Piece #72 - Brant Hansen, the radio voice for Asperger's

 This might seem a little unusual for my blog to be talking about a certain person, especially one that I've never met in person, but he still has a special place for me because of how much we have in common...mostly because we both have Asperger's. Brant Hansen is or as of Monday July 7^th, 2014 was a DJ for a national syndicated Christian radio station called Air 1. He and I have exchanged messages through Facebook from time to time in pleasant conversations, but we have come to a point that is a little more serious. Brant has never shied away from his disability and if anything he has been a positive voice to anyone who would listen about his Asperger's. As I mentioned though, Air 1 is ready to shut him down. Here is what Brant had to say about his departure from the radio station:

"If you've been a listener to our radio show, please know this: I’m heartbroken over the end of the show. I've counted every day as an honor to be able to have a platform like that. People listen to Christian music radio for a number of reasons, and people are all over the map in their beliefs about, and maturity in, Christ. To be able to talk to so many about Jesus, and to be ourselves in the process, was a beautiful thing.

A couple FAQ’s:

1. Where did Brant Hansen go?

Pretty much nowhere. I’m still living in NorCal. We want to stay near our boy, who’s in college. Whatever my next job is, I’m hoping it allows me to stay for awhile. I don’t have a plan right now.

I’m asking God for help and wisdom on that. It’s weird not knowing. We’re pretty much addicted to groceries, here, so I’m thankful there may be some options soon.

2. Why did Brant leave Air1?

Sometimes, when people seem to disappear from media, especially “Christian media”, we suspect the worst, like a moral scandal. Please know there’s nothing like that, here. Of course, I’m still a walking moral scandal – we all are – but no, there’s no Big Story like that, here. It was a very painful decision I made.

I know that doesn't answer the question, but it’s about all I want to say.

…except for this: There are some truly wonderful people who work for Air1. So many fun, servant-hearted people, who are there because they view their work as a ministry. I will miss them, dearly.

And I’ll miss the show, itself. I’m grieving the loss of it. Working with Sherri (what’s next for her is up in the air, too, as of this writing) has been pure joy.

Beyond that, simply getting to be part of your life, and getting to blow up alien planets and talk about the goodness of God and then dismantle listeners in the Octagon of Knowledge and write goofy songs and genuinely, heartily laugh – well… I’ll miss that.

And Club Awesome.

Oh my goodness, I’ll miss Club Awesome. Mostly the phone calls during Club Awesome. We laughed and laughed and laughed.

Now, I can’t even think about this. I’m going to get more emotional. Trying not to do that.

Maybe it’ll all turn up somewhere again. I don’t know. But I’m grieving it. It hurts. And that’s why I’m actually typing this draft at 3:51 a.m."

If you weren't able to read through his comments, I took the liberty of highlighting some interesting remarks because I know this is more here than what he is directly saying and I even told that to him myself privately. I wish I could go into detail as to why I know this has Asperger discrimination written all over, but for now I can’t. What you need to know about Brant is that he is a proud Christian father and husband...and for him to say that there is no "Big Story" does not surprise me because to him it wasn't. Those of us with Asperger's face these challenges not just in public life, but in the work place as well. I would do the exact same thing if I was in Brant's shoes, but my situation is a little different. I don't know what was actually said behind closed doors, but I can tell that I've probably heard the same thing in my past.

I'll be perfectly honest and say that this really angers me. If this was truly his own choice and he had other plans for his future then I would be very happy for him and his family...but that's not the case. He admitted that he has no idea what he is going to do. That there tells me that this was not a wanted resignation. All I know is that he did say that was putting out a book in 2015. Brant always seemed like a genuine person who was honest and always seemed to have a positive look on everything. I really feel like this was a real crushing blow to him.

I do like Air 1. I like the music, the programming and of course the DJ's who are not only playing music, but ministering to the listening public as well. I have nothing against the station and neither did Brant, but I do question the leadership of the station. I know Brant tried to explain is Asperger's to the general public so they could understand why Brant was the way he was on the radio. I saw him as a champion of the cause just like Dr. Temple Grandin and others. I know God has a plan for Brant and his future and I wish him nothing but the best; however this incident still didn't sit too well with me. God Bless you Brant and your family!!! Here's a link to his website:

 branthansen.com

Song of Inspiration [Check it out on iTunes or Android!]:

Song: "I Am"

Artist: Crowder

Album: Neon Steeple

Here's the music video (lyrics) to the selected song:

Here's a picture of Brant Hansen...awesome guy!