Rob – Rob Francis

Time for change?

Friday was a bit of a whirlwind. I had a long chat with a mental health nurse about some issues I’ve been having with my medication for depression. It wasn’t just a quick check-in – it turned into a deep dive into my entire life story, from childhood to where I am today. I didn’t expect to open up so much, but once I started talking, everything just spilled out.

Talking about the past isn’t always easy. There have been some dark times, moments of struggle, and battles I never thought I’d win. But there have also been moments of strength, resilience, and unexpected happiness. As I sat there explaining everything—the highs, the lows, the things that shaped me—it became clear just how much I’ve been through. And while it was emotionally draining, it was also somewhat cathartic. Sometimes you don’t realize just how much weight you’ve been carrying until you start letting it out.

The main reason for the chat was my medication. I’ve been experiencing some issues lately, and it’s been affecting my mood, my energy levels, and just my overall well-being. The nurse was incredibly understanding and supportive, and we discussed what could be causing these problems. One of the next steps is to have blood tests done to check for any underlying issues that might be contributing to how I’ve been feeling. I’ve always known that medication isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and sometimes adjustments need to be made. Still, it’s a little daunting knowing that changes might be on the horizon.

One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation is that I may need to make some lifestyle changes – changes I never thought I’d consider. We talked about everything from diet to sleep habits to managing stress more effectively. It’s easy to fall into routines, even when they’re not the healthiest, and breaking out of them can feel impossible. But hearing someone say, “This could make a real difference for you,” made me pause and really think about it. Maybe it’s time to take some of these changes seriously.

I don’t know what the next steps will be just yet. There’s still a lot to figure out, and it’s going to take some time. But what I do know is that today was an important step forward. It reminded me that I’m not alone in this, that there are people who genuinely want to help, and that it’s okay to reassess and make changes when needed.

Mental health is a journey, not a destination. Some days are harder than others, and setbacks can feel discouraging. But today reminded me that as long as I keep moving forward – no matter how small the steps – I’m still making progress. And for now, that’s enough.

If you’re struggling, please reach out to someone. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a professional, talking about it can make a world of difference. You’re not alone, and there’s always hope.

Closing the book on 2024.

As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year that has been both challenging and transformative. It began with me seeking counselling for my mental health issues, a journey I embarked on following the deep pain of losing my mum. Her loss left an enduring mark, and I knew I needed to take steps to address the grief and struggles that came with it. This process ultimately led to a significant decision in August: leaving my job at Buzz Bingo. While it was a difficult choice, it was necessary for my mental well-being. However, it was lovely to return as a customer a couple of times afterward and reconnect with that environment in a more positive way.

Just a week after leaving my job, life threw me another curveball. I had to undergo surgery to remove a lump inside my penis, which, to my shock, turned out to be cancerous. That diagnosis was one of the scariest moments of my life. Thankfully, the surgery was successful, and I’m now cancer-free, with only one final scan remaining in February to confirm everything is clear. The experience was a stark reminder of how precious life is and how important it is to cherish every moment.

In the midst of these challenges, there were also moments of great joy and love. I fell in love this year, something I hadn’t expected but welcomed with an open heart. Unfortunately, as the year came to an end, so did that chapter. Getting my heart broken at Christmas was incredibly painful. It’s a hurt that lingers, but I’m trying to move forward, holding onto the belief that brighter days lie ahead.

There have also been many highlights to celebrate, particularly everything I’ve achieved with Overton Radio and Andover Radio. It’s been an incredible year of growth and community engagement. Hosting so many live events has been a privilege, and I’ve loved connecting with the people around me through these opportunities. One moment stands out above all others: the Overton Sheepfair. That event was a shining example of what makes our community so special, and it was an honour to play a massive part in it.

I’m so proud of the teams at both Overton and Andover Radio. Their hard work and dedication have been a constant source of inspiration. I’m grateful for their support throughout the year, especially during times when I’ve needed it most. Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited about all the brilliant projects and events we have planned. There’s so much to look forward to, and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.

As I close the book on 2024, I want to take a moment to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. May 2025 bring health, happiness, and hope to us all. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey this year—you’ve made all the difference. Here’s to new beginnings and brighter days ahead.

Life begins.

If you’d like to buy me a pint for my birthday, you can Paypal me.

As a child, I experienced one of those moments that stays with you forever—I was hit by a car. It was terrifying and left a lasting impression, especially since later in life, I saw someone I knew go through the same thing. School wasn’t much easier. I faced bullying, but music became my refuge. Playing the keyboard brought me joy, and I loved performing, whether it was in front of the whole school or in the two plays I took part in. Somehow, I was also good at French, which surprised everyone, including me. My GCSE music class was small – just four of us – and I was the only boy. Talk about standing out!

College was a fresh start. The bullying stopped, and I earned A-levels in English Language and Media Studies. This was also when I discovered Burger King, which might explain why I’ve always been “big.” But hey, a love for burgers has its perks.

At 19, I moved out of the family home to live with my grandad. He taught me how to make his crisps and scotch eggs – important skills for survival, obviously. After he passed away, I had to learn how to live on my own. It wasn’t easy, but it was an important step.

Over the years, I’ve worked a variety of jobs. There was my time at One Stop and Co-op, then working behind the bar at The Red Lion and The White Hart. I even helped build an extension on a house on Winchester Street, though I’d never do that again. The worst job of all was a customer service role in website design. It was soul-crushing, but I discovered I loved building websites. To date, I’ve built over 60. I should probably charge more, but that’s a dilemma for another day. My favourite job, hands down, was as a bingo caller. It was where I found my love for entertaining, which eventually led me to radio.

Another lifelong fascination of mine is TV presentation. Over the years, my website, TV Live, has gone from strength to strength. It’s even introduced me to some incredible friends (and a few enemies – hey, not everyone appreciates brilliance). My attempt to replace TV Forum with the TV Live Forum didn’t go quite as planned, but every misstep is a lesson, right?

Life hasn’t been without heartache. Losing my mum was devastating and deeply affected my mental health. I miss her every day and wish she and my stepdad Bob could be here to celebrate this milestone with me.

Love has been a rocky road, too. There was the time I got dumped on Christmas Eve 10 years ago, which felt particularly cruel, and a string of short-lived relationships followed. Then, I met Tracy. We first crossed paths while working at the bingo hall, and even then, I knew we’d be great friends. After we both moved on from that job, my feelings grew, and I fell in love. Tracy helped me through my mum’s death and has become my everything. She’s a fantastic cook, makes me laugh like no one else, and is my rock. I love our walks to Eastrop Park to feed the ducks and swans, as well as our cozy evenings watching The Chase and Tipping Point. Tracy, if you’re reading this, I adore you and am so grateful to have you in my life.

There have been some strange chapters, too. Like the time I had a lump removed from my private area. It turned out to be cancerous, but luckily, they got it all. The ordeal left me circumcised and with a story that gets a good laugh – or grimace – when I share it.

Today, I’m enjoying life as a radio presenter and station manager for two stations, living in a wonderful community, and surrounded by amazing people. Looking back, the journey has been full of challenges, but every step has led me to where I am now. As I celebrate this milestone, I feel grateful for the experiences, the people who’ve been part of my life, and the memories I’ve made. Here’s to the next chapter – and hopefully, a few less dramatic ones!

Finding joy again.

The last few months have been the hardest of my life. I’ve experienced loss, grief, and a level of emotional exhaustion I never thought possible. For a long time, I tried to keep it all together—forcing a smile, going through the motions, and pretending I was okay. But eventually, I reached a point where I couldn’t pretend anymore. Today, I’m sharing my story of stepping away from my job at Buzz Bingo to focus on my mental health, the journey of healing, and how I’ve found light again thanks to good living, incredible friends, and the unexpected gift of falling in love.

The Storm Before the Calm

When I lost my mother and stepdad last year, it felt like my world collapsed. Losing one parent is devastating, but losing two in such a short time is indescribable. I was overwhelmed with grief, trying to navigate life without two of the most important people in it. I thought I could cope by staying busy, burying myself in work at Buzz Bingo, and pushing my emotions aside. But the cracks began to show.

The job, which once brought me joy and a sense of community, started to feel like a burden. The constant pressure to appear cheerful and the fast-paced environment became unbearable. I was struggling to focus, my anxiety was through the roof, and there were days I simply couldn’t face the world. I knew deep down I needed time to heal, but I was scared to leave the stability of my job. I worried about how I would cope without that sense of routine, and whether I’d be letting people down.

Ultimately, I had to listen to my body and mind. I reached a breaking point and realized I couldn’t keep sacrificing my mental health. It was time to put myself first, so I made the incredibly tough decision to leave Buzz Bingo.

The Journey Back to Myself

Walking away from a job I’d known for years was terrifying. It felt like jumping off a cliff without knowing what was at the bottom. But in the quiet that followed, I finally had the space to grieve properly, to sit with my emotions instead of running from them. I started making small changes—taking daily walks, spending more time in nature, eating healthier, and prioritizing sleep. It wasn’t a sudden transformation, but slowly, I could feel the fog of grief and stress beginning to lift.

Good living became my new focus. I learned to be gentle with myself, to acknowledge that it’s okay to have bad days, and that healing is not a linear process. I began to appreciate the simple things again: a sunny day, the comfort of a good book, the calm of a quiet morning. These small moments of peace were the first signs that I was starting to find my way back.

The Power of True Friendship

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible support of my friends. In a time when I felt most lost, they showed up in ways that left me speechless. Whether it was a phone call to check in, a message just to say they were thinking of me, or showing up at my door with a hug, my friends became my lifeline. They were there to listen without judgment, to let me cry when I needed to, and to remind me that it was okay to feel whatever I was feeling.

It’s during times of hardship that you discover who your real friends are. I’m so grateful for the ones who stood by me, who helped me see the light even when everything felt dark. Their support gave me the strength to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

Finding Love When I Least Expected It

Perhaps the most surprising and beautiful part of my journey has been falling in love. I wasn’t looking for it—honestly, I didn’t think I was ready. I was still piecing myself back together, and the idea of opening my heart felt impossible. But then, life threw me a wonderful curveball. I met someone who saw me, truly saw me, even in the midst of my grief and uncertainty. They didn’t try to fix me or rush me through my healing; they simply held space for me, loved me as I was, and reminded me of what it feels like to be cherished.

Falling in love has been a healing experience in itself. It’s shown me that even after great loss, there’s still room in my heart for joy and connection. It’s reminded me that it’s okay to let someone in, to allow myself to feel happiness again, and to believe in a brighter future.

Embracing a New Chapter

Today, I’m in a much better place. I still have moments when the grief sneaks up on me, and I imagine I always will. But I’m learning to live alongside it, rather than letting it consume me. I’ve built a life that feels more aligned with who I am now—a life centered on well-being, meaningful connections, and a lot of love.

Leaving my job at Buzz Bingo was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, but it was also one of the best. It gave me the space I needed to heal, to focus on what truly matters, and to rebuild my life in a way that feels authentic. I’m endlessly grateful for the friends who walked this path with me, and for the unexpected love that has brought so much light back into my world.

If you’re reading this and facing a similar struggle, I want you to know it’s okay to take a step back. It’s okay to prioritize your mental health, to lean on your friends, and to take time to heal. You deserve to live a life that feels good, not just one that looks good from the outside. And sometimes, when you least expect it, life has a way of surprising you with something beautiful.

My new online home.

If we haven’t met yet, I’m Rob Francis, and I’m thrilled to have you here!

A little about me: I’m passionate about radio broadcasting, music, and all things community. Whether I’m behind the mic at Overton Radio or Andover Radio, writing blog posts, or working on creative projects, my goal is to connect with people, share stories, and bring a bit of fun and energy to your day.

On this website, you’ll find my latest blog posts, updates on my radio shows, and a mix of things I’m excited to share. I love exploring new ideas, diving into music history, and supporting local events and businesses, so you can expect plenty of that along the way.