By Jake Sasseville

being on the road isn’t easy
it’s very rewarding.
people actually watch my show
which is beyond imagination
to me.

LATE NIGHT REPUBLIC
doesn’t air in NYC yet
so I don’t get recognized on the streets there
when I come to middle America, even to cities I know air the show
it’s still so odd when people reference segments
or talk about the people we’ve had on.
still a powerful medium of broadcasting.

met a 16 year old girl who watches the show
then a guy named Jack in Kansas City
then a hotel employee woman named Star in Peoria.
among a few.
always fascinating.

our team has moved to Chicago
to prepare the Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison
ground wars.
while I am handling Peoria and Champagne
with ali and jeff
for the next few days.

it is exhausting and thrilling
i am trying to figure out a way
for this generation to represent itself
in late night
in a way like never before.

as i meet the people
i am reminded
how lucky i really am.
in st. louis, i found out the average annual household income
is $17,200 per year.

i am realizing
that the US is showing signs of
becoming a third world country
middle class shrinks
i see it first hand.

i hope that comedy entertainment and outrageousness
can help elevate
people everywhere.
my purpose becomes clearer
as i meet more and more.

this morning on the radio show
DJ Dan asked if I’ve always “known.”
intuitively, i answered without letting him finish
yes, i’ve known i’m meant for this
no question.
never really knew how i’d get here,
or get “there” (the next big step)
but have always felt this
and i’ve been tenacious and focused to create
this life
for me.

i want a radio show
to talk about this kind of “stuff”
that I don’t talk about on TV
deeper stuff, the meaning of life
i think there’s an audience
now i just need a radio show.

leaving for a meet and greet
at a bar downtown Peoria, Illinois.
i’m told fans will be there
i can’t wait to hang out with new folks
i love people here in the heart of america
so, so real.
refreshing in every way.