“Welcome into the 48 Days podcast, this is Dan Miller. Yes, I indicated last week that I’d have some big news as we go into the beginning of the New Year. But I got a…the news has changed a little bit. And I’m announcing that as of this, after seventeen years, this will be my last podcast,” Miller began his 48 Days Online Radio Show last week.
The news came as a shock to many of his listeners, as they heard his familiar “Taking Care of Business” theme song. What didn’t shock them, however, was the grace and positive outlook he displayed while relaying the surprising news.
“Seventeen years of doing this podcast, and that brings back so many memories when I hear that Taking Care of Business one more time. Reminded about so many topics about living the life we love over the years on this podcast. As I’ve unpacked your questions and shared a life together,” an upbeat Miller began. “But I wanted you to hear this from me rather than through the grapevine, although I’m sure some of you have heard little bits and pieces.”
In much the same way he has, for decades, kicked off his episodes with a positive story or uplifting quote, Dan Miller got right to the point.
“I’ve always encouraged people, as you know, to ask, what does this make possible? Well, three weeks ago I thought I was an extraordinarily healthy 76-year-old guy. I eat a clean diet. I don’t smoke. I don’t drink. I exercise five times a week,” Miller said, explaining that he met his two sons for a U2 concert in Las Vegas in early December. “But while we were there I realized I wasn’t feeling well.”
Dan Miller was having abdominal pain and assumed it could be a gallbladder issue. He returned to Florida and had an MRI, prior to meeting with his doctor on December 7th.
“They said, ‘Yeah your gallbladder’s inflamed, but we also discovered very advanced pancreatic cancer that’s already spread into your liver and into your bones’,” Miller said. “And the prognosis is not good at all. They were saying at that point maybe three or four months.”
As has become his trademark for almost two decades, Miller brought his audience into the discussion around this most difficult news with the same poise and positivity with which he has dealt with every topic or question throughout his career.
“Think about the way that I present life and how to approach things that are unexpected. Things that are unwelcome. I talk about ‘Never let your circumstances determine your attitude.’ Well, I’m getting an opportunity now to test out do I really believe those things? Or was I just giving lip service to some kind of principles that are written in a book somewhere? I’m getting a chance to live those things out,” Miller said.
He continued, presenting an inspiring example to his family, friends and legions of listeners, about how to be constantly thankful, even in the most difficult of situations.
“I’ve been given the gift of being able to think and reflect. I mean, I’m having amazing conversations with Joanne, my wife. My kids. My grandkids. We’re celebrating now, rather than after I’m gone,” Miller continued. “And I get to reflect on my legacy. And here’s where you come in. You are part of that legacy.”
Dan Miller has influenced and educated millions of people over the years, with his podcast and two of the era’s most influential career books, 48 Days to the Work You Love and No More Mondays.
“I don’t need to be propped up in the corner. You know, there’s an old country song, prop me up against the jukebox when I’m gone. Nah, I’m not looking for that. I’m not looking for more books I can sell or more courses we can sell. No, I’ve been here. My legacy is firmly embedded in people like you,” he explained.
In his books and programs, Miller has encouraged readers and listeners to build a life and career full of purpose and meaning. He helps them write books, start businesses, become public speakers, build courses, and pursue their passions. He erected a wooden eagle statue in his Franklin, Tennessee yard, as a symbol for his family, tribe, and mastermind group to aim high and soar toward lofty, worthwhile goals and aspirations that will make the world a better place.
“You are my legacy. You are now the torch-bearers of these principles that I borrowed from the previous great thinkers,” Miller said.
While never a smoker or drinker, Miller’s greatest vice may have been the routine trips with his granddaughter to their favorite fast-food taco restaurant, which he often discussed during his program. That, along with his fervent repetition of the great works around positive thinking, from pioneers such as Earl Nightingale and others. At times during his program, he urged his listeners to listen to Nightingale’s “The Strangest Secret” every day for 30 days, and to experience the transformational results from doing so.
He has also been an ardent proponent of setting personal and professional goals, and he routinely, and proactively, discussed doing with listeners each November for the following year.
“I’ve done this podcast for seventeen years. Never missed a week. I had planned on perhaps doing a few more episodes into the new year about this unexpected news, but it seems like maybe this is an appropriate place to end,” he said. “The end of a year, and the beautiful anticipation for each of you of a new year with new dreams and new plans in place for achieving them.”
Dan Miller explained how he and his wife have lived a life they have loved for more than 55 years. A plaque in front of their front door – a gift from Chip and Joanna Gaines – reads And so they built a life they loved.
“And we’ve loved having the opportunity to inspire others to do the same. We’ve lived our dreams. I don’t have a bucket list of things I’ve not done. Anything Joanne and I have wanted to do, we’ve done. We’ve been around the world. We’ve been on seventeen cruises. We have three beautiful children, and 16 grandkids. And I’ll tell you right now, those grandkids have been peppering me with questions, sending me texts and videos. I mean, they know what’s going on. They’re not being sheltered and then someday just be told, Papa’s not here anymore. No, they’ve been able to participate in this unexpected transition,” Miller said.
True to his powerful brand, most of Miller’s podcast episodes run 48 minutes, based on his brand and belief that 48 days is an appropriate timeline to make major mindset changes and life improvements. This final episode was quick and to the point at less than ten minutes. He noted that his close group of friends and confidants – his mastermind group – was throwing him a “going home celebration.”
“I’ve loved creating new adventures,” Miller said. “And now I’m anticipating an incredible spiritual transformation. Thank you for being who you are and for carrying a tiny flame for me to the many who you now have an opportunity to influence.”
Miller noted that he has received numerous messages and recommendations for new medical treatments and possibilities to assist him and, perhaps, alter his prognosis. But he also said it would take a “literal, physical miracle from God” to change the course of his next few weeks.
In conclusion, Dan Miller recommended his podcast listeners check out the programs hosted by his children. Ashley Logsdon hosts Mama Says Namaste, which focuses on family relationships. His son, Kevin Miller, hosts a program that revolves around his new book, What Drives You. He interviews the top thinkers and influencers around the world.
On his website, 48Days.com, Miller’s family writes,
And as we honor our father, we’re going to do this our way, just like he would. He always inspires us to ask, “What does this make possible?” and to remember to, “Carry your sunshine with you.” Dad’s light is still shining bright.
Friends and fans have been posting their well-wishes on Miller’s special tribute site, murial.life/dan-miller. Over the past couple weeks, he has been welcoming family to reminisce and celebrate his life.
“Thank you, podcast listeners, that have been so faithful, so responsive, so generous with your questions and even gifts and comments as well. Thanks for those questions. For being open to growing. For being a powerful force for making the world a better place,” Miller said. “I’m looking at this…I’m looking through the notes that I’ve had here for years, that I read at the end of the podcast, thinking oh that’s so true. Especially now.”
Miller’s final message for his audience was to take what he cultivated over the decades and spread it far and wide.
“Become known for your positivity, for offering hope and encouragement to others,” Miller said. “If you give someone a book or recommend something that helps that person succeed, like you’ve been doing with this podcast all these years, you recommend something that helps that other person succeed. It will elevate your credibility and value in their eyes. Continue being that kind of a person.”
So while the next 48 days are uncertain, Dan Miller’s light will continue to shine.
Brightly and indefinitely.
Through the countless people his life has inspired, educated, motivated and touched.
“Stay committed, you heard it from me for so many years, to your belief that we can, without a shadow of a doubt, find or create work, and a life, that is meaningful, purposeful and profitable,” Dan Miller concluded. “So, until we meet again, I’m your friend for eternity, Dan Miller.”
Rick Schultz is a former Sports Director for WFUV Radio at Fordham University. He has coached and mentored hundreds of Sports Broadcasting students at the Connecticut School of Broadcasting, Marist College and privately. His media career experiences include working for the Hudson Valley Renegades, Army Sports at West Point, The Norwich Navigators, 1340/1390 ESPN Radio in Poughkeepsie, NY, Time Warner Cable TV, Scorephone NY, Metro Networks, NBC Sports, ABC Sports, Cumulus Media, Pamal Broadcasting and WATR. He has also authored a number of books including “A Renegade Championship Summer” and “Untold Tales From The Bush Leagues”. To get in touch, find him on Twitter @RickSchultzNY.
