Michael Corbin
1955-2008
Late last week I learned that a friend, Michael Corbin, died earlier this year in Denver. Michael was the host of Paranet, a syndicated radio show in the same genre as Coast to Coast, which was very successful nationwide in the 90’s and hosted A Closer Look for the last several years.1955-2008
I met him at that infamous Colorado Libertarian Party meeting in January ‘06. We hit it off and when he learned of my radio background he invited me to stop by the studio to hang out while he did his show and we quickly became good friends.
Michael was one of the most brilliant people I ever got to know. Corbin was also easily the best radio personality I ever personally worked with. His ability to personalize information, recall of facts, and reservoir of knowledge was phenomenal. I would sit in his guest chair during his show and this "jaded little prick" (me) was in awe watching and listening to him. Smooth. Concise. Informative. Smart.
Most importantly, he is to this day my ultimate example of living one’s own ideals. He had an insatiable authentic desire to find, then speak, TRUTH no matter its target. So much so, it bordered on self- destructive. He did HIS show, HIS way. HE chose HIS topics, guests, and was always willing to do his own investigative work rather than rely solely on someone else's presentation.
Michael was one of the few people whose personal example inspired ma and he almost re-sold me on the relevance of radio! We were lightly discussing the possibility of grooming me as a fill-in host by putting me on the air weekends to cut my talk radio teeth. But, I went back to work for the Rockies and the bike tour I was planning for the fall quickly consumed me. I forgot all about radio again.
We abruptly lost touch until late in 2006 or early 2007 when I called to say hello. He phoned back a couple of days later, said he would get with me soon, but I never heard from him again.
Michael was always suspicious of power and because he was outspoken made many enemies--some quite powerful. Someone firebombed his studio; that "someone" was never found. He also spoke regularly about people ransacking his house, tapping his phone, disappearing communications, strangers threatening and following him. I was skeptical at first but it was not the sort of brazen claim of a person who was ‘touting’ it. He was concerned. Michael had just gotten his CCW permit and the last few times I saw him was always carrying a gun.
There are people who believe that his stroke is a cover story and I’ll be honest: after what I saw firsthand I can understand why. However, Michael chain-smoked, was overweight, and had extremely high blood pressure. He missed several shows due to health reasons in the short 2+ months we hung out. He was NEVER going to quit smoking, but expressed concerns to me personally about his health; and this was 2 ½ years ago.
Our friendship was short but one of my most influential. Michael Corbin was one of the few people I've ever admired. He was not rich and, by “radio’s” definition, struggled to repeat the “success” he had achieved early in his career. Nevertheless, this was the special aspect Michael Corbin; what drew people to him and his show: He put his ideals and truth far ahead of commercial reward. He believed in something. That’s what drove him. When I learned of his death online last week a wave of disgust and shame came over me. It forced me to reflect on his example and, of course, made me look in the mirror. That “wave” is lingering.
One of the last things Michael said to me was that if you have a message, it should be spoken “out of love.” I had no idea what he meant at the time and it honestly annoyed me. I have realized what he meant was that real truth and a genuine sense of purpose does not have its nexus in ego and self-interest. It springs from authentic concern, "love", for others. The world is full of whores. People solely concerned with presenting their "product" marketed as truth™; a “worldview” contrived to make a buck, or in an effort to impose their will on others by putting on a dramatic, thunderous display of intellectual wit; rhetorically bullwhipping people into a compliant state. I finally understand what he was getting at.
I had not talked to him in almost two years and he has been gone since March. I am sick that it took me seven months to learn of his death. It seems odd, but I feel the loss. A loss not just for me; there is a void “out there” now. The world is a less authentic place. I have thought over and over again that now, Michael, you have the answers. You know the ultimate truth!
Rest well my friend.
