December 24, 2024 • 26 mins
What if resilience in the face of adversity could be found through the rhythm of music and the strength of community? Join us for an unforgettable conversation with DJ Mikey D, also known as DJ Michael Anthony, as he courageously opens up about his tumultuous childhood and the healing power of music. Raised by a single father amid constant moves and the shadows of homelessness, Mikey shares the deep scars left by personal trauma, including abuse from those he trusted. Despite the darkness, his story glows with hope, showcasing how his passion for DJing became a sanctuary and a catalyst for healing. This episode is a tribute to those who have faced similar challenges and a beacon of hope for overcoming them.
Our exploration doesn't stop there. We journey into Mikey's life as a military veteran, where the battlefield left marks not only on his body but also on his soul. Facing the emotional weight of PTSD and the harsh realities of reintegrating into civilian life, he offers an unfiltered look at the struggles and discrimination faced by veterans. Yet, through these trials, Mikey’s narrative is one of resilience and transformation. The second half of the episode introduces DJ DeMarie, painting a picture of a life steeped in musical legacy, from spinning records at 14 to sharing stages with legends like Tupac and Prince. Together, Mikey and DeMarie's stories form a powerful testament to the healing and transformative power of music, encouraging listeners to find their own paths to fulfillment and support.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
You are listening to the.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
People Station on GreatDayRadiocom.
Thank you for tuning in to GreatDay Radio.
I am your host, dj DeMarie.
On this show, I will beinterviewing our very own DJ
Mikey D.
This is a long overdueinterview, as I wanted to create
a tribute interview about ourveterans.
Having spoke to DJ Mikey Dabout his life journey while in
(00:24):
the military and before themilitary, I was mesmerized about
his life journey.
We will start the interviewright after a word about our
supporters and sponsors.
This is DJ D Marie, and I wantto take this time to talk about
an organization called the OtherSide Academy in Denver,
colorado.
The Other Side Academy is aresidential program that is free
(00:44):
to men and women who have hitrock bottom and are ready to
make a positive change in theirlife.
This is a little over atwo-year commitment that
provides peer-taught life skills, vocational training such as
cooking, admin skills and muchmore.
According to Alyssa Garcia andManaging Director Lola Strong,
(01:04):
their goals is to help those whoare broken among us, whose
lives are filled with crime,substance abuse and homelessness
.
The organization's model is weSave Lives by Changing Behaviors
.
The Other Side Academy is anon-profit organization.
Find out how you can helpcontribute to their cause.
Call 303-335-9488.
(01:25):
That number again is303-335-9488.
Or visit their website attheothersideacademycom.
Thank you all for showing yoursupport and sharing the love To
continue to give you greatdiscussions and great music.
Please continue to support oursponsors.
Visit greatdayradiocom andlearn how you can be a sponsor
(01:46):
to any of our podcast shows,radio mixes or discussions, or
call toll-free 1-800-674-9313.
That number again is800-674-9313.
Thank you all for your support.
We have another great set ofcool music, from country rock,
old school hip hop to smoothrhythm and blues and much, much
(02:08):
more.
Welcome back, as promised.
You all know him it's our veryown DJ Mikey D, better known as
DJ Michael Anthony.
Speaker 1 (02:15):
How are you?
What is good?
My party peeps I am doing okay.
I have to admit I am a littlenervous to open up about my time
in the military.
I rarely share that part of mylife and rarely discuss my
childhood.
At the same time, though, Ihope my message reaches folks
that don't quite know ourstruggles and maybe
misconceptions they may have.
(02:36):
So thank you for you takinginterest in my life story, the
struggles I deal with daily.
Oh, by the way, congrats to youfor taking over the smooth jazz
at Midnight Shift coming upsoon.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
Thank you, yes, I am excited to bring on the smooth
jazz and slow jamming rhythm andblues.
So let's jump right into theinterview First.
As you mentioned, you rarelytalk about your life and your
time in the military.
Would you mind sharing with theaudience about your childhood?
Where do you come fromoriginally and where do you call
home?
Speaker 1 (03:10):
Oh, I see you want to go way back.
The place that is near and dearto my heart is the San
Francisco Bay Area.
Yes, I truly left my heart inSan Francisco.
I was born in Springfield,illinois.
However, my father was atraveler, so wherever he laid
his hat was our home.
Much like that song, papa Was aRolling Stone.
That was my life, growing upwith a single father.
(03:31):
As a kid, I lived in placeslike Boston, philly, new York
City, new Jersey, seattle,minneapolis, just to name a few.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
Wow, very exciting as a kid moving around a lot.
How did that impact your lifethen and now as an adult?
Speaker 1 (03:45):
Great question.
There were many challenges as akid.
It was hard on me because therewere never any stability.
For example, I changed schools,never had stable friendships,
often did not know where wewould sleep or eat as we bounced
around homeless shelter fromtown to town.
While I was resentful as achild, growing up, I eventually
(04:07):
embraced it as it made meresilient and adaptable to life
changes.
In those journeys I learned alot about different cultures,
embraced differences in peopleand learned to be open-minded.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
Wow, I see now why you have such an amazing outlook
on life as an adult.
When I was informationgathering with you to prepare
for this interview, you hadtouched on some rather personal
trauma that happened in yourlife as a child.
Do you still feel comfortablesharing?
Speaker 1 (04:35):
Comfortable, no, but I know the trauma that I went
through.
If spoken, may just help othersunderstand and perhaps give
someone who has experienced whatI had gone through a voice of
understanding the challenges ofbeing a kid of a single father.
I would often be left withvarious people to watch over me
while my father would go to workor out trying to find work.
(04:57):
In several of those instances Iwas a victim of child
molestation from family membersand what deemed close friends to
my father.
Those were some dark days forme.
There were many times I justdid not want to live.
It impacted me profoundly untiladulthood.
It impacted my trust inrelationships and people overall
(05:17):
.
Speaker 2 (05:18):
I am so sorry.
I know how difficult it is totalk about what you endured.
It just makes me angry thatadults robs children of their
innocence and often are notpunished for their crimes.
Like I said, I know it wasdifficult to bring this up.
However, I thank you forbringing that trauma that
happened to you to the surface,since there are other adults and
(05:39):
children that are still to thisday are struggling with life.
Having knowing you today, itfascinates me struggling with
life.
Having knowing you today, itfascinates me that, with all
that you have dealt with, youremain resilient, optimistic and
a very happy-go-lucky guy.
Did you seek counseling?
How did your father handle thatas you became a young adult?
Speaker 1 (05:59):
Thank you, dj DeMarie , for the compliments.
One thing that I say helped methrough the trauma is my passion
for music.
It was my therapy, I'm suremany of you can relate.
Back then I learned to isolatemyself, so that helped me cope
with the traumas.
I faced them as it does today.
I was angry for a while.
I learned to bottle it all in.
(06:21):
As for my father knowing, Itried conveying what I was
dealing with as a child to myfather.
However, he would conclude itas a child with an imagination.
He is what I describe now asbeing in denial.
It was not until I was wellinto my adulthood that I
approached him.
However, by the time I camedirect with him, I had already
(06:41):
processed those traumas and wascomfortable within myself to
talk about what had happened tome as a child announce their
sexual preference.
It was at that time it wasdiscovered the same family
member that posed harm to me didthe same to my sibling as a
(07:02):
child.
That was difficult to process.
As for seeking counseling as ayoung adult, I never engaged any
sort of therapy.
As I mentioned, I would oftenget overly involved into the
music life.
I had a passion for the art ofbeing a DJ while in middle
school.
I did DJ work up until I was 18years old.
At that time I tried joiningthe Marines.
(07:23):
However, it was short-lived asI could not hang with the PT
program.
I did manage to get myself inthe Army right after high school
and served for three years.
In that time I did get sometherapy for anger issues, but
never for the child molestationthat happened to me.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
The more I hear your survival story growing up, the
more I am amazed at the personyou have become and the person
you are today.
I know how emotional you areabout discussing this topic and
I know how difficult it is foryou to relive those traumas.
Again, thank you for yourwillingness and trust to discuss
it with me.
I don't want to make thisinterview about that trauma,
(08:04):
because I know how emotional itis for you, for those kids and
adults who are or who haveexperienced what you went
through.
What message would you like toconvey to them?
Speaker 1 (08:15):
I am reaching out to you today not just as someone
who has lived a regular life,with its regular triumphs and
tributes, but also as someonewho has survived an experience
that is profoundly difficult todiscuss.
As a child, I was subjected tochild molestation, an ordeal
that leaves a mark on the soulthat words can seldom express.
For a long time, I wore a cloakof shame and silence, feeling
(08:39):
isolated in my pain.
I mistakenly believed thatspeaking out would only
highlight my vulnerability andwould not change the past.
However, the weight of silencebecame a burden too heavy to
bear, and I realized that thesecret I was protecting was not
mine to keep.
It was a weight placed upon mewithout my consent, and I no
longer wish to carry it.
(09:00):
I want to tell you now thatyour voice is a powerful tool,
and advocating for yourself isnot just an act of courage but a
step towards healing.
We often fear judgment ordisbelief, but in truth, our
stories can pave the way forunderstanding and change.
Your experience does not defineyou, and you are not alone.
There is an entire community ofsurvivors and allies out there,
(09:24):
waiting to offer support,empathy and strength.
Perhaps the most crucialinsight I can share is this.
Do not be ashamed.
The shame belongs to theperpetrators, never to the
victims.
The internal scars we carry arenot signs of weakness, but of
our resilience and our abilityto overcome the unthinkable.
There is nothing shameful aboutseeking justice or speaking
(09:47):
your truth.
There is nothing shameful aboutseeking therapy, finding solace
in survivor's groups or simplyreaching out to a trusted friend
.
I encourage you to embrace thefullness of who you are, to love
yourself in the face of whathappened and to stand up for the
life you deserve one free ofguilt and full of potential.
Know your rights, advocate foryour needs and never hesitate to
(10:12):
reach out for professionalassistance.
If you're not ready to speakout, that's okay too.
Healing is personal and it's apath you must take at your own
pace.
But remember, claiming yourstory and your right to a happy,
healthy life is a powerful actof self-love.
Together, we can dismantle thestigma and the silence.
We can create a world wherechildren are safer and where
(10:35):
survivors are supported andbelieved.
Let's stand in solidarity toensure the next generation feels
empowered to advocate forthemselves With empathy and
support.
I am here for you too, myfriends.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
Oh my gosh, I am tearing up.
That was a very empoweringmessage.
Thank you again, dj Mikey D,for sharing that part of your
life.
I know we kind of strayed fromdiscussing in more detail about
your military life.
Are you up for continuing thisinterview?
Also, I am hoping time allowsus to talk about your broadcast
experience and add some careerhighlights, like who you have
(11:11):
met and any other stories youwould like to discuss regarding
your life journey.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
You are welcome.
Yes, we did stray a bit, but Ifeel good.
This is the first time that Iam able to bring front and
center how, being a victim ofchild molestation, I feel there
is a lot of weight I have beencarrying on my shoulders, so
thank you for bringing this outin me.
You know, what is interestingis that my father was a social
worker for a few decades.
(11:36):
Career-wise, I shunned awayfrom the idea of becoming a
social worker, not sure why.
However, I realize just nowthat I have a voice and passion
for helping others, just like myfather.
I think that is what drew meback into the Army.
It was then I found my callingto being a better leader and
mentor.
Speaker 2 (11:57):
Thank you for all your courage and being okay with
continuing this interview.
I know discussing yourchildhood traumas was difficult
and emotional.
However, I know your messagewill far reach beyond this
podcast.
Since you mentioned returningback to the Army, what guided
your return to serve the peopleof the United States and what
year did you return to the Army?
(12:18):
What guided your return toserve the people of the United
States and what year did youreturn to the Army?
Speaker 1 (12:20):
DJ DeMarie, I can't say enough.
Thank you for being great atlistening and, most of all,
encouraging me to talk about mychildhood nightmares.
So for the Army, I returnedback in late 2006 as an Army
Reserve soldier.
What motivated me to return toservice was brought on by what
happened to our nation onSeptember 11, 2001.
(12:42):
I recall that dreaded morning,the unbelievable events that
unfolded, and all I can thinkthen was I needed to be involved
.
While it was a dream andwhisper, I did not imagine
making my return a few yearsafterwards.
Nevertheless, once I wentthrough the military entry
process, I deployed almostimmediately to the Middle East.
(13:03):
The first deployment was athree month support mission with
82nd Airborne, then a long 18month tour with 1st Maneuver
Enhanced Brigade out of FortPolk, louisiana, and 101st
Airborne.
Once I returned back to theStates from those deployments, I
had orders to deploy out ofFort Carson, colorado, with 2nd
Infantry Division to Afghanistanfor a second time at that point
(13:26):
.
Since then, I have had multipleother tour of duties up until
late 2017.
It was then I was forced tomedically retire.
During my multiple campaigns, Ihad sustained a number of
injuries that had taken a tollon my body.
Speaker 2 (13:42):
Wow, dj Mikey D, you are so brave.
Thank you for standing up whenso many did not or could not in
time of war.
You had mentioned previouslyyour time in the 90s of being in
the Army.
Not to date, you but have toask were you involved in the
Gulf War back then?
Also, with the time you have inservice overall, how has it
(14:02):
affected your mental being up tothis point?
And lastly, since you've beenout of the military, what has
been the challenges you haveexperienced with being a
disabled veteran?
Speaker 1 (14:13):
That is a loaded list of questions.
Let's see the Gulf War.
I did train and I was supposedto go on a tour back then.
However, I never made it.
Just before I was slated todeploy, I was shot multiple
times during a robbery attemptin the streets of San Francisco.
Since I was a reserve armyprivate and, quite honestly, was
(14:33):
not a very disciplined soldier,I was let go from the army as
the military was downsizing.
Since the Gulf War ended so fast, has my time in service
affected my mental state?
Great question.
I don't think so much, as thefirst time I joined it
definitely took a mental tollwhen I returned in 2006.
From that time on, everydeployment took a piece of me,
(14:55):
mentally and physically.
On my first Afghanistan tour ofduty, I lost several dozen of
my close comrades.
To top it off, we kept havingextended tours and suffered more
losses.
After that war I was verywithdrawn from everything and
everybody.
I was explosively angry, verydepressed.
It was so bad.
(15:15):
The army, within months of myreturn, designated me with
severe PTSD.
It was then I started gettingcounseling.
I would say that it was thenthat I started tackling my
childhood traumas as well,although I was making
breakthroughs mentally in goodold military fashion.
I received orders to move toFort Carson to a
soon-to-be-deployed unit, tosave time since I already
(15:38):
mentioned the units I deployedwith.
Because of the rapiddeployments, I never made a full
breakthrough with dealing withthe many issues and emotions
that has compiled on me.
For those who don't know, as asoldier, when you do what we do
in time of war and since thefirst time you enter the
military, you are never the sameperson.
We learn isolation.
(15:59):
We learn to bottle up ouremotions because we have lives
to save or lives to protect.
In any of those situations, werarely put ourselves first.
When we exit the military andexpect to function normally, it
is easier said than done.
For me.
There is not.
A day goes by I think about mymilitary family whom I lost in
(16:19):
war.
I often have hidden cries andheartache.
There are many times I feelguilty.
I did not die with them.
With that being said, what Ihave taken away with my time in
service is resiliency.
Not only have I been poundedwith training, but I have
learned to focus that sametraining onto my soldiers in a
way to help them betterunderstand that they do not have
(16:40):
to bottle it in.
Unfortunately I have lost somany more army family to suicide
post-military.
It further saddens me and addsanother layer of depression for
me, but I manage to get bysometimes.
Wow, this interview is soemotional.
What I am telling you I rarelyvoice it.
I think it is important that Ido so to hopefully it impacts a
(17:02):
change in another soldier's life.
Okay, you asked aboutchallenges.
Yes, there is and has been manyobstacles since being out.
Speaker 2 (17:10):
DJ Mikey D.
I know this is hard to discussand I know it is very hard
emotionally to relive what youhave experienced.
I am okay with talking aboutother, happier life experiences.
Do you need a break?
Speaker 1 (17:23):
Thank you for your concern.
No, I am okay.
I think it is important toshare my experiences and life
traumas.
I think life is too short andevery day is not promised.
With that and, as I mentioned,I hope my experience and
personal challenges can affectsomeone who is going through or
has gone through similar traumas.
I hope my voice helps them seekhelp should they want it.
(17:47):
I hope it can remind them to beresilient and that they can cry
or have emotions.
I hope my voice remind themthey have support and it is okay
to ask for help.
Okay, back to the interviewquestions.
You asked about challenges.
Since being out, I have hadchallenges seeking some jobs in
my school-trained industry.
I have had interviews thatasked unlawful questions, such
(18:09):
as if I had PTSD or how do Ideal with certain scenarios that
would cause emotional distress,positions and titles I had no
passion for or desire to work.
Other challenges is thebehavior of everyday citizens.
It's a challenge because somany people disrespect veterans.
They take for granted what wehave sacrificed to keep the
(18:32):
threats across the seas.
It hurts, but I, we veterans,move on.
Speaker 2 (18:37):
Wow, that is so sad and hurtful to hear.
We citizens that could not ordid not step up to the plate to
fight the wars owe so muchgratitude to you all.
Thank you, thank you, thank youfor everything you and other
veterans have done for us.
Okay, on to a more happierround of interview questions.
Having getting to know you, Ican tell you are in your happy
(19:00):
place when you discuss your lifeas a DJ and broadcaster.
I think you may have mentionedearlier how long have you been
in your happy place when youdiscuss your life as a DJ and
broadcaster.
I think you may have mentionedearlier how long have you been
in the DJ and broadcastingindustry.
Also, what inspired you to getinvolved in the entertainment
industry.
Speaker 1 (19:14):
DJ DeMarie, thank you for the gratitude.
It is much appreciated.
One final thought about what wehave done as military veterans.
I volunteered, as so manyrecent veterans have done in my
time.
The true gratitude should bewith the Vietnam and prior war
veterans, with the Vietnam vets.
Many of them were forgottenabout, disrespected.
Many citizens back then weredrafted to fight our wars.
(19:36):
They deserve so much betterfrom us in America.
Okay, on to my DJ career.
I started my DJ career as earlyas 14 years old.
Prior to that I was responsiblefor breaking plenty of needles
on my dad's record player.
I would say overall I have over30 years as a DJ entertainer.
When I was 14, in middle school, I used to play for school
(20:00):
parties.
I would visit radio stationsand hang out admiring what
on-air DJs did.
In fact, I recall I used to dofor school parties.
I would visit radio stationsand hang out admiring what
on-air DJs did.
In fact, I recall I used to dothat as early as grade school
when I lived in Minneapolis andSeattle.
I got a break while in highschool in San Francisco to
intern for a few radio stations.
That was a blast.
My inspirations for the industry, I suppose, goes back to
(20:20):
childhood.
I recall when I was very youngwatching family members gigging
in the jazz, blues and funkgenres.
My father would often take meto the speakeasy or concerts.
Oftentimes the artist or bandwould let me play with their
instruments.
That was very fascinating.
My mom too was into music.
She was partially blind when Iwas a few years old.
(20:42):
However, she was a musicenthusiast.
She collected old records.
She would play them loud andoften it made her happy.
She had a passion for CB radios.
I remember her having a mixer,I think from Radio Shack.
She had the old school DJ setup.
She would air music for thetruckers and do dedications.
Unfortunately, mom and daddivorced.
(21:02):
However, the lasting impressionmy mom left on me for the being
a DJ truly inspired me.
Speaker 2 (21:09):
Ah, so touching.
You don't talk about your mommuch, so thank you for sharing.
You mentioned in the buildup ofthis interview that you have
some famous people who areartists in your family.
Do you care to mention them?
You also mentioned you lived inthe same neighborhood with a
well-known hip-hop artist.
Would you care to share whothat artist is?
Speaker 1 (21:31):
My mom.
She has passed away of breastcancer.
When I returned to the armywhen I was in training, I did
not know she passed until weekslater.
It has always been painful totalk about her without being
emotional.
We were estranged prior to mecoming back into the army.
Famous family members yes, I do.
Blues singer Coco Taylor is mygodmother.
(21:51):
Very beautiful lady.
She used to take me out toblues joints when she was
performing back in East St Louis, illinois, when my dad was
working.
The other artist is Morris Day.
He is my third cousin on mydad's side.
If you don't know, morris isfrom Springfield, illinois too.
Ironically, I did not discoverthat he was my cousin until I
(22:12):
became a radio DJ.
It was at a dive bar in SanFrancisco where he was
performing.
As we were talking, I recallreminiscing on a time I met him
in Springfield as a child whenhe was with a local funk band.
In his surprise, he asked mewho my family was.
It was then we discovered thatwe were related through
marriages in the family.
Small world right To that.
(22:35):
Yes, I also lived in the sameneighborhood as the late great
Tupac while living in Marin City, california, when I was 17.
In fact, I met his mom andsister before meeting Pak at a
Nation of Islam meeting at thelocal rec center.
Me and Pak hit it off asfriends right away.
At the time we both claimed NewYork as our home.
He at the time even calledhimself MC New York.
(22:58):
Life happened so fast for himand me in our paths to fame.
I can still reminisce the timesin the jungle, as we called it
back then, freestyling andmaking beats Great times indeed.
Pac was a great friend and istruly missed.
Life's journeys are amazingbeginnings.
(23:24):
Another artist I had a chanceto encounter was Sir Mix-A-Lot
and his entire crew at the timewhile living in Seattle.
That is where I was trulyinspired to someday becoming a
radio DJ, as I would often headover to KFOX Radio to hang out.
I am happy to say I stillremain friends with some of
those pioneers in the industry,such as Nasty Ness Rodriguez.
A big shout out and prayers toNastiness as he is experiencing
(23:45):
some health issues.
Ironically, in my earlierjourneys with my dad prior to
Seattle, I used to live inMinneapolis in the early 80s.
It was there I met the pioneersof the now Minneapolis sound.
Yes, that included Prince.
I met Prince when I was around9 or 10 years old.
In fact, when I met him Ialways thought that was a
(24:06):
made-up name.
I recall living in SouthsideMinneapolis.
I remember on the weekends hewould have jam-out sessions and
Prince would be there.
I was fond of the guitar.
I remember Prince showing mehow to play.
I quickly fell out of interestas my fingertips hurt often Now.
(24:39):
Keep in mind in 1981, he wasknown for his one album, so he
was not as popular as he istoday.
In fact, for those who are fromMinneapolis, during those times
Prince would walk theneighborhoods like anyone else.
Minneapolis in the 80s wereamazing.
I had a chance to watch partsof Purple Rain get made In a
roundabout way.
I ran into many of theseartists of Minneapolis while
(24:59):
starting my career in SanFrancisco Again, small world.
While starting my career in SanFrancisco Again, small world an
amazing journey.
I thank my father for making mea part of the many journeys he
took me on.
I truly miss him today.
Speaker 2 (25:11):
Oh my gosh, in my short time in the industry, I
have not been that fortunate tomeet all those whom you
encountered in life.
What an amazing time I have hadconducting this interview With
all that you have done in yourlife the military life, the
celebrity life, the broadcastinglife.
You are so humble and I havesuch a free personality.
(25:31):
I thank you so much for youfeeling comfortable allowing me
to probe into your life.
I know we discussed a lot ofemotional topics that was tragic
and uneasy for you to bring up.
Before we end this interview,do you have any advice or
something you want to convey toour audience?
Oh my gosh, in my short time inthe industry, I have not been
(25:56):
that fortunate to meet all thosewhom you encountered in life.
What an amazing time I have hadconducting this interview With
all that you have done in yourlife the military life, the
celebrity life, the broadcastinglife.
You are so humble and have sucha free personality about
yourself.
I thank you so much for youfeeling comfortable allowing me
to probe into your life.
I know we discussed a lot ofemotional topics that was tragic
(26:19):
and uneasy for you to bring up.
Before we end this interview,do you have?
Speaker 1 (26:28):
any advice or something you want to convey to
our audience.
Dj DeMarie, you are an amazingbroadcaster and journalist.
I have been asked throughout myadult life to tell my story.
Until we started talking and megetting to know you, I felt
very much at ease to do so.
Thank you for that.
I believe I have given enoughadvice on the issues at hand
that haunted me throughout mygrowing up into adulthood.
(26:48):
If anything, I would remindpeople that is experiencing
hardship similar to mine thatit's okay to ask for help, do
know you are not alone in yourstruggles and to take care of
yourself before it is too late.
Somewhere on greatdayradiocomthere is a phone number.
Please feel free to call me.
Should you need someone to talkto, I am here for you.
(27:11):
Thank you for tuning into ourprogram.
If this or any other show wehave produced touched you, be
sure to share the love tosomeone that may need to hear a
perspective.
We are wishing you all muchlove.
You are listening to the.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
People Station on GreatDayRadiocom.
Thank you for tuning in to GreatDay Radio.
I am your host, dj DeMarie.
On this show, I will beinterviewing our very own DJ
Mikey D.
This is a long overdueinterview, as I wanted to create
a tribute interview about ourveterans.
Having spoke to DJ Mikey Dabout his life journey while in
(00:24):
the military and before themilitary, I was mesmerized about
his life journey.
We will start the interviewright after a word about our
supporters and sponsors.
This is DJ D Marie, and I wantto take this time to talk about
an organization called the OtherSide Academy in Denver,
colorado.
The Other Side Academy is aresidential program that is free
(00:44):
to men and women who have hitrock bottom and are ready to
make a positive change in theirlife.
This is a little over atwo-year commitment that
provides peer-taught life skills, vocational training such as
cooking, admin skills and muchmore.
According to Alyssa Garcia andManaging Director Lola Strong,
(01:04):
their goals is to help those whoare broken among us, whose
lives are filled with crime,substance abuse and homelessness
.
The organization's model is weSave Lives by Changing Behaviors
.
The Other Side Academy is anon-profit organization.
Find out how you can helpcontribute to their cause.
Call 303-335-9488.
(01:25):
That number again is303-335-9488.
Or visit their website attheothersideacademycom.
Thank you all for showing yoursupport and sharing the love To
continue to give you greatdiscussions and great music.
Please continue to support oursponsors.
Visit greatdayradiocom andlearn how you can be a sponsor
(01:46):
to any of our podcast shows,radio mixes or discussions, or
call toll-free 1-800-674-9313.
That number again is800-674-9313.
Thank you all for your support.
We have another great set ofcool music, from country rock,
old school hip hop to smoothrhythm and blues and much, much
(02:08):
more.
Welcome back, as promised.
You all know him it's our veryown DJ Mikey D, better known as
DJ Michael Anthony.
Speaker 1 (02:15):
How are you?
What is good?
My party peeps I am doing okay.
I have to admit I am a littlenervous to open up about my time
in the military.
I rarely share that part of mylife and rarely discuss my
childhood.
At the same time, though, Ihope my message reaches folks
that don't quite know ourstruggles and maybe
misconceptions they may have.
(02:36):
So thank you for you takinginterest in my life story, the
struggles I deal with daily.
Oh, by the way, congrats to youfor taking over the smooth jazz
at Midnight Shift coming upsoon.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
Thank you, yes, I am excited to bring on the smooth
jazz and slow jamming rhythm andblues.
So let's jump right into theinterview First.
As you mentioned, you rarelytalk about your life and your
time in the military.
Would you mind sharing with theaudience about your childhood?
Where do you come fromoriginally and where do you call
home?
Speaker 1 (03:10):
Oh, I see you want to go way back.
The place that is near and dearto my heart is the San
Francisco Bay Area.
Yes, I truly left my heart inSan Francisco.
I was born in Springfield,illinois.
However, my father was atraveler, so wherever he laid
his hat was our home.
Much like that song, papa Was aRolling Stone.
That was my life, growing upwith a single father.
(03:31):
As a kid, I lived in placeslike Boston, philly, new York
City, new Jersey, seattle,minneapolis, just to name a few.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
Wow, very exciting as a kid moving around a lot.
How did that impact your lifethen and now as an adult?
Speaker 1 (03:45):
Great question.
There were many challenges as akid.
It was hard on me because therewere never any stability.
For example, I changed schools,never had stable friendships,
often did not know where wewould sleep or eat as we bounced
around homeless shelter fromtown to town.
While I was resentful as achild, growing up, I eventually
(04:07):
embraced it as it made meresilient and adaptable to life
changes.
In those journeys I learned alot about different cultures,
embraced differences in peopleand learned to be open-minded.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
Wow, I see now why you have such an amazing outlook
on life as an adult.
When I was informationgathering with you to prepare
for this interview, you hadtouched on some rather personal
trauma that happened in yourlife as a child.
Do you still feel comfortablesharing?
Speaker 1 (04:35):
Comfortable, no, but I know the trauma that I went
through.
If spoken, may just help othersunderstand and perhaps give
someone who has experienced whatI had gone through a voice of
understanding the challenges ofbeing a kid of a single father.
I would often be left withvarious people to watch over me
while my father would go to workor out trying to find work.
(04:57):
In several of those instances Iwas a victim of child
molestation from family membersand what deemed close friends to
my father.
Those were some dark days forme.
There were many times I justdid not want to live.
It impacted me profoundly untiladulthood.
It impacted my trust inrelationships and people overall
(05:17):
.
Speaker 2 (05:18):
I am so sorry.
I know how difficult it is totalk about what you endured.
It just makes me angry thatadults robs children of their
innocence and often are notpunished for their crimes.
Like I said, I know it wasdifficult to bring this up.
However, I thank you forbringing that trauma that
happened to you to the surface,since there are other adults and
(05:39):
children that are still to thisday are struggling with life.
Having knowing you today, itfascinates me struggling with
life.
Having knowing you today, itfascinates me that, with all
that you have dealt with, youremain resilient, optimistic and
a very happy-go-lucky guy.
Did you seek counseling?
How did your father handle thatas you became a young adult?
Speaker 1 (05:59):
Thank you, dj DeMarie , for the compliments.
One thing that I say helped methrough the trauma is my passion
for music.
It was my therapy, I'm suremany of you can relate.
Back then I learned to isolatemyself, so that helped me cope
with the traumas.
I faced them as it does today.
I was angry for a while.
I learned to bottle it all in.
(06:21):
As for my father knowing, Itried conveying what I was
dealing with as a child to myfather.
However, he would conclude itas a child with an imagination.
He is what I describe now asbeing in denial.
It was not until I was wellinto my adulthood that I
approached him.
However, by the time I camedirect with him, I had already
(06:41):
processed those traumas and wascomfortable within myself to
talk about what had happened tome as a child announce their
sexual preference.
It was at that time it wasdiscovered the same family
member that posed harm to me didthe same to my sibling as a
(07:02):
child.
That was difficult to process.
As for seeking counseling as ayoung adult, I never engaged any
sort of therapy.
As I mentioned, I would oftenget overly involved into the
music life.
I had a passion for the art ofbeing a DJ while in middle
school.
I did DJ work up until I was 18years old.
At that time I tried joiningthe Marines.
(07:23):
However, it was short-lived asI could not hang with the PT
program.
I did manage to get myself inthe Army right after high school
and served for three years.
In that time I did get sometherapy for anger issues, but
never for the child molestationthat happened to me.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
The more I hear your survival story growing up, the
more I am amazed at the personyou have become and the person
you are today.
I know how emotional you areabout discussing this topic and
I know how difficult it is foryou to relive those traumas.
Again, thank you for yourwillingness and trust to discuss
it with me.
I don't want to make thisinterview about that trauma,
(08:04):
because I know how emotional itis for you, for those kids and
adults who are or who haveexperienced what you went
through.
What message would you like toconvey to them?
Speaker 1 (08:15):
I am reaching out to you today not just as someone
who has lived a regular life,with its regular triumphs and
tributes, but also as someonewho has survived an experience
that is profoundly difficult todiscuss.
As a child, I was subjected tochild molestation, an ordeal
that leaves a mark on the soulthat words can seldom express.
For a long time, I wore a cloakof shame and silence, feeling
(08:39):
isolated in my pain.
I mistakenly believed thatspeaking out would only
highlight my vulnerability andwould not change the past.
However, the weight of silencebecame a burden too heavy to
bear, and I realized that thesecret I was protecting was not
mine to keep.
It was a weight placed upon mewithout my consent, and I no
longer wish to carry it.
(09:00):
I want to tell you now thatyour voice is a powerful tool,
and advocating for yourself isnot just an act of courage but a
step towards healing.
We often fear judgment ordisbelief, but in truth, our
stories can pave the way forunderstanding and change.
Your experience does not defineyou, and you are not alone.
There is an entire community ofsurvivors and allies out there,
(09:24):
waiting to offer support,empathy and strength.
Perhaps the most crucialinsight I can share is this.
Do not be ashamed.
The shame belongs to theperpetrators, never to the
victims.
The internal scars we carry arenot signs of weakness, but of
our resilience and our abilityto overcome the unthinkable.
There is nothing shameful aboutseeking justice or speaking
(09:47):
your truth.
There is nothing shameful aboutseeking therapy, finding solace
in survivor's groups or simplyreaching out to a trusted friend
.
I encourage you to embrace thefullness of who you are, to love
yourself in the face of whathappened and to stand up for the
life you deserve one free ofguilt and full of potential.
Know your rights, advocate foryour needs and never hesitate to
(10:12):
reach out for professionalassistance.
If you're not ready to speakout, that's okay too.
Healing is personal and it's apath you must take at your own
pace.
But remember, claiming yourstory and your right to a happy,
healthy life is a powerful actof self-love.
Together, we can dismantle thestigma and the silence.
We can create a world wherechildren are safer and where
(10:35):
survivors are supported andbelieved.
Let's stand in solidarity toensure the next generation feels
empowered to advocate forthemselves With empathy and
support.
I am here for you too, myfriends.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
Oh my gosh, I am tearing up.
That was a very empoweringmessage.
Thank you again, dj Mikey D,for sharing that part of your
life.
I know we kind of strayed fromdiscussing in more detail about
your military life.
Are you up for continuing thisinterview?
Also, I am hoping time allowsus to talk about your broadcast
experience and add some careerhighlights, like who you have
(11:11):
met and any other stories youwould like to discuss regarding
your life journey.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
You are welcome.
Yes, we did stray a bit, but Ifeel good.
This is the first time that Iam able to bring front and
center how, being a victim ofchild molestation, I feel there
is a lot of weight I have beencarrying on my shoulders, so
thank you for bringing this outin me.
You know, what is interestingis that my father was a social
worker for a few decades.
(11:36):
Career-wise, I shunned awayfrom the idea of becoming a
social worker, not sure why.
However, I realize just nowthat I have a voice and passion
for helping others, just like myfather.
I think that is what drew meback into the Army.
It was then I found my callingto being a better leader and
mentor.
Speaker 2 (11:57):
Thank you for all your courage and being okay with
continuing this interview.
I know discussing yourchildhood traumas was difficult
and emotional.
However, I know your messagewill far reach beyond this
podcast.
Since you mentioned returningback to the Army, what guided
your return to serve the peopleof the United States and what
year did you return to the Army?
(12:18):
What guided your return toserve the people of the United
States and what year did youreturn to the Army?
Speaker 1 (12:20):
DJ DeMarie, I can't say enough.
Thank you for being great atlistening and, most of all,
encouraging me to talk about mychildhood nightmares.
So for the Army, I returnedback in late 2006 as an Army
Reserve soldier.
What motivated me to return toservice was brought on by what
happened to our nation onSeptember 11, 2001.
(12:42):
I recall that dreaded morning,the unbelievable events that
unfolded, and all I can thinkthen was I needed to be involved
.
While it was a dream andwhisper, I did not imagine
making my return a few yearsafterwards.
Nevertheless, once I wentthrough the military entry
process, I deployed almostimmediately to the Middle East.
(13:03):
The first deployment was athree month support mission with
82nd Airborne, then a long 18month tour with 1st Maneuver
Enhanced Brigade out of FortPolk, louisiana, and 101st
Airborne.
Once I returned back to theStates from those deployments, I
had orders to deploy out ofFort Carson, colorado, with 2nd
Infantry Division to Afghanistanfor a second time at that point
(13:26):
.
Since then, I have had multipleother tour of duties up until
late 2017.
It was then I was forced tomedically retire.
During my multiple campaigns, Ihad sustained a number of
injuries that had taken a tollon my body.
Speaker 2 (13:42):
Wow, dj Mikey D, you are so brave.
Thank you for standing up whenso many did not or could not in
time of war.
You had mentioned previouslyyour time in the 90s of being in
the Army.
Not to date, you but have toask were you involved in the
Gulf War back then?
Also, with the time you have inservice overall, how has it
(14:02):
affected your mental being up tothis point?
And lastly, since you've beenout of the military, what has
been the challenges you haveexperienced with being a
disabled veteran?
Speaker 1 (14:13):
That is a loaded list of questions.
Let's see the Gulf War.
I did train and I was supposedto go on a tour back then.
However, I never made it.
Just before I was slated todeploy, I was shot multiple
times during a robbery attemptin the streets of San Francisco.
Since I was a reserve armyprivate and, quite honestly, was
(14:33):
not a very disciplined soldier,I was let go from the army as
the military was downsizing.
Since the Gulf War ended so fast, has my time in service
affected my mental state?
Great question.
I don't think so much, as thefirst time I joined it
definitely took a mental tollwhen I returned in 2006.
From that time on, everydeployment took a piece of me,
(14:55):
mentally and physically.
On my first Afghanistan tour ofduty, I lost several dozen of
my close comrades.
To top it off, we kept havingextended tours and suffered more
losses.
After that war I was verywithdrawn from everything and
everybody.
I was explosively angry, verydepressed.
It was so bad.
(15:15):
The army, within months of myreturn, designated me with
severe PTSD.
It was then I started gettingcounseling.
I would say that it was thenthat I started tackling my
childhood traumas as well,although I was making
breakthroughs mentally in goodold military fashion.
I received orders to move toFort Carson to a
soon-to-be-deployed unit, tosave time since I already
(15:38):
mentioned the units I deployedwith.
Because of the rapiddeployments, I never made a full
breakthrough with dealing withthe many issues and emotions
that has compiled on me.
For those who don't know, as asoldier, when you do what we do
in time of war and since thefirst time you enter the
military, you are never the sameperson.
We learn isolation.
(15:59):
We learn to bottle up ouremotions because we have lives
to save or lives to protect.
In any of those situations, werarely put ourselves first.
When we exit the military andexpect to function normally, it
is easier said than done.
For me.
There is not.
A day goes by I think about mymilitary family whom I lost in
(16:19):
war.
I often have hidden cries andheartache.
There are many times I feelguilty.
I did not die with them.
With that being said, what Ihave taken away with my time in
service is resiliency.
Not only have I been poundedwith training, but I have
learned to focus that sametraining onto my soldiers in a
way to help them betterunderstand that they do not have
(16:40):
to bottle it in.
Unfortunately I have lost somany more army family to suicide
post-military.
It further saddens me and addsanother layer of depression for
me, but I manage to get bysometimes.
Wow, this interview is soemotional.
What I am telling you I rarelyvoice it.
I think it is important that Ido so to hopefully it impacts a
(17:02):
change in another soldier's life.
Okay, you asked aboutchallenges.
Yes, there is and has been manyobstacles since being out.
Speaker 2 (17:10):
DJ Mikey D.
I know this is hard to discussand I know it is very hard
emotionally to relive what youhave experienced.
I am okay with talking aboutother, happier life experiences.
Do you need a break?
Speaker 1 (17:23):
Thank you for your concern.
No, I am okay.
I think it is important toshare my experiences and life
traumas.
I think life is too short andevery day is not promised.
With that and, as I mentioned,I hope my experience and
personal challenges can affectsomeone who is going through or
has gone through similar traumas.
I hope my voice helps them seekhelp should they want it.
(17:47):
I hope it can remind them to beresilient and that they can cry
or have emotions.
I hope my voice remind themthey have support and it is okay
to ask for help.
Okay, back to the interviewquestions.
You asked about challenges.
Since being out, I have hadchallenges seeking some jobs in
my school-trained industry.
I have had interviews thatasked unlawful questions, such
(18:09):
as if I had PTSD or how do Ideal with certain scenarios that
would cause emotional distress,positions and titles I had no
passion for or desire to work.
Other challenges is thebehavior of everyday citizens.
It's a challenge because somany people disrespect veterans.
They take for granted what wehave sacrificed to keep the
(18:32):
threats across the seas.
It hurts, but I, we veterans,move on.
Speaker 2 (18:37):
Wow, that is so sad and hurtful to hear.
We citizens that could not ordid not step up to the plate to
fight the wars owe so muchgratitude to you all.
Thank you, thank you, thank youfor everything you and other
veterans have done for us.
Okay, on to a more happierround of interview questions.
Having getting to know you, Ican tell you are in your happy
(19:00):
place when you discuss your lifeas a DJ and broadcaster.
I think you may have mentionedearlier how long have you been
in your happy place when youdiscuss your life as a DJ and
broadcaster.
I think you may have mentionedearlier how long have you been
in the DJ and broadcastingindustry.
Also, what inspired you to getinvolved in the entertainment
industry.
Speaker 1 (19:14):
DJ DeMarie, thank you for the gratitude.
It is much appreciated.
One final thought about what wehave done as military veterans.
I volunteered, as so manyrecent veterans have done in my
time.
The true gratitude should bewith the Vietnam and prior war
veterans, with the Vietnam vets.
Many of them were forgottenabout, disrespected.
Many citizens back then weredrafted to fight our wars.
(19:36):
They deserve so much betterfrom us in America.
Okay, on to my DJ career.
I started my DJ career as earlyas 14 years old.
Prior to that I was responsiblefor breaking plenty of needles
on my dad's record player.
I would say overall I have over30 years as a DJ entertainer.
When I was 14, in middle school, I used to play for school
(20:00):
parties.
I would visit radio stationsand hang out admiring what
on-air DJs did.
In fact, I recall I used to dofor school parties.
I would visit radio stationsand hang out admiring what
on-air DJs did.
In fact, I recall I used to dothat as early as grade school
when I lived in Minneapolis andSeattle.
I got a break while in highschool in San Francisco to
intern for a few radio stations.
That was a blast.
My inspirations for the industry, I suppose, goes back to
(20:20):
childhood.
I recall when I was very youngwatching family members gigging
in the jazz, blues and funkgenres.
My father would often take meto the speakeasy or concerts.
Oftentimes the artist or bandwould let me play with their
instruments.
That was very fascinating.
My mom too was into music.
She was partially blind when Iwas a few years old.
(20:42):
However, she was a musicenthusiast.
She collected old records.
She would play them loud andoften it made her happy.
She had a passion for CB radios.
I remember her having a mixer,I think from Radio Shack.
She had the old school DJ setup.
She would air music for thetruckers and do dedications.
Unfortunately, mom and daddivorced.
(21:02):
However, the lasting impressionmy mom left on me for the being
a DJ truly inspired me.
Speaker 2 (21:09):
Ah, so touching.
You don't talk about your mommuch, so thank you for sharing.
You mentioned in the buildup ofthis interview that you have
some famous people who areartists in your family.
Do you care to mention them?
You also mentioned you lived inthe same neighborhood with a
well-known hip-hop artist.
Would you care to share whothat artist is?
Speaker 1 (21:31):
My mom.
She has passed away of breastcancer.
When I returned to the armywhen I was in training, I did
not know she passed until weekslater.
It has always been painful totalk about her without being
emotional.
We were estranged prior to mecoming back into the army.
Famous family members yes, I do.
Blues singer Coco Taylor is mygodmother.
(21:51):
Very beautiful lady.
She used to take me out toblues joints when she was
performing back in East St Louis, illinois, when my dad was
working.
The other artist is Morris Day.
He is my third cousin on mydad's side.
If you don't know, morris isfrom Springfield, illinois too.
Ironically, I did not discoverthat he was my cousin until I
(22:12):
became a radio DJ.
It was at a dive bar in SanFrancisco where he was
performing.
As we were talking, I recallreminiscing on a time I met him
in Springfield as a child whenhe was with a local funk band.
In his surprise, he asked mewho my family was.
It was then we discovered thatwe were related through
marriages in the family.
Small world right To that.
(22:35):
Yes, I also lived in the sameneighborhood as the late great
Tupac while living in Marin City, california, when I was 17.
In fact, I met his mom andsister before meeting Pak at a
Nation of Islam meeting at thelocal rec center.
Me and Pak hit it off asfriends right away.
At the time we both claimed NewYork as our home.
He at the time even calledhimself MC New York.
(22:58):
Life happened so fast for himand me in our paths to fame.
I can still reminisce the timesin the jungle, as we called it
back then, freestyling andmaking beats Great times indeed.
Pac was a great friend and istruly missed.
Life's journeys are amazingbeginnings.
(23:24):
Another artist I had a chanceto encounter was Sir Mix-A-Lot
and his entire crew at the timewhile living in Seattle.
That is where I was trulyinspired to someday becoming a
radio DJ, as I would often headover to KFOX Radio to hang out.
I am happy to say I stillremain friends with some of
those pioneers in the industry,such as Nasty Ness Rodriguez.
A big shout out and prayers toNastiness as he is experiencing
(23:45):
some health issues.
Ironically, in my earlierjourneys with my dad prior to
Seattle, I used to live inMinneapolis in the early 80s.
It was there I met the pioneersof the now Minneapolis sound.
Yes, that included Prince.
I met Prince when I was around9 or 10 years old.
In fact, when I met him Ialways thought that was a
(24:06):
made-up name.
I recall living in SouthsideMinneapolis.
I remember on the weekends hewould have jam-out sessions and
Prince would be there.
I was fond of the guitar.
I remember Prince showing mehow to play.
I quickly fell out of interestas my fingertips hurt often Now.
(24:39):
Keep in mind in 1981, he wasknown for his one album, so he
was not as popular as he istoday.
In fact, for those who are fromMinneapolis, during those times
Prince would walk theneighborhoods like anyone else.
Minneapolis in the 80s wereamazing.
I had a chance to watch partsof Purple Rain get made In a
roundabout way.
I ran into many of theseartists of Minneapolis while
(24:59):
starting my career in SanFrancisco Again, small world.
While starting my career in SanFrancisco Again, small world an
amazing journey.
I thank my father for making mea part of the many journeys he
took me on.
I truly miss him today.
Speaker 2 (25:11):
Oh my gosh, in my short time in the industry, I
have not been that fortunate tomeet all those whom you
encountered in life.
What an amazing time I have hadconducting this interview With
all that you have done in yourlife the military life, the
celebrity life, the broadcastinglife.
You are so humble and I havesuch a free personality.
(25:31):
I thank you so much for youfeeling comfortable allowing me
to probe into your life.
I know we discussed a lot ofemotional topics that was tragic
and uneasy for you to bring up.
Before we end this interview,do you have any advice or
something you want to convey toour audience?
Oh my gosh, in my short time inthe industry, I have not been
(25:56):
that fortunate to meet all thosewhom you encountered in life.
What an amazing time I have hadconducting this interview With
all that you have done in yourlife the military life, the
celebrity life, the broadcastinglife.
You are so humble and have sucha free personality about
yourself.
I thank you so much for youfeeling comfortable allowing me
to probe into your life.
I know we discussed a lot ofemotional topics that was tragic
(26:19):
and uneasy for you to bring up.
Before we end this interview,do you have?
Speaker 1 (26:28):
any advice or something you want to convey to
our audience.
Dj DeMarie, you are an amazingbroadcaster and journalist.
I have been asked throughout myadult life to tell my story.
Until we started talking and megetting to know you, I felt
very much at ease to do so.
Thank you for that.
I believe I have given enoughadvice on the issues at hand
that haunted me throughout mygrowing up into adulthood.
(26:48):
If anything, I would remindpeople that is experiencing
hardship similar to mine thatit's okay to ask for help, do
know you are not alone in yourstruggles and to take care of
yourself before it is too late.
Somewhere on greatdayradiocomthere is a phone number.
Please feel free to call me.
Should you need someone to talkto, I am here for you.
(27:11):
Thank you for tuning into ourprogram.
If this or any other show wehave produced touched you, be
sure to share the love tosomeone that may need to hear a
perspective.
We are wishing you all muchlove.
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Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
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