Bert Weiss — Unplugged & Free To Navigate
• Last Friday, a morning show tradition for thousands of listeners nationwide came to an end, as Bert Weiss, host of the Westwood One-syndicated The Bert Show, based at Cumulus Media’s WWWQ (Q99.7)/Atlanta, signed off — on his terms — after 25 successful years and turned his attention to the next exciting chapters of his life. Watch his final sign-off HERE
Over the weekend, we exchanged emails. Bert, already well into “what’s next” mode, checked in from his hometown of San Diego, en route to New Zealand for some long overdue R&R. “I’m at total peace with the decision,” Bert tells RAMP. “Anybody that does personality radio knows your content antenna is up all the time. I’m ready to live my life authentically without feeling performative. Over 25 years we really did something special. When you’re in it, you don’t necessarily realize the impact you’re having But, more than anything else, we galvanized a city to help each other out for 25 years. We gave them connection and escape from their lives when they needed it. It’s been nice to finally be able to sit with that realization. I’m so super proud of what everybody in that studio accomplished.”
He added, “There have been times the last week I didn’t feel like this was my life. Governor Kemp called in to thank us for what we’ve done for Georgia. Atlanta Mayor Dickins surprised me in the studio with a thankful proclamation from the city of Atlanta. Literally thousands of messages from Bert Show listeners.”
Bert’s New Chapter Begins
Naturally, with the end of The Bert Show comes questions as to the future status of his talented castmates, as many of the show’s affiliates are already signing replacement programming. “I’m super encouraged by some of the exciting opportunities that they are working on,” Bert said. “Not much is confirmed yet, so their paths aren’t my story to tell yet. But lots happening. Cassie and Keity from my staff are following me over to my podcasting network, Pionaire, and will be focusing more on helping out there. And Bert’s Big Adventurewill continue. In fact, Cumulus is continuing to allow me to promote and do Bert’s Big Adventure shows from Disney on Q99.7.”
Looking ahead, Bert noted, “I’m planning on traveling A LOT. This is the first time in my life I have no time constraints. I’ve worked for 42 years of my life. 40 in radio. Two at Taco Bell. LOL. I’m heading to New Zealand for a month. I could never travel like that before this. I’m getting married in March then honeymooning in Italy. China? Japan? Iceland? The Northern Lights? All have been on my travel bucket list. Now it’s reality. I am ABSOLUTELY sure I’ll get my hands dirty in something. Maybe a travel podcast. My fiancé Amanda and I are talking about doing a travel group.”
In closing, Bert remarked, “I’m writing this to you as the sun is coming up in front of me in San Diego. Feels like a new chapter in a lot of ways, my dude. Thanks for reaching out. I have always appreciated your support.”
