The Final Crossover Between Matt Cord and John DeBella

Today, a chapter in my radio career came to a close.

Obviously, throughout my many years in this industry, I have seen a lot of change, whether that be stations, cities, or many co-workers. So this is nothing new, but definitely, something I am going to notice the absence of for some time.

Not only am I going to miss the legendary John DeBella after his incredible 41 years of Philly radio, but I am also going to miss our crossover we would do every day as he was closing out his show and I was beginning my show.

We have done the crossover every single day around 8:55 a.m. since January 2020 — that is over three and a half years!

The crazy part is that we have never rehearsed or had pre-show meetings where we discussed the topic at hand for the day — it was literally just two guys, and producer extraordinaire, Steve Vassalotti, having a conversation about the topic of the day, which could have been any random thing on any random day.

No matter what the conversation was, it was always a lot of fun, and many laughs were shared throughout our three and half years during our crossover.

That can also be said for all 41 years of radio in this city for JDB, I am sure a lot of laughs were shared between all of the people who listened to his show throughout the years.

Plus, he always reminded us to look on the bright side of things to close every show. In fact, every time I hear “Always Look On The Bright Side” by Monty Python, I am going to think it is time for the crossover between John and me, and he is about to say, "And so today's version of this big, dumb show comes to its timely halt, but Matt Cord is here."

But today was the last one, which is bittersweet.

But I will always remember him and our time together, and he will hopefully always remember our times together as well. And if he doesn't, he will always have these pictures to remind him of me, including a picture of me, Kim Deal, and nephew Bryan and Lollapalooza '93, and a photo of me and Angelo from Fishbone.

Here’s to a great career John, and I am sure you’ll love life after radio, where ever it takes you.

More from Matt Cord...

As we all know, Sunday was Father’s Day and I am sure a lot of you guys all got together with your dads and maybe barbecued, enjoyed a nice cold adult beverage or two, and maybe even enjoyed the final round of this year’s U.S. Open, but I did something a little different!

I actually went on a really fun 30-mile bike ride with the girlfriend, my good friend Chris Bozzi, and his 85-year-old dad, Nick!

Can you believe it?

Going on a 30-mile bike ride at the age of 85 years old? It was incredible!

We drove down to Delaware City and rode a beautiful trail called the C&D Canal Bike Trail.

It really is just a gorgeous bike trail that rides along the Delaware Canal and even stretches over multiple states as it starts in Delaware City, Delaware, and ends in Chesapeake City, Maryland.

In total, it stretches 30 miles from one end to the other and back again, and that seems like a lot when you say it out loud, but the trail is so scenic you almost lose track of time and the distance you are going to begin with, to be honest.

Plus, the best part about the trail, especially if you work up an appetite on your ride or walk, is that there is a nice restaurant and bar at the halfway point called Schaefer's Restaurant & Canal Bar, and you better believe we stopped there for a great lunch on our ride!

The trail was great, the lunch was even better, and you could not have asked for better weather on Sunday, so ultimately it was a great day – so much so that I figured I would share a bunch of photos and a video for you all to enjoy as well!

Take a look at them below!