Alright, everyone, let’s get something off my chest: I’ve been dubbed a local celebrity for years, and I absolutely hate it. Yes, you heard me right! I’m not the next big star; I’m just a guy who talks on the radio. Ever since I took over the morning gig, I’ve heard the phrase “You’re a local celebrity now” more times than I can count. It’s a little ironic considering I’ve been doing the radio thing for the same company for 20 years. But apparently, hosting the morning show is all it takes for folks to start treating me like I’m on par with Hollywood A-listers. Spoiler alert: it’s not as glamorous as it sounds.

So, what does it even mean to be a local celebrity? If you’re expecting fame to come with red carpets, fancy parties, and fans chasing you down the street for autographs, think again. My version of “celebrity” involves people stopping me in the grocery store with comments like, “Hey, aren’t you that guy I hear while I’m stuck in traffic?” or “You’re the one who distracts me from my morning commute!” Sure, it’s nice to be recognized, but it’s not exactly winning me any awards or securing my spot on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

What really cracks me up is how some people treat the title of local celebrity like it’s the ultimate achievement. You know the type—those folks who strut around town, completely convinced they’re the hottest thing since sliced bread. They genuinely believe they’re famous just because they made an appearance in the local paper or won “Best Smile” in a community newsletter. Meanwhile, the rest of us are just trying to decide whether to order the double cheeseburger or stick to a salad.

And let’s be real: no one is lining up for my autograph. I can’t walk into a store without someone saying, “Hey, you’re that radio guy!” It’s flattering, sure, but it’s not like I’m fending off hordes of fans. No paparazzi are catching my real moments, like that time I fell out of a barstool at The Curve Inn. Yes, that really happened, and trust me, I’m still cringing.

The best part of not being famous? I can stroll around town without worrying about tabloids snapping photos of me at my worst—like when I’m at the drive-thru, loudly asking for “extra extra extra cheese” on my burger. At the end of the day, I’m just Mikee, your friendly neighborhood radio voice, who sometimes gets recognized while standing awkwardly in the cereal aisle, trying to remember if I need Frosted Flakes or if I’m feeling adventurous with Fruit Loops.

So, to everyone who thinks my so-called local celebrity status is a big deal, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but let’s pump the brakes. I’m just a guy with a mic, trying to keep my own mom tuned in! And while I find it hilarious that some people genuinely believe they’re living the celebrity life, I assure you, the reality is much less glamorous.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to being your average guy who occasionally gets called a local celebrity—and honestly, I’d be perfectly fine if that title just faded away.

-Mikee-