I am your host

Several years ago I got to meet a personal hero of mine. He had turned his passion for Walt Disney World into his life’s work, and was sharing his wit and wisdom with all the world. When we met for the first time, he was a genuine with me as anyone you’d meet out in about in your town. He invited me to join him as a guest on his podcast, a now recurring gig for me, and has since become as close to me as my own family. I am, of course, talking about Lou Mongello.

Right now Lou is doing what he loves. He has sailed away aboard the Disney Dream on a cruise with the WDW Radio Show family and Richard Sherman. Sure there will be Aquaduck stories and tales, many tales, about food, but don’t for a second think that he is on vacation. There is still sweat on his brow from all of the planning and logistics for creating a knock-out event for all the participants. Has he had help? Sure he has, but that’s one of the great gifts Lou possesses, he knows how to bring out the best in people, people like Tony Caggiano, Glenn Whelan, and Beci Mahnken. And it should go without saying that his amazing wife, Deanna, is a saint and worthy of her own recognition (but that’s a story for another day)!

So, while Lou is away working so hard for everyone who listens to his podcast, tunes in to WDW Radio Live, or picks up one of his books or audio guides, it is time for all of us to step up and tell him thank you! Voting is currently taking place for the Podcast Awards and you can vote once a day between now and November 15. That is eleven chances to show Lou how much we all appreciate his hard work, and the votes are incredibly important right now as many listeners are on the cruise and may not have the chance to vote each and every day.

So, here is what you do: Head on over to PodcastAwards.com. Locate the Travel category in the lower right corner of the category chart. Click the bubble next the WDW Radio, it is the ninth choice in the Travel list. Complete the form with a valid email address, as you vote may need to be verified, and click Submit. That’s it, now just come back tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day, and…. Well, you get the picture. But be sure to visit and vote each and every day.

I often stay away from personal pleas here on the Main Street Gazette, but this is one of those times where I feel the need to interject a bit of myself. Lou has done so much for me, he is one of the reasons I continue to do what I do, his encouragement makes me believe that one day my voice will be heard and laughed with by the Disney masses far and wide. Taking a few moments to vote over the next week and a half is the least we can do for the man who dedicates so much of his to entertaining and educating the throngs of Walt Disney World enthusiasts.

So, what are you waiting for? Get on out there and VOTE!