John Richards

Good Morning and welcome to Music Heals: Beyond Cancer. "When times get rough You can fall back on us Don't give up..." See the video of Peter Gabriel and his co-vocalist Kate Bush: www.youtube.com Peter Gabriel said, “The catalyst for ‘Don’t Give Up’ was a photograph I saw by Dorothea Lange, inscribed ‘In This Proud Land’, which showed the dust-bowl conditions during the Great Depression in America. Without a climate of self-esteem it’s impossible to function”

Just.the.best. Keep running up that hill peeps.

John and Dr. Amy: Without fail, "Someone Great" always ends with me in tears, as I realized what the topic of the song was the same year I discovered KEXP and lost my Dad to cancer. No requests, but it is always therapeutic to tune in on this day. Every day, I hope I've made him proud trying to be a better person and a friend to the people who come into my life (or out-knowledge people about music). -Devon In Indy == Today is Music Heals: Beyond Cancer. Send your stories and songs to dj@kexp.org. Read why "Someone Great" may be the best song ever written about loss: bit.ly

Dear Friends, I’m writing this to you from the past, but by the time you read this it’ll be July 13 and the date of my last chemo appointment. I could be sitting in a chair right now, or I could be done and on my way home, or I could already be in bed. Along about Saturday night or Sunday morning the aftermath will hit and I won’t be able to get out of bed for a few days. But that’s okay, this is the last time I have to deal with the aftermath. Wednesday I’ll have to drag myself back to work while dealing with exhaustion. But that’s okay, this is the last time I have to deal with exhaustion. For the next week and a half everything I try to eat will taste like metal. But that’s okay, this is the last time I have to deal with a metal mouth. I’ve spent the last four months focusing on today, and it’s finally here. There’s more to come: immunotherapy treatments, surgery, radiation treatments but those will be easy compared to what I just finished. For anyone just starting out: Cancer f’n sucks, and you don’t f’n deserve this. But you’re gonna get through this. I’m gonna get through this. We’re doing it together. We are not alone. If it pleases the DJ, would you play my favorite Mountain Goats song: Up the Wolves because “There's gonna come a day when you'll feel better You'll rise up free and easy on that day And float from branch to branch, lighter than the air Just when that day is coming, who can say? Who can say?” Nothing but Love, Jane in Oregon

The Mountain Goats will be at the Woodland Park Zoo on Tuesday, August 8th, 2023.

Hi John - I wasn't sure if I should share this, because it's only subtly music-related. My daughter Phoebe was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 3. She/we fought it for 2+ years, until she passed away at 5-1/2. I relied on music heavily during that time -- especially KEXP, but don't have 1 particular artist or song...except this: one day at home, I put on my favorite album at the time -- Laura Vier's July Flame. Phoebe heard the first few notes and asked, "Is this Laura Viers?" She was 4 at the time. It warmed my heart so much that I remember it so clearly despite the hell I was in. Thanks for everything you do for this community. All the best, Caleb

Watch Nada Surf perform live at The Triple Door as part of KEXP's VIP Club Concert series in January 2020. Check out the full session, including "Always Love," here: youtu.be

John, Just to let you know I stream your show every morning from the UofA Hospital in Edmonton Alberta . To start the day, I open the stream and open the Webcam from the Seattle Needle website. And then work stuff…. I’m an Amplifier that wears the “You are not alone” Shirt at work. I daily carry the loss of my father (to Parkinsons) and mother (to Brain Cancer). Over the past 15 years, our cats Jaspurr and Violet have given me so much comfort, but sadly, I now carry their loss as well. Your show, along with the music of Mad Season, Temple of the Dog, the AIC Unplugged and Pearl Jam have given me an outlet. Are you able to play Pearl Jams “Just Breathe” to help me get through the day and in honor of Jaspurr and Violet? Would be much appreciated. Thanks, Courtenay.

I'm a two time cancer survivor and long time kexp listener plus amplifier. My story began in 1984 when in my 20s I went into surgery to have a cyst removed only to find out upon waking from anesthesia that the tumor was cancerous. Multiple difficult x-ray and chemo treatments later I remained cancer free until 2015 when I was once again diagnosed. With a prognosis of 50 50 survival I underwent major surgery plus x-ray and chemo treatments and am still standing today thanks to the great people at the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins without whom my chances would have been much worse. Music has always sustained me and your periodic healing shows are always a welcome reminder of how far I've come. Thanks to all the folks at kexp for helping me welcome each day. One of my favorite songs to bolster my spirit: Better Things by the Kinks Dan Hague

Thank you so much for your show today. My partner, V was diagnosed with cancer back in October. It was a complete shock to us since V didn't feel sick. We had a trip planned to Portland that weekend to see Florence + The Machine and Japanese breakfast. V's doctor told us to go because our lives were going to change quickly. We spent that weekend in Portland surrounded by some of our closes friends as we sat in the unknown of what was to come. We went to the concert and had such a good time singing and dancing. I couldn't stop watching V and felt so much love for them despite the unknown. Today V is in remission after going thru a brutal treatment of chemo, radiation and a stem cell transplant. Free by Florence + The Machine got them thru too many bone marrow biopsies to count. We would love to hear that today as we celebrate V's new life they just fought for. Huge thanks to our loved ones for holding us tight during this wild cancer ride. Megan from Seattle

I was recently diagnosed with ocular melanoma at age 35 and had to have my eye removed. I’ve found tremendous comfort in the work of Frightened Rabbit. I recommend the song Oil Slick to anyone who will listen. There is light, there’s just a tunnel to crawl through There is love, but it’s misery loves you There’s still hope, so I think we’ll be fine in these disastrous times -Andrea

Here we go again. I had stage IV Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma in 2014 in and I also have a low grade lymphoma so I get checked on the regular. A month ish ago I felt some pretty good sized lumps on my neck so I scheduled an earlier appointment with my oncologist. He said it was most likely the low grade lymphoma so we could watch and wait. I pushed for a scan, always listen to your gut and advocate for yourself! Well, the scan shows cancer in my neck, lungs, abdomen, and pelvis, again. I will have surgery Friday to remove a lymph node to determine which type of lymphoma and how to treat. During my first go around with this music was essential. Before every chemo we would dance to Happy by Pharrell, sometimes through tears, but mostly through laughter. My support system is enormous, everyone should feel so loved, I still to this day draw from that energy in times of need. This time my team is even bigger! I found love 8 years ago and Hunter comes with the best cast of characters to support and help me through this. Make no mistake, I am READY to fight if need be, for my girls Finnley and Ellory who don't even remember the first time, for my friends, family, my puppies, Nilla and Otter, for Hunter, but more importantly for ME. I have so much life to live and I really really love my life. The song "Lord have Mercy" by Durand Jones was already my pick as my song of the summer and now it has even more meaning. If I have to have chemo, this will be my dancing song. I am NOT alone. Love, Dawnelle

For Helene and her family, who played this song with her dad.

For Helene and her family, who played this song with her dad.

Hello KEXP, I came across the Fred Hutch (formerly Seattle Cancer Care Alliance) Music Heals Beyond Cancer event scheduled tomorrow on 7/13/23. I’m a physician at the Fred Hutch, but also happen to be a semi-retired musician… A patient of mine was a music producer. He developed a side effect that made his voice sound very hoarse. I told him he sounded like Tom Waits, whose work he was not familiar with. He followed my recommendation, listened to Tom Waits’ music, and… absolutely hated it. An acquired taste perhaps. We had a good laugh about it. -Jordan

Dj John and Dr. Amy~Thank you, KEXP, KEXP community for holding space for Beyond Cancer. In July 2020 my younger sister , Laura, got a diagnosis of Breast Cancer. I remember at the time telling my best friend, "I would take it away from her if I could." My sister lives in Reno and due to COVID restrictions and her being immunosuppressed I could not travel to go be with her. Im September 2020 I received my diagnosis of breast cancer. We are both doing well now-cancer free thriving! And in October I will move to Reno to be closer with my sister. Life is so very full of adventure and it's time we are closer. The song that got me through after my sisters diagnosis was, "You're Not Always on my mind," by Quivers. Thank you again for all that you do. -Jules in Bremerton

Hello. My name is Laura. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 8 years old. Back then, it was a whispered word.....cancer... I went about my childhood life, just thinking it would go away after her 1st surgery. First. Not last. By the time I was in high school the cancer was back. Another round. Then when I was in my young 20s, it had spread to her bones and the end was imminent. I took care of my mother, along with my two sisters (who have both battled the disease successfully)while she declined and eventually passed. When I got the call to come to the hospital, I was in a daze. I heard the slow sounds coming from the car radio getting louder...it was the U2's Where the Streets Have No Name. I just soaked it in and absorbed every word. By the time I arrived, mom was gone, but she is always with me. I still go into a different place whenever I hear the song. But not a sad place. Please play this song in honor of my mother Anne Valerie Johnson, who passed away on July 3rd, 1987. Thank you for being so awesome. KEXP is so much more than a radio station. You are a lifeline for so many. Sincerely, Laura

Hi, I'd like to share some of my experience with KEXP and how you've helped through a difficult time in my life. I discovered KEXP a few years ago through the live videos on YouTube. When COVID hit and I was sent to work from home, KEXP became my office soundtrack because of the great music and variety that you play on the station. I quickly got to know John Richards, Cheryl Waters, Evie, Larry Mizell Jr., and everyone else at the station. I love that each DJ prepares their own shows and you can tell since each show has its own feel. During this time, I experienced my first Music Heals day and it was for cancer. It was emotional as I had lost aunts and other family members to cancer. I had even been in the room when one aunt breathed her final breath. That moment has stuck with me every day. That day confirmed something for me, that music creates community and can help all of us heal from anything. Then last November, my sister was admitted to the hospital with liver failure for no known reason. I reached out to John to help by asking the KEXP listeners to send me good vibes. John did that and he even updated people when we found out that she had been diagnosed with aggressive metastatic cancer and there was no cure. John also played a tribute to my sister after she lost her battle just over a month after being admitted to the hospital. It was sharing the memory of meeting Spirit of the West after a show. It is a favourite memory of a moment shared with my sister. Those few moments helped me grieve and they helped me to deal with the emotions of losing a family member to cancer. I feel a deep connection with John after this experience and cannot find any words to express how grateful I am that someone who didn't know me would reach out with such support. The knowledge that KEXP listeners who also don't know me would send positive vibes and remind me that I am not alone has been a great thing for me. It is one of the reasons that I chose to donate to KEXP this year so that this incredibly special place can continue to do the fantastic work that you do. If you can find the time, please play something from Spirit of the West as a tribute to my sister, Nicole. We did love to hear Home for a Rest as it brings great memories of sharing some drinks with friends. I cannot express how much I love KEXP. Please send hugs to everyone that works at the station. You are a special light in a world that can sometimes seem very dark. I write this with a tear, of sorrow, but also happiness to feel that I'm a member of a very special community. You are not alone. Forever grateful, Sean from Toronto

Hi John, My father died of cancer many years ago. He was a 175 lb. muscular steel worker, and we watched him wither away to 100 lbs. Can you play John Mellencamp’s Minutes to Memories? That song really resonates with me when I think of him. Many thanks, Dan in Michigan

Thank you John and Amy for today's Music Heals Beyond Cancer. I have been an amplifier for years. I would love to pass along the message that I cannot stress enough that if you have cancer in your family that preventative care is so important. Ovarian Cancer has claimed the lives of so many women in our family. My doctor and I coordinated tests and exams to keep on top of it. My cancer was discovered after my hysterectomy - because my doctor knew to look for it in the pathology where it was found and thankfully had not developed beyond a few cells. Early detection saved my life. I listened to KEXP every morning before my chemo treatments to keep my spirits up. If you have just been diagnosed, you will get through this, I am holding your hand, I am sitting beside you, I am cheering you on. You will grow your hair back, your eyebrows, not so much (Sorry). You will feel better. You will go on to cheer someone else on. Sorry it’s so long but could you please play any David Bowie, who will always be my hero. Lisa

For John, John and Tracy

Dear John Richards, Cheryl Waters, KEXP DJs & Crew, On his 31st birthday my only child Ian got word that the cancer-suppressing drugs he'd been taking for almost four years were no longer working. Late last September he threw on what he audaciously dubbed his "leather death coat” with an apocalyptic “Death Rides with Me” patch on the back and sped off in a fast car on a cross-country tour of bucket list items, such as seeing the world’s oldest tree: (Utah’s 80,000-year-old Pando Aspen) and attending Thom Yorke’s Smile concert in both Washingtons. (When I said, “I hope this isn’t your Farewell Tour” Ian quipped “Isn’t Cher on something like her fifth farewell tour?”) Ian was diagnosed with acute leukemia at age 20. Seattle Children’s Hospital got him into remission with a stem cell transplant and then, when that failed 2-1/2 years later, CAR T-cells. After the T-cells stopped working he entered a series of Fred Hutch clinical trials and took targeted cancer therapy drugs. In late 2019 he developed a secondary cancer of the jaw, caused by treatment for the leukemia, and underwent 11 hours of surgery followed by painful radiation. (Ian told me he’d contacted Cheryl Waters during this period to commiserate over her secondary mouth cancer.) In October 2007 while John Richards played Radiohead’s just-released In Rainbows album on-air I stopped my car to call KEXP and report how my 16-year-old had gotten up super early for the first time in years that morning to download it. Richards gave an enthusiastic “Wow!” Radiohead was Ian’s favorite band. We attended their live concerts in Berkeley and White River Amphitheater. He owned all their albums. Last year Ian purchased tickets to see Thom Yorke’s The Smile concerts on November 23 in Washington DC and December 16 in Seattle. He never made it to either show. Ian died at age 31 the day after Thanksgiving 2022. It’s been 7 months since he left us. We miss him deeply, constantly, fiercely. If possible, can you please play a live song from one or both of The Smile shows my son paid for but didn’t get to see? Maybe Yorke’s ethereal voice and Greenwood’s otherworldly sounds will reach my Ian in whatever dimension he now dwells and make him Smile. Thank you everyone at KEXP, Ian’s Mom Randi (Been listening since you were KCMU!)

Dammit you guys, I’m trying to drive. I’m currently on my way home to PA from Connecticut and today is bringing back all the memories. I was diagnosed with bone cancer on New Year’s Eve 1992. I was 15 and had no idea what it meant but I knew my parents were scared to death. I soon learned all about it. After several rounds of chemo they told me that it had spread into my knee and that an amputation was in my future. I remember clearly that while I was in the hospital my parents bought me my first cd player and through the chemo and amputation and the therapy that followed music was my constant companion. The album that got the most play was Soul Asylum’s Grave Dancers Union. I played the hell out of that thing. Thank you for days like today and all the very special and important work you do. Brent

Hi Friends! I was diagnosed with an aggressive and deadly type of leukemia almost 2 years ago, then I had a bone marrow transplant 1.5 years ago. This month, I am starting to feel like my old active sporty self. Thanks to you all and the music you play and my husband, family and dog, I was able to get through that hell! SONG: The Beta Band - Dry the rain was my mantra during this suck-ass time for a couple of reasons: One is it’s a rad song, but the other reason is funny. I thought the words in the chorus were “I will be all right” which I sang over and over. The words are actually “I will be your light” which I figured out later. Doesn’t matter though-I still sing “I will be all right” at the top of my lungs. This is making me cry – we all have a lot of healing long after the physical stuff is over. Thank you! Mel