Things have been absolutely crazy lately—both behind the scenes and off the air. While you’ve been hearing me every night, what you don’t see is all the moving parts, planning, and late nights that go into keeping the show rolling and growing. It’s been a wild ride, but one I’m so thankful for.

I’ve been pouring a lot of energy into making Nights With Ventura the best it can possibly be. The response to the show has been amazing, and it fires me up to keep creating something you’ll love tuning into. I can’t say too much yet, but I’ve got some exciting things cooking—like a brand-new Nights With Ventura app that will make it easier than ever to connect with the show no matter where you are.

On top of that, I’ve been having a blast hosting my other project, the Ventura Behind The Mic podcast—where I pull back the curtain and share stories, insights, and some of my favorite moments in radio. And if that wasn’t enough, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be launching a Christian podcast very soon. This one is close to my heart, and I can’t wait to share it with you when the time is right.

Now, looking ahead… next week is already shaping up to be another jam-packed one. Believe it or not, the team and I are already starting to prep for the holidays. I know, I know—it feels way too early to be talking about Christmas. But in radio, planning starts months before the holiday magic hits the air. There are playlists to craft, imaging to record, and of course our annual Secret Santa program to organize.

That said, I don’t want to rush past the fun that’s right in front of us. First up is Halloween, and I’m excited to see all the costumes, candy, and creepy tunes come alive on the airwaves. After we get our fill of pumpkins and spooky vibes, then we’ll be ready to flip the switch into Christmas mode—when the lights, music, and traditions bring out that festive spirit we all wait for every year.

So buckle up—it’s going to be a busy season, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thanks for being part of this journey with me. There’s so much more to come, and I can’t wait to share every step with you.

• Ventura Smalley