I’ve been a fan of Glenn since January 2005 when my local affiliate changed the time that his radio show aired here in Des Moines. I’ve been hooked ever since. Glennpedia exists because I’m a newbie to the show. After I went through the phases of liking, disliking and becoming numb I wanted more Glenn Beck. (Okay, that sounds just wrong!) I wanted to know the history of the show. What has changed since the “West Coast of the East Coast” days?. I have listened to every single show that’s available on GlennBeck.com, sometimes more than once.

Some may call this an obsession, but in my own sick twisted mind I call it a tribute.

On the day that the tour dates were announced Glenn was asking the audience to call in with how much they earn every year and how much they paid in taxes. After taking a few calls he was amazed that people would call into a radio show and share personal information with him and the millions tuning in to the program. We listen to Glenn three hours a day and trust him like a friend. We are willing to share stories, thoughts, and feelings that we normally wouldn’t share even to our closest friends. I felt embarrassed because I was seconds away from calling in to explain my own financial soap opera. But I caught myself. He isn’t our friend. While we might think we know him, we really don’t. Glenn might be the biggest con artist on the planet and we could be falling into his trap.

At this realization I decided I would scale back my obsession. Let others handle Glennpedia and maybe even give the site away entirely. I was thinking of becoming just a regular listener who doesn’t have any Glenn Beck stock.

That same night I received an email from Glenn Beck. This wasn’t a newsletter email, a message from the forum, or the Fusion subscription reminder. This was an actual corresponance from a friend who talks to me 3 hours a day via the radio. Damn that Glenn Beck! I was about to be free of this insanity! In the email he wanted to know if I heard about the Des Moines date and he wanted to meet me if I bought a ticket.

Fast foward to June 13, I’m waiting in the lobby area at the Des Moines Civic Center. When Glenn says that his fans are the best, it’s true. I saw two couples approach the doors and I swear they were going to fight over who would open the door for the other couple. At most shows you would expect people to cheat their way to the front of lines. At Glenn Beck shows everyone crowds towards the back of the line. It’s very humbling to know that like minded individuals actually exist.

Adam was sent out to search for me. Instead of giving my description I should’ve told him that I would find him. Those of us who closely follow the show pretty much know how everyone on the staff looks. I believe I spotted him before he saw me. He walked me backstage to meet Glenn

And this is when the blur dream-like events began. Adam opened the door I saw Kevin Balfe and John sitting on the couch browsing Glennpedia. Glenn was in the middle of the room reading Shakespeare. Or maybe it was Hamlet. The first thing I said was, “Hello Mr. Beck” Glenn asked me to call him Glenn.

I remember saying that meeting everyone was surreal a million times. Kevin asked me where I got the MLC tour logo from. Of course I stole it from GlennBeck.com. He told me that it probalby had some sort of copyright on it and that I shouldn’t use it. I was shocked and backed away a few steps. Adam broke the tension and said, “That’s comedy for you Joe” I still fell for it! LOL

Glenn asked about the current state of Glennpedia and what my plans are for the future of the site. Glenn went on and on about Tyler’s animation work and the first even news cartoon. He signed a glossy for me and one for Glennpedia. (As soon as I find a scanner they will be online for everyone to see). We took a few pictures, we shaked hands, and that was it.

Glenn’s awesome =)