You have an advantage over me. You see me and Andy all the time… tooling around the Carolinas. You know what we look like, sound like, you hear us laugh, even get to know our moods.

When I read e-mails from viewers I try to imagine the person writing it. Sometimes it’s from a kid, sometimes a dad, sometimes a college age gal. I get them from every type of person in every walk of life.

One dad told me he and his 12-year-old daughter have a deal: (I love this one) if she behaves in church, he lets her watch my show. I laughed so hard when I read that people stared at me from across the room. If Jesus were in it he’d roll over in his grave.

A mom wrote and told me her kids badger her to watch the show every Saturday night. Go kids! The next e-mail is from a grandmother who never misses a night.

And then some 20-something wants to know if I’m married.
Below are three e-mails which paint a picture of just how varied the Carolina Traveler audience is, and the different reasons people watch:

Hi,
I just wanted to let you know that tonight was my first time watching your show, and I enjoyed most of it. I am 20 years old, and I hardly ever watch the news, but then I saw your show and I thought that I should watch it. I am happy that I did. The only part that I did not like was the children with the Violins. But other then that it was great. Also I liked you. I think that you are a really handsome man. Well to me you are very cute and sexy. Thank you for taking your time and reading this email.
Dear Stephanie,
I’m glad someone finally agrees with me. I am very, very sexy.
You pal,
Mike

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Dear Mike, I just wanted to take a minute and tell you that your show is awesome. I watch it every chance I get. I really enjoy your interaction with the people you are interviewing. Your sense of humor is great! Thanks for making us aware of the stuff right in our own backyard! It is amazing what is right here in the Carolinas that we don't know that much about! Thanks again, Wes

Dear Wes,
My favorite e-mails are from men secure enough to say “Hey, I like your show!” Proof that not all of us men are simple-minded, hyper-competitive, Neanderthals.
Grunt,
Mike

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Dear Mike and Andy,
I want to write and thank you. I had to move my father here from Texas a year ago because of medical problems. He was very unhappy about leaving where he lived for a good part of his life. He was a TV junkie and had to find new shows to watch. I told him about your show and that it would be a good way for him to learn about North and South Carolina. He could not wait for your show to come on, and then he would laugh and say “that Mike is a character”. There were several places he would have liked to visit but his health would not allow him. Thank you for providing him a way to see the country without traveling, and thank you for making the Saturday nights of the last five months of his life enjoyable. I always think of him and smile when I watch you. Keep up the good work.
Vickie

Dear Vickie,
Every e-mail where people tell you they like the work you do is great to read. But yours stunned me. And Andy too. We happened to read it while we were in the office together and we looked at each other stupefied. And not our usual stupefied look. This one was more shock. Sometimes you never know how what you’re doing today at work might touch some other person you don’t even know. It’s that whole “It’s a Wonderful Life” concept. That’s my favorite movie because it reminds me how each life touches so many other lives every day. Andy and I have enjoyable jobs. But it amazes me how others perceive what we do. As for you and her father, I don’t know what to say except how grateful we are that she said something. I wish I could have met him.
Thank you,
Mike

Oh, and Stephanie, I’m married and extremely happy. Same for you Wes.

Okay, I have to run.

Don’t forget to stop and smell the people,

Mike Redding