Raised in a blue-collar family and expected to follow the safe path of factory work, our guest spent years wrestling with the weight of other people’s stories—until everything fell apart. At 32, facing heartbreak and depression, and considering ending it all, he made a bold decision to leave behind the life he’d settled for and chased his true passion: broadcasting.

In this deeply honest conversation, he shares how growing up in a working-class neighborhood shaped his beliefs, why it took him decades to break free from limiting expectations, and how a painful divorce became the catalyst for reinvention. From his first steps into a radio booth to eventually producing and anchoring TV news and winning Emmy Awards. This is a story about starting over when the world says it’s too late, and about finding your voice no matter where you begin.

If you’ve ever felt trapped by your upbringing or doubted it was possible to change course, this episode will remind you that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and write a new story.

Earth Monster is the storytelling podcast that uncovers the real stories and biggest ideas that shape our lives. Subscribe for more episodes that celebrate the messy, beautiful journey of being human.

You can find Bob Dlugos' book "Last Words of the Famous and Infamous" available on Amazon.