Great Day Radio
Welcome to Great Day Radio! We are your fun and upbeat podcast we have great music, celebrity interviews, and much more!
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Great Day Radio
Finding Resilience Through Music: DJ Mikey D's Journey from Adversity to Healing
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 2:Thank you for tuning in to Great Day Radio. I am your host, dj DeMarie. On this show, I will be interviewing our very own DJ Mikey D. This is a long overdue interview, as I wanted to create a tribute interview about our veterans. Having spoke to DJ Mikey D about his life journey while in the military and before the military, I was mesmerized about his life journey. We will start the interview right after a word about our supporters and sponsors. This is DJ D Marie, and I want to take this time to talk about an organization called the Other Side Academy in Denver, colorado.
Speaker 2:The Other Side Academy is a residential program that is free to men and women who have hit rock bottom and are ready to make a positive change in their life. This is a little over a two-year commitment that provides peer-taught life skills, vocational training such as cooking, admin skills and much more. According to Alyssa Garcia and Managing Director Lola Strong, their goals is to help those who are broken among us, whose lives are filled with crime, substance abuse and homelessness. The organization's model is we Save Lives by Changing Behaviors. The Other Side Academy is a non-profit organization. Find out how you can help contribute to their cause. Call 303-335-9488. That number again is 303-335-9488. Or visit their website at theothersideacademycom.
Speaker 2:Thank you all for showing your support and sharing the love To continue to give you great discussions and great music. Please continue to support our sponsors. Visit greatdayradiocom and learn how you can be a sponsor to any of our podcast shows, radio mixes or discussions, or call toll-free 1-800-674-9313. That number again is 800-674-9313. Thank you all for your support. We have another great set of cool music, from country rock, old school hip hop to smooth rhythm and blues and much, much more. Welcome back, as promised. You all know him it's our very own DJ Mikey D, better known as DJ Michael Anthony.
Speaker 1:How are you? What is good? My party peeps I am doing okay. I have to admit I am a little nervous to open up about my time in the military. I rarely share that part of my life and rarely discuss my childhood. At the same time, though, I hope my message reaches folks that don't quite know our struggles and maybe misconceptions they may have. So thank you for you taking interest in my life story, the struggles I deal with daily. Oh, by the way, congrats to you for taking over the smooth jazz at Midnight Shift coming up soon.
Speaker 2:Thank you, yes, I am excited to bring on the smooth jazz and slow jamming rhythm and blues. So let's jump right into the interview First. As you mentioned, you rarely talk about your life and your time in the military. Would you mind sharing with the audience about your childhood? Where do you come from originally and where do you call home?
Speaker 1:Oh, I see you want to go way back. The place that is near and dear to my heart is the San Francisco Bay Area. Yes, I truly left my heart in San Francisco. I was born in Springfield, illinois. However, my father was a traveler, so wherever he laid his hat was our home. Much like that song, papa Was a Rolling Stone. That was my life, growing up with a single father. As a kid, I lived in places like Boston, philly, new York City, new Jersey, seattle, minneapolis, just to name a few.
Speaker 2:Wow, very exciting as a kid moving around a lot. How did that impact your life then and now as an adult?
Speaker 1:Great question. There were many challenges as a kid. It was hard on me because there were never any stability. For example, I changed schools, never had stable friendships, often did not know where we would sleep or eat as we bounced around homeless shelter from town to town. While I was resentful as a child, growing up, I eventually embraced it as it made me resilient and adaptable to life changes. In those journeys I learned a lot about different cultures, embraced differences in people and learned to be open-minded.
Speaker 2:Wow, I see now why you have such an amazing outlook on life as an adult. When I was information gathering with you to prepare for this interview, you had touched on some rather personal trauma that happened in your life as a child. Do you still feel comfortable sharing?
Speaker 1:Comfortable, no, but I know the trauma that I went through. If spoken, may just help others understand and perhaps give someone who has experienced what I had gone through a voice of understanding the challenges of being a kid of a single father. I would often be left with various people to watch over me while my father would go to work or out trying to find work. In several of those instances I was a victim of child molestation from family members and what deemed close friends to my father. Those were some dark days for me. There were many times I just did not want to live. It impacted me profoundly until adulthood. It impacted my trust in relationships and people overall.
Speaker 2:I am so sorry. I know how difficult it is to talk about what you endured. It just makes me angry that adults robs children of their innocence and often are not punished for their crimes. Like I said, I know it was difficult to bring this up. However, I thank you for bringing that trauma that happened to you to the surface, since there are other adults and children that are still to this day are struggling with life. Having knowing you today, it fascinates me struggling with life. Having knowing you today, it fascinates me that, with all that you have dealt with, you remain resilient, optimistic and a very happy-go-lucky guy. Did you seek counseling? How did your father handle that as you became a young adult?
Speaker 1:Thank you, dj DeMarie, for the compliments. One thing that I say helped me through the trauma is my passion for music. It was my therapy, I'm sure many of you can relate. Back then I learned to isolate myself, 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.
Speaker 1:As for my father knowing, I tried conveying what I was dealing with as a child to my father. However, he would conclude it as a child with an imagination. He is what I describe now as being in denial. It was not until I was well into my adulthood that I approached him. However, by the time I came direct with him, I had already processed those traumas and was comfortable within myself to talk about what had happened to me as a child announce their sexual preference. It was at that time it was discovered the same family member that posed harm to me did the same to my sibling as a child. That was difficult to process.
Speaker 1:As for seeking counseling as a young adult, I never engaged any sort of therapy. As I mentioned, I would often get overly involved into the music life. I had a passion for the art of being a DJ while in middle school. I did DJ work up until I was 18 years old. At that time I tried joining the Marines. However, it was short-lived as I could not hang with the PT program. I did manage to get myself in the Army right after high school and served for three years. In that time I did get some therapy for anger issues, but never for the child molestation that happened to me.
Speaker 2:The more I hear your survival story growing up, the more I am amazed at the person you have become and the person you are today. I know how emotional you are about discussing this topic and I know how difficult it is for you to relive those traumas. Again, thank you for your willingness and trust to discuss it with me. I don't want to make this interview about that trauma, because I know how emotional it is for you, for those kids and adults who are or who have experienced what you went through. What message would you like to convey to them?
Speaker 1: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 someone who has survived an experience that is profoundly difficult to discuss. As a child, I was subjected to child molestation, an ordeal that leaves a mark on the soul that words can seldom express. For a long time, I wore a cloak of shame and silence, feeling isolated in my pain. I mistakenly believed that speaking out would only highlight my vulnerability and would not change the past. However, the weight of silence became a burden too heavy to bear, and I realized that the secret I was protecting was not mine to keep. It was a weight placed upon me without my consent, and I no longer wish to carry it. I want to tell you now that your voice is a powerful tool, and advocating for yourself is not just an act of courage but a step towards healing. We often fear judgment or disbelief, but in truth, our stories can pave the way for understanding and change.
Speaker 1:Your experience does not define you, and you are not alone. There is an entire community of survivors and allies out there, waiting to offer support, empathy and strength. Perhaps the most crucial insight I can share is this. Do not be ashamed. The shame belongs to the perpetrators, never to the victims. The internal scars we carry are not signs of weakness, but of our resilience and our ability to overcome the unthinkable. There is nothing shameful about seeking justice or speaking your truth. There is nothing shameful about seeking therapy, finding solace in survivor's groups or simply reaching out to a trusted friend.
Speaker 1:I encourage you to embrace the fullness of who you are, to love yourself in the face of what happened and to stand up for the life you deserve one free of guilt and full of potential. Know your rights, advocate for your needs and never hesitate to reach out for professional assistance. If you're not ready to speak out, that's okay too. Healing is personal and it's a path you must take at your own pace. But remember, claiming your story and your right to a happy, healthy life is a powerful act of self-love. Together, we can dismantle the stigma and the silence. We can create a world where children are safer and where survivors are supported and believed. Let's stand in solidarity to ensure the next generation feels empowered to advocate for themselves With empathy and support. I am here for you too, my friends.
Speaker 2:Oh my gosh, I am tearing up. That was a very empowering message. Thank you again, dj Mikey D, for sharing that part of your life. I know we kind of strayed from discussing in more detail about your military life. Are you up for continuing this interview? Also, I am hoping time allows us to talk about your broadcast experience and add some career highlights, like who you have met and any other stories you would like to discuss regarding your life journey.
Speaker 1:You are welcome. Yes, we did stray a bit, but I feel good. This is the first time that I am able to bring front and center how, being a victim of child molestation, I feel there is a lot of weight I have been carrying on my shoulders, so thank you for bringing this out in me. You know, what is interesting is that my father was a social worker for a few decades. Career-wise, I shunned away from the idea of becoming a social worker, not sure why. However, I realize just now that I have a voice and passion for helping others, just like my father. I think that is what drew me back into the Army. It was then I found my calling to being a better leader and mentor.
Speaker 2:Thank you for all your courage and being okay with continuing this interview. I know discussing your childhood traumas was difficult and emotional. However, I know your message will far reach beyond this podcast. Since you mentioned returning back to the Army, what guided your return to serve the people of the United States and what year did you return to the Army? What guided your return to serve the people of the United States and what year did you return to the Army?
Speaker 1:DJ DeMarie, I can't say enough. Thank you for being great at listening and, most of all, encouraging me to talk about my childhood nightmares. So for the Army, I returned back in late 2006 as an Army Reserve soldier. What motivated me to return to service was brought on by what happened to our nation on September 11, 2001. I recall that dreaded morning, the unbelievable events that unfolded, and all I can think then was I needed to be involved. While it was a dream and whisper, I did not imagine making my return a few years afterwards.
Speaker 1:Nevertheless, once I went through the military entry process, I deployed almost immediately to the Middle East. The first deployment was a three month support mission with 82nd Airborne, then a long 18 month tour with 1st Maneuver Enhanced Brigade out of Fort Polk, louisiana, and 101st Airborne. Once I returned back to the States from those deployments, I had orders to deploy out of Fort Carson, colorado, with 2nd Infantry Division to Afghanistan for a second time at that point. Since then, I have had multiple other tour of duties up until late 2017. It was then I was forced to medically retire. During my multiple campaigns, I had sustained a number of injuries that had taken a toll on my body.
Speaker 2:Wow, dj Mikey D, you are so brave. Thank you for standing up when so many did not or could not in time of war. You had mentioned previously your time in the 90s of being in the Army. Not to date, you but have to ask were you involved in the Gulf War back then? Also, with the time you have in service overall, how has it affected your mental being up to this point? And lastly, since you've been out of the military, what has been the challenges you have experienced with being a disabled veteran?
Speaker 1:That is a loaded list of questions. Let's see the Gulf War. I did train and I was supposed to go on a tour back then. However, I never made it. Just before I was slated to deploy, I was shot multiple times during a robbery attempt in the streets of San Francisco. Since I was a reserve army private and, quite honestly, was not a very disciplined soldier, I was let go from the army as the military was downsizing.
Speaker 1: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 the first time I joined it definitely took a mental toll when I returned in 2006. From that time on, every deployment took a piece of me, mentally and physically. On my first Afghanistan tour of duty, I lost several dozen of my close comrades. To top it off, we kept having extended tours and suffered more losses. After that war I was very withdrawn from everything and everybody. I was explosively angry, very depressed. It was so bad. The army, within months of my return, designated me with severe PTSD. It was then I started getting counseling. I would say that it was then that I started tackling my childhood traumas as well, although I was making breakthroughs mentally in good old military fashion. I received orders to move to Fort Carson to a soon-to-be-deployed unit, to save time since I already mentioned the units I deployed with. Because of the rapid deployments, I never made a full breakthrough with dealing with the many issues and emotions that has compiled on me.
Speaker 1:For those who don't know, as a soldier, when you do what we do in time of war and since the first time you enter the military, you are never the same person. We learn isolation. We learn to bottle up our emotions because we have lives to save or lives to protect. In any of those situations, we rarely put ourselves first. When we exit the military and expect to function normally, it is easier said than done. For me. There is not.
Speaker 1:A day goes by I think about my military family whom I lost in war. I often have hidden cries and heartache. There are many times I feel guilty. I did not die with them. With that being said, what I have taken away with my time in service is resiliency. Not only have I been pounded with training, but I have learned to focus that same training onto my soldiers in a way to help them better understand that they do not have to bottle it in. Unfortunately I have lost so many more army family to suicide post-military. It further saddens me and adds another layer of depression for me, but I manage to get by sometimes. Wow, this interview is so emotional. What I am telling you I rarely voice it. I think it is important that I do so to hopefully it impacts a change in another soldier's life. Okay, you asked about challenges. Yes, there is and has been many obstacles since being out.
Speaker 2:DJ Mikey D. I know this is hard to discuss and I know it is very hard emotionally to relive what you have experienced. I am okay with talking about other, happier life experiences. Do you need a break?
Speaker 1:Thank you for your concern. No, I am okay. I think it is important to share my experiences and life traumas. I think life is too short and every day is not promised. With that and, as I mentioned, I hope my experience and personal challenges can affect someone who is going through or has gone through similar traumas. I hope my voice helps them seek help should they want it. I hope it can remind them to be resilient and that they can cry or have emotions. I hope my voice remind them they have support and it is okay to ask for help.
Speaker 1:Okay, back to the interview questions. You asked about challenges. Since being out, I have had challenges seeking some jobs in my school-trained industry. I have had interviews that asked unlawful questions, such as if I had PTSD or how do I deal with certain scenarios that would cause emotional distress, positions and titles I had no passion for or desire to work. Other challenges is the behavior of everyday citizens. It's a challenge because so many people disrespect veterans. They take for granted what we have sacrificed to keep the threats across the seas. It hurts, but I, we veterans, move on.
Speaker 2:Wow, that is so sad and hurtful to hear. We citizens that could not or did not step up to the plate to fight the wars owe so much gratitude to you all. Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything you and other veterans have done for us. Okay, on to a more happier round of interview questions. Having getting to know you, I can tell you are in your happy place when you discuss your life as a DJ and broadcaster. I think you may have mentioned earlier how long have you been in your happy place when you discuss your life as a DJ and broadcaster. I think you may have mentioned earlier how long have you been in the DJ and broadcasting industry. Also, what inspired you to get involved in the entertainment industry.
Speaker 1:DJ DeMarie, thank you for the gratitude. It is much appreciated. One final thought about what we have done as military veterans. I volunteered, as so many recent veterans have done in my time. The true gratitude should be with the Vietnam and prior war veterans, with the Vietnam vets. Many of them were forgotten about, disrespected. Many citizens back then were drafted to fight our wars. They deserve so much better from us in America. Okay, on to my DJ career.
Speaker 1:I started my DJ career as early as 14 years old. Prior to that I was responsible for breaking plenty of needles on my dad's record player. I would say overall I have over 30 years as a DJ entertainer. When I was 14, in middle school, I used to play for school parties. I would visit radio stations and hang out admiring what on-air DJs did. In fact, I recall I used to do for school parties. I would visit radio stations and hang out admiring what on-air DJs did. In fact, I recall I used to do that as early as grade school when I lived in Minneapolis and Seattle. I got a break while in high school in San Francisco to intern for a few radio stations. That was a blast.
Speaker 1:My inspirations for the industry, I suppose, goes back to childhood. I recall when I was very young watching family members gigging in the jazz, blues and funk genres. My father would often take me to the speakeasy or concerts. Oftentimes the artist or band would let me play with their instruments. That was very fascinating. My mom too was into music. She was partially blind when I was a few years old. However, she was a music enthusiast. She collected old records. She would play them loud and often 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 the truckers and do dedications. Unfortunately, mom and dad divorced. However, the lasting impression my mom left on me for the being a DJ truly inspired me.
Speaker 2:Ah, so touching. You don't talk about your mom much, so thank you for sharing. You mentioned in the buildup of this interview that you have some famous people who are artists in your family. Do you care to mention them? You also mentioned you lived in the same neighborhood with a well-known hip-hop artist. Would you care to share who that artist is?
Speaker 1:My mom. She has passed away of breast cancer. When I returned to the army when I was in training, I did not know she passed until weeks later. It has always been painful to talk about her without being emotional. We were estranged prior to me coming back into the army.
Speaker 1:Famous family members yes, I do. Blues singer Coco Taylor is my godmother. Very beautiful lady. She used to take me out to blues 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 my dad's side. If you don't know, morris is from Springfield, illinois too.
Speaker 1:Ironically, I did not discover that he was my cousin until I became a radio DJ. It was at a dive bar in San Francisco where he was performing. As we were talking, I recall reminiscing on a time I met him in Springfield as a child when he was with a local funk band. In his surprise, he asked me who my family was. It was then we discovered that we were related through marriages in the family. Small world right To that. Yes, I also lived in the same neighborhood as the late great Tupac while living in Marin City, california, when I was 17. In fact, I met his mom and sister before meeting Pak at a Nation of Islam meeting at the local rec center. Me and Pak hit it off as friends right away. At the time we both claimed New York as our home. He at the time even called himself MC New York. Life happened so fast for him and me in our paths to fame. I can still reminisce the times in the jungle, as we called it back then, freestyling and making beats Great times indeed. Pac was a great friend and is truly missed. Life's journeys are amazing beginnings. Another artist I had a chance to encounter was Sir Mix-A-Lot and his entire crew at the time while living in Seattle. That is where I was truly inspired to someday becoming a radio DJ, as I would often head over to KFOX Radio to hang out. I am happy to say I still remain friends with some of those pioneers in the industry, such as Nasty Ness Rodriguez. A big shout out and prayers to Nastiness as he is experiencing some health issues.
Speaker 1:Ironically, in my earlier journeys with my dad prior to Seattle, I used to live in Minneapolis in the early 80s. It was there I met the pioneers of the now Minneapolis sound. Yes, that included Prince. I met Prince when I was around 9 or 10 years old. In fact, when I met him I always thought that was a made-up name. I recall living in Southside Minneapolis. I remember on the weekends he would have jam-out sessions and Prince would be there. I was fond of the guitar. I remember Prince showing me how to play. I quickly fell out of interest as my fingertips hurt often Now. Keep in mind in 1981, he was known for his one album, so he was not as popular as he is today. In fact, for those who are from Minneapolis, during those times Prince would walk the neighborhoods like anyone else.
Speaker 1:Minneapolis in the 80s were amazing. I had a chance to watch parts of Purple Rain get made In a roundabout way. I ran into many of these artists of Minneapolis while starting my career in San Francisco Again, small world. While starting my career in San Francisco Again, small world an amazing journey. I thank my father for making me a part of the many journeys he took me on. I truly miss him today.
Speaker 2:Oh my gosh, in my short time in the industry, I have not been that fortunate to meet all those whom you encountered in life.
Speaker 2:What an amazing time I have had conducting this interview With all that you have done in your life the military life, the celebrity life, the broadcasting life.
Speaker 2:You are so humble and I have such a free personality. I thank you so much for you feeling comfortable allowing me to probe into your life. I know we discussed a lot of emotional 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 to our audience? Oh my gosh, in my short time in the industry, I have not been that fortunate to meet all those whom you encountered in life. What an amazing time I have had conducting this interview With all that you have done in your life the military life, the celebrity life, the broadcasting life. You are so humble and have such a free personality about yourself. I thank you so much for you feeling comfortable allowing me to probe into your life. I know we discussed a lot of emotional topics that was tragic and uneasy for you to bring up. Before we end this interview, do you have?
Speaker 1:any advice or something you want to convey to our audience. Dj DeMarie, you are an amazing broadcaster and journalist. I have been asked throughout my adult life to tell my story. Until we started talking and me getting to know you, I felt very much at ease to do so. Thank you for that. I believe I have given enough advice on the issues at hand that haunted me throughout my growing up into adulthood. If anything, I would remind people that is experiencing hardship similar to mine that it's okay to ask for help, do know you are not alone in your struggles and to take care of yourself before it is too late. Somewhere on greatdayradiocom there is a phone number. Please feel free to call me. Should you need someone to talk to, I am here for you. Thank you for tuning into our program. If this or any other show we have produced touched you, be sure to share the love to someone that may need to hear a perspective. We are wishing you all much love.
