Allow me to reintroduce myself: I'm Nick Wilson.
You may remember me from such wacky radio bits as "How is Nick Wilson Doing?" or various Twitter beefs.
Leaving 92.3 The Fan four years ago was one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make.
Years of chasing dreams, working opposite schedules from my wife and caring for a terminally ill family member left my family and myself in a fragile state. We needed time together to heal.
Those four years flew by in a flash. They were filled with plenty of great memories but some tough lessons too.
I learned exactly how much work goes into losing over 100 lbs and keeping it off. Turns out eating everything in sight isn’t a sound nutritional plan.
The pandemic made it impossible to come home for 15 months.
I learned exactly how far 550 miles away is during that time. We lost a few friends and family members. We had to learn how to grieve eight hours away from everyone we loved.
I’ve gained a new appreciation for how rare and special the Cleveland sports community is too. I know what it’s like to be the outsider who sees everyone you know celebrate the Browns first playoff win since ‘95. I’m only a little thankful I missed out on the Guardians name change discussions. (Go G-Men!)
I’ve learned a lot professionally as well. It’s easier to enjoy my job now and I understand how to be a better teammate too. I think you’ll also hear a guy who is a little bit better at his job now.
In leaving Cleveland, I knew I had to accept I might never come home again. This station is loaded with talent and the opportunities are few and far between. For four years, I pretty much ignored and compartmentalized those worries and feelings.
You can’t run forever though.
That reality hit me hard the Friday afternoon in May after I guest hosted with Dustin.
I heard from my old friends, you the listeners. People who supported my career when I was a raw, fragile goober. I heard from my old friends at the station too. People I grew up with professionally.
I sat in the apartment after the show processing the day and I felt an unexpected thing…grief.
“That could be the last time I ever host on 92.3 The Fan,” I remember thinking. I drowned my sorrows with Danny Boys pizza and more than a few Elliot Ness lagers. (I didn’t even bother to look at the Uber Eats charges…I was in a glass case of emotion dammit!)
My time away from Cleveland has also given me special appreciation of how truly dynamic and talented the 92.3 The Fan staff is. I’ve listened, like you, as a fan for four years.
Afternoons on Cleveland radio are hallowed ground. Scanning the dial through the ages will have you coming up with radio royalty.
One such name is Dustin Fox. He’s more than just an Ohio State legend and former NFL player. I’m eager to work with Dustin to build this show into something new and fun.
Keith Britton and Dave Spano are two of the most experienced people in the building and it’s unbelievable that I get to work with these two again.
Beyond the talent I get to work with in afternoons, I truly believe this is the best lineup from mornings to nights in all of America and it’s in our hometown.
Andy Roth, Tom Herschel and Dave Popovich are the finest radio bosses I’ve ever had. I could say more nice things but I worry they’ll remind me of it later.
I knew if I were to ever come home, it had to be the right situation: The right station, the right cohost, and the right people around me.
That’s the situation I’m fortunate enough to be walking into.
I promise I’m not going to take that for granted.
Some days you aren’t going to agree with me. Some days you might yell at your radio or Audacy app because of me.
Just know we are going to have a lot of fun. My passion for Cleveland and Cleveland sports hasn’t changed. My ability to make fun of everything and everyone (including myself) hasn’t changed.
I can’t wait to be back at a Browns tailgate. I can’t wait to share the things I’ve learned being away and celebrate the next Cleveland championship whenever it comes.
I’m thrilled, humbled and honored to be joining Dustin, Keith & Dave every afternoon on 92.3 The Fan.
Let’s get to work.