about Roller Derby, I will. If I taste some good wine, I'll tell you about it. If I eat some delicious food, I'll share that with you too. If I see a beautiful Central Coast view, I'll describe it to you. If I go on an incredible hike, I'll take you with me. This is going to ROCK!!!

I'll be focusing on local sports or significant national stories that energize me and my imagination. I'll be on ESPN, I owe it to my sponsors to stay true and stick with sports, but life happens too! If it seems interesting to me, you'll hear about it.

I'm coming baaaaaaaaack to ESPN, after nearly four years.

I hope you're ready to get your CJ Silas groove on!!!

New Website up and running...Woot Woot!!!!

www.thecjsilasshow.com

OMGoddess. It's happening, my first ever show and website all my own. More to follow on the new show. Stay tuned and follow the excitement of my first time radio show by MYSELF!!!

Yes, it's only taken 22+ years, yes, that's true, I have never had my very own show EVER in my life! This is going to be so cool and I sure hope you'll make an appointment to listen beginning in March!

Follow me on Twitter @cjsilas.
Find me on Facebook....CjSilas.
'Like' my new show 'The CJ Silas Show' on Facebook too!

Hard Cover First Printing SOLD OUT!!!

Wow, cool things to come, including new sports radio show on ESPN begins next month!!! Details coming later...

No more hard cover editions of No Girls Allowed: The Jock & Jill Mentality of Sports Broadcasting.

Second printing spring.

OMGoddess!!!

Life can sure be challenging...

Wow, the highs and lows in life can really exhaust me at times. I'm planning a big announcement on March 1st, something, really, really cool. I'm pumped up about. I'm putting all my energy into this project. For the first time in my life I am doing something on my own, something I've never done before. It's scary, but it's sure exciting too. If I put all of my focus and attention on forward movement it will work to my advantage, I know it. Life gives us what we ask for and what we work towards. This is going to be a good year full of success and progress. I just need to make it happen, for myself!!!

If you're still looking for No Girls Allowed: The Jock & Jill Mentality of Sports Broadcasting you can email me directly...radiocj@aol.com. The first printing is sold out, we expect the second printing to be available in spring. Woot Woot!!!

Books, Books and more Books!!!

***No Girls Allowed: The Jock & Jill Mentality of Sports Broadcasting***

Hello there folks...more books on the way. I will have a small number of books and am taking orders now. I'll be doing a book signing in Seattle on March 4th. After that I will be out of books again. I will have less than 100 total.

So, what I'm saying is...if you want a hard cover, signed copy, message me, call me, or email me asap!

Can't find the book???

If you've gotten lost looking for my book No Girls Allowed: The Jock & Jill Mentality of Sports Broadcasting...please, don't fret, don't give up, just email me asap @ radiocj@aol.com. I assure you we're working on this. Be patient you'll get one as soon as we can straighten everything out with the publishing company.
Thanks for your interest, support and energy to buy the book.
We will be back soon!
2012 we will rock it!!!

2012...what will it look like, in my dreams...

My book will become a best seller.
I will be back on the radio.
I will kick ass with my roller derby sisters of CAL SK8 Roller Derby!
My dog will recover from her current injury to get back on the hiking trails with me.
My family members who are battling health issues will improve.
My friends going through grief and sadness will make it through to the better part of 2012.
My boyfriend will feel my deep love and I'll feel his...EVERYDAY, even the tough days!!!
All of those in difficult financial times will find recovery, not just hope for it.
The economy will improve so that all people can attain a better place, mentally as well as financially.
Cal Poly Baseball will have a winning season, maybe even get to the World Series in Omaha, and win the Big West.
I will buy a house for the first time in my life.
I will not use my credit cards much at all.
I will see my mom more often.
I will hug my nieces and nephews a thousand times this year.
I will be a better friend.
My friends will feel the love I have for them, deeply.
My east coast peeps will all get together and have some laughs.
I'll get a chance to see far away friends.
My sister Stacy in New Zealand will still be there when I visit.

Remind yourselves if we don't dream, the dreams cannot come true. So dream big, and dream hard!!!