All of these people make my job interesting and worth doing. Sometimes I think I should just quit and devote myself to helping the poor or sick...or maybe I should go back into reporting news, you know, hurricanes and tax hikes and stuff that “really matters”... and then I read your e-mails and realize I’m right where I’m supposed to be.

For space and focus, I have edited them down some. And I after each e-mail I have posted my imagined response. Enjoy!

Hey Mike,
I enjoy watching your show....or Andy's show... and I make plans on Saturdays at 7:30 to be in the house to watch Carolina Traveler. Doesn't say much for my Saturday nights huh? Oh wait, I really did mean that as a compliment. I looked up the Carolina traveler web site and found that Day 831 journal... I appreciate your honesty. Refreshing! I think we all get too involved with our personal things and not so much in the things that can make a lasting impression. I have a 7 year old daughter who has suffered from severe seizures all her precious life. She can not talk, walk, sit, stand, or care for herself in any way. I have often said that I would give my life for hers, but instead she has given her life for me. She may not know it. By God's grace He has used this little girl to mold me and shape me into a better person. I'm not sure what my point is or really if I have one....but I'll say don't be too hard on yourself. God loves you as is. Hey, while you are at it pray for my little girl!
Thanks for the Carolina Traveler....see you on Saturday night!
Kristin L.

Kristin,
First of all, can we bottle your attitude and make all the whiners on earth drink it? Or can we make every one of those whiners spend a week with you? Make them walk in your shoes for even 100 yards? You’re a gem.
Secondly, Andy LOVES you.
Lastly, it’s humbling to read your e-mail. You’ll notice I edited a lot out for this journal. Thank you for sharing your life with me (us). I’m honored to entertain you and provide some comic relief.
You and “Q” are in my prayers,
Mike

Hi, Mike,
I've been meaning to drop you a line.
Recently Carol Channing came through a Security Checkpoint here in Charlotte Douglas International Airport. I went up to speak to her and she was very friendly and said how nice people in our area have been to her. I wanted you to know that she mentioned you specifically saying that you where the best person that has ever interviewed her! "What a nice young man!" Her husband agreed.
My husband and I enjoy the Carolina Traveler, keep up the good work.
Take care Mike,
Chris S.

Chris,
That’s hilarious!
I have never interviewed Carol Channing. No idea who she really meant. And her husband? What a go-along. “Yes dear. He was very nice. Whatever you say, lamb chop. Now can you please raise my allowance?”
Nevertheless, I’m so glad you e-mailed. It is true about the nice people in the Carolinas. We are the finest.
I hope we’ve met at the airport and if not I’m sure we will at some point… Some checkpoint that is. Whew! Funny stuff. I’m killing myself here!
Anyway, tell your own lamb chop I said hi,
Mike

Hi Mike,
You are doing one great job, keep it up my friend.
Would you like to do a Carolina Traveler story on India? Please tell me if you like to visit India. Maybe I might be able to visit with you guys too. You can do a story on The Taj Mahal and Ganges River. Bombay (Mumbai) Goa, etc. Reply to me if you’re interested… I'm from India which will help you for Traveling in India. I speak their language too.
Ken S

Ken,
I don’t know what to say. I’m baffled.
Wait! You must have seen my special from the Winter Olympics in Italy and figured I go all over the world. Am I right? That’s it isn’t it?
Has to be.
Okay then. I’ll get a hold of you when the Winter Olympics are held in India (that’s the only event for which my 12 bosses let me leave the Carolinas).
Until then, my friend, be well,
Mike

Mike,
I’m glad you came down to the Carolinas! This is the first time that this 55 year old has ever written a celebrity like yourself. I'm a paper mill worker (electrician) for thirty seven years (other than two years Uncle Sam needed me when I turned 20). My name is Jock. That’s right Jock! Like jockstrap. I've been teased all my life.
I’m just glad you do your show. I look forward to seeing it. You make me laugh.
I just read your bio and I could tell you were raised right.
I can't tell you which show was my favorite. I like them all. I guess most of your shows are about regular people. THANK YOU for making me smile!
I'd like to see you do a show on WWII vets… the way you and Andy do them. My Dad is one. He had two tours in Europe. He was a Chief Warrant Officer W4 (back then there were more Generals than Warrant Officers). Warrant Officers, know everything, just ask one! Anyway I love him… I reckon he's my hero… all of them vets are! He's still a hell of a man. Mom died back 2000, and he loved her. But he’s still going at 88… he's got a 63 year old lady friend (thank the Lord for her). He's a hell of a man, just ask him!
Thank you again… the wife and I Love your show!
Jock W.

Jock,
You are hilarious! I feel like we just had a beer together. My dad was a WWII vet as well. It’s refreshing to hear a grown man talk about his father the way you do.
You’re a good egg,
Mike

How about that? No one gets the kind of e-mail we get here at Carolina Traveler Intergalactic Headquarters (CTIH). NO ONE! Good Stuff.

Okay, I gotta get back to writing the next prime-time show… scheduled to air this coming Monday night at 8 PM!

That’s MONDAY, JUNE 19 AT 8!

Don’t forget to stop and smell the people,

Mike Redding