DJ Robert Drake

An average person crosses paths with tens of thousands of people in their lifespan. Some more, some less. Of those thousands upon thousands of bodies that step in and out of your world, only a select number leave any lasting impression.

In fall of 1986 I was at a major turning point in my life, having abandoned everything I knew as a young adult by leaving Center City Philly and retreating to the vast, anonymous area known as The Great Northeast. 

I moved away to end one chapter and, thus, begin another. The problem was I had no idea where I was heading or what I would do next. I picked up a passionless gig as a night manager of a Wawa and cocooned myself in a small apartment overlooking the nonstop traffic of Roosevelt Boulevard when not at work.

I escaped my self-imposed exile with music - my collection of vinyl and my radio. I listened faithfully to stations like WXPN … to feed my desire for unique and different sounds.

A year later, the fall of 1987, I listened as WXPN debuted a program, Kids America, originating out of New York City. The show was designed for children but I enjoyed the creativity that it forced its young fans to have; use your imagination! It was hosted by a perky voice that was both charming and soothing. I instantly became a fan and listened whenever possible.

A few months later - the show was cancelled and in its place were announcements asking for volunteers to help WXPN create a local version of the now-cancelled national kids program.

Not having any direction in my life, I volunteered to help out.

I met the host of this new project; the charming, soothing voice that I had enjoyed months earlier - Kathy O’Connell. It was that day - Tuesday, January 5, 1988 - that my life’s destiny was being forged.

Of course, I had no clue at the time - no one did - that my life’s path was being paved. But the fact is, had I not met Kathy, I would not, today, be calling WXPN home for the past twenty-four years. I would not have established myself as an award-winning radio producer and host. I would not have been able to explore my love for all things New Wave the way I have, what with Land Of The Lost and even my personal projects like Sex Dwarf.

With the success of Kids Corner, my internal faith grew and allowed me to once -again believe in myself - which led to dozens of creative side projects over the decades.

I would not have met some incredible people, both professionally and personally; people who have helped shape, develop and mold me into the man I am today.

None of this would have happened to me - had it not been for Kathy and that fateful January evening in 1988.

Today Kathy celebrates her birthday.

And, although I am lucky to have a nice circle of friends, a life partner and an envious network of contacts - - I am most grateful to have Kathy.

Kathy jokes that I take care of everything else so she’s able to be who she is. Fact is, it goes both ways.

I’m able to be who I am because of Kathy O’Connell.

Much love Kathy - and Happy Birthday!