AFTER After Hours
What a clever suggestion from a listener about what to name my next radio venture! As I close a proud chapter in my career, I am astounded at the response. THANK YOU for your interest, for caring about me personally and professionally, and for reaching out to tell me the show will be missed. My decision was not made lightly nor on a whim. It wasn’t simple or easy. Nearly two years of prayer and thoughtful consideration were poured into this change.
When After Hours with Amy Lawrence moved to weeknights, I told myself I would do five years in that time slot and then figure out the next step. Haha! There WERE several opportunities to change day parts, but each time, I opted to stay put. We had solid momentum for over a decade–building the audience and establishing a more personal connection. I enjoyed the creative process, and we were generating new ideas. As a host, I was learning and growing, and I knew the show was “routine” for listeners all over North America. When I signed a 3-year deal in January of 2022, I appreciated the stability and consistency. I don’t regret that choice, but so much has changed since then.
Like many other industries, the media world has faced drastic cuts in the last few years. In radio, entire shows and stations are getting wiped out. I understand the economics, but they can be applied with brutal effects. Fewer and fewer people are being asked to shoulder more and more of the load. After Hours was not immune. In the fall of 2020, we were stripped down to one producer. Coming out of the pandemic, very few people worked in the building at night which meant little support behind the scenes. More than once, we had equipment malfunctions and no engineer available. You can imagine how that went.
You’ve probably heard the metaphor of the duck floating serenely and peacefully on the water while frantically paddling underneath. That was me the last several years, taking on tasks and responsibilities that wouldn’t normally be mine to manage. But to come anywhere close to my high standards, I had to try. I spent hours each week and precious time each night scrambling to keep it all together and NOT let the added stress affect the on-air product. But eventually, that’s impossible, right? Ultimately, I realized I had to focus more on the content and ME on the air since that’s what matters most to listeners. Sadly, various features, production, imaging, social media, promotion, the YouTube channel all became outdated or stale or suffered from a lack of attention. It hurt me to know the quality of the show was slipping, that the fun elements I loved were falling by the wayside.
I certainly can’t blame producers for wanting different hours, support from managers or the occasional raise. But the revolving door of people working on the show meant non-stop training and dialing back on what we could do. Creative ideas are only as good as the ability to implement them. As discouraged and frustrated as I felt, I did the best I could to maintain the caliber of the show with genuine and frank discussion, humor, off-beat topics and material, engaging interviews and enthusiasm every night. But often, it felt like a battle I couldn’t win.
As a night owl, the hours weren’t overly difficult until the last 18 months. The lack of regular sleep and constantly flipping my schedule finally took their toll. Even before I got married, I was struggling to keep my priorities in line and maintain a healthy balance. The extra obligations and the non-stop cycle were all-consuming. As far back as summer 2023, I told two managers I couldn’t sign another contract for overnights. I was hopeful the company would take me seriously and see my value as a host. Not the case. I’m not even sure they believed me.
When I received an offer to continue with the status quo last December, I turned it down. I told them I would work through the Super Bowl for the sake of our affiliates and the loyal After Hours audience. As I rejected the offer, a huge weight slid off my shoulders. I’ve had peace about the decision since then. No second-guessing, no wondering if this is the right choice, simply a desire to handle the last 7 weeks with professionalism and a commitment to the craft.
Crazily enough, managing the final month-and-a-half of the schedule was excruciating. Even after huge games or breaking news, it was a struggle to get out of the house. Often, I’ve wondered how the heck I did this for 12 years. Including my stretch at ESPN Radio which was mostly nighttime shifts, I’ve spent nearly two decades as a vampire, ha.🙃
Funny story: when After Hours moved off Friday and Saturday nights to begin 2015, I recall thinking “What’s the big deal about working weekends?” I had Wednesdays and Thursdays off; that was my weekend. But after a couple months, I realized how neat it was to share actual weekends with family and friends, to have more of a social life and be able to teach kiddos at church on Sundays. I believe the same will be true as I leave the overnights. No more staying awake 36+ hours when I travel or returning from trips and going right to work. No more 16-hour stretches of football Sundays into Monday morning shows, phew.
For years, I’ve read articles about how working overnights is detrimental to your health. And for years, I laughed at that idea and determined that I would be the exception to the rule. Training for and running half marathons kept me moving; so did Penny and her strict routine from which she rarely strayed. A few years ago, I went back to reading fiction before bed to settle my mind. That practice continues to bring me joy. But the schedule became more and more demanding with less and less time each week for activities that I love, like playing golf and sitting down at my piano or hanging out with a group of friends.
Since December 2023, my husband and I have navigated opposite schedules and all the challenges that come with working and sleeping at different times. I am grateful for his support and grace and sacrifices with the pets and TV remote, ha. A few months ago, as I considered the end of After Hours, it dawned on me that every decision and move I’ve made since college put career goals first. Now after 25 years of praying and waiting for a partner and spouse, it’s a privilege to finally put my personal life first.❤️ The goal is to get healthier in every way: physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually AND professionally.
I LOVED my job for the last 12+ years! I am incredibly thankful for the opportunities and experiences, even the sacrifices and the toughest obstacles. And THAT is how I survived. There’s a verse in the Bible that resonates with me when it comes to work. “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10b) Radio is my first love and all I’ve ever wanted to do since I was 16 years old. The joy God gave me for being on the air and hosting a show translated to energy and enthusiasm and propelled me forward, despite the hazards.
I will forever consider the jump to CBS Sports Radio the best career decision I ever made. When Mark Chernoff and Eric Spitz hired me in late 2012 and told me they just wanted me to be “Amy,” their confidence changed me as a host. I was determined to reward their faith in me. And of course, I was also driven to prove the doubters wrong. (That’s not a fair fight anymore.😜)
This is also my tribute to the family and friends who lifted me up when the hours and routine were a grind. I can’t tell you how much it means to hear them say they’re proud of me.❣️ They’re the ones who’ve encouraged me to take this leap of faith and who tell me over and over I need to be ready for the next open door. The hardest part of this whole process is feeling like I’m letting the listeners down. You’ve counted on me and relied on the show for company, conversation, connection, humor, escape, distraction and so much more. I trust you to find me again when I return to the airwaves. Thank you for the unwavering support. It kept me going for a long time.
I hope you’ll read these words and know my heart and understand why I need change in my personal and professional life. We can still connect via “Twix” @ALawRadio or via the Facebook page. Maybe I can even figure out the YouTube channel and post a video soon, ha. I look forward to sharing news and next steps as we move forward in 2025. Amy Xo
Play by Play Day by Day with Amy Lawrence 
February 13, 2025 at 11:28 am
Way to go Amy! I’m so so proud of you! 100% right decision!!!
Kerry
February 13, 2025 at 1:11 pm
Thank you, Amy, for all the years of listening. Im 30 now, but I still remember being 18 and tuning in to hear your takes. Wishing you all the best, and I hope to hear your insights again in the future!
February 13, 2025 at 1:27 pm
Never, ever feel like you let anyone down. Your courage to imagine a new and better work and personal life is inspiring. You will never know how many of your faithful listeners will follow your lead. A last gift to your listeners.
I have enjoyed you being my first source of information as I made the drive to work.
Thanks for just being Amy.
February 13, 2025 at 1:53 pm
Thank you for all the “company” you have given us over the years. I deliver bread for a living and was always happy the hear you on the radio as I drove into work at 3:30 in the morning. My dad just asked me what happened to you as he’s has been a listener for years and hasn’t heard you on this week. Gonna miss your distinctive pipes bellowing sports opinions. Good luck with whatever you decide to do! God bless
February 13, 2025 at 2:06 pm
hey amy mixed feelings about this, gonna miss you and the next person in your old time slot has some big shoes to fill
February 13, 2025 at 2:28 pm
Good for you! Enjoy the time you have! Hopefully we get to know whatever became of the light from hell on your blog! 😁.
February 13, 2025 at 2:33 pm
So happy you are puttting your self and your life first. Thank you for writing this, it has helped me as you always do. I am going through some major changes in my life and will have to leave a job I’ve had for 30 years and I have been having a hard time with this, but reading where you are coming from it’s time for me to stop putting 110% in my job and take some and put it towards me and my family and friends. I’m sure we will hear from you sooner than later. For now I hope you sit back and enjoy the roses 🌹
Thank You for 12 years. ❤️ You have so much to be proud of!
Debi
February 13, 2025 at 2:35 pm
Obviously, the right decision at the right time, but what a tremendous loss for overnight radio! You are special. You cover a range of sports with true interest and insight at a time when sports talk radio is monopolized to a fault by football. You are willing to go beyond just sports when the occasion calls for it. You invite us into your life in a way that is endearing and creates the sense of a personal relationship with your listeners. These are extraordinary skills, and they are so very difficult to find in today’s media landscape. I hope you quickly return!
February 13, 2025 at 3:14 pm
Happy to see you sharing yourself with the wider world. Wishing you only the best in all you do.
February 13, 2025 at 3:21 pm
Congratulations Amy. Enjoy this next, well deserved step in your journey!
February 13, 2025 at 3:48 pm
Amazing run ALaw. I started my night shift job almost the same time you did yours. And you were and are a refreshing change from other sports hosts. I’ll miss everything about the show, especially Ask Amy Anything. I’ll be watching your socials for the next thing. I’ll be team Orange 2.0 when the time comes. Who knows, I might even send you updated shirts (or another football) when it does.
February 13, 2025 at 3:49 pm
while I was saddened to hear of the end of your show, which has kept me company and ready to drive to work through CBS Sports radio and I even listened before at your old station. Anyway, I wanted to let you know that you have brought a lot of joy and happiness to my life and I although I’m sad to see you go I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart.
February 13, 2025 at 3:59 pm
your show got me through countless nights driving from my army station in Virginia back to my house in Maryland. Good luck on your future endeavors, I’ve no doubt you will knock it out of the park!
February 13, 2025 at 4:33 pm
Brava Amy! You inspired me many moons ago that a woman could be a sports broadcaster. I did 90 games last year! Thank you for so many years of excellence in this biz. Praying for your success in the next chapter. I know the Lord will elevate you to greater heights. xx
February 13, 2025 at 5:46 pm
You will be missed. As my work and life situations changed, I had to put myself first, then my family and friends. That included cutting down the amount of time I was able to enjoy your show. I understand how one has to pick good and gooder (purposefully not better). It is difficult.
I have been a sports fan for over thirty years, didn’t grow up in a sports household. You never made me feel out of place for not having as much depth of knowledge.
The best thing though is your quote, “no game comes down to one play. Everything leads up to it. Anything could have changed and changed the outcome.”
Cannot wait to see/hear what you accomplish next.
Get Outlook for iOShttps://aka.ms/o0ukef
February 13, 2025 at 5:58 pm
Enjoyed your show for many years while driving my truck overnights. Hope to hear you again soon. Jerry a fan who never called in👍🤓
February 13, 2025 at 6:14 pm
Congratulations Ms. Amy. As I’ve gotten older, sleep has as been fleeting, so your show was a welcome relief to my insomnia. Best wishes to you and your family on your next endeavor 👍👊👍
February 13, 2025 at 7:08 pm
Amy,
Wishing you much joy in your new chapter.
It takes faith and courage to move forward.
Blessings, Joanie Eugene OR
February 13, 2025 at 7:32 pm
Thank you for making my early morning commute a bit easier, you are awesome. God bless you and wish you the best of luck with your future endeavors.
February 13, 2025 at 8:22 pm
Youngstown Proud!
February 13, 2025 at 9:04 pm
You deserve everything that comes your way. Being in this business (TV side, behind the scenes) I totally understand how the media landscape is changing. Enjoy your newlywed life and continue to manifest in God’s grace and blessings 🙌🏿 🙏🏿
February 13, 2025 at 11:08 pm
You have 100% support from your loyal listeners Amy. And we will follow you wherever you end up. You are undoubtedly one of the best in what you do.
February 13, 2025 at 11:12 pm
I know it’s not going to long for your Fans to hear that great voice on the radio or on TV. Thank you for all the great content you have provided us all these years 👏👍🙏
February 13, 2025 at 11:45 pm
Hello, my name is Ron. I’m retired now but I would listen to you on my way home from work all the time. I appreciated the lack of bad language on your show. That and the way you could bring humor into the show made your show enjoyable.
I very much like reading the letters like this and others that gave just a little insight into your life. I liked reading about the mission trips that you took. I was very happy when you shared that you were getting married.
I wish you all the best in whatever comes your way.
February 14, 2025 at 2:24 am
We love you Amy!! And I am proud of you!! May our lord bless you and keep you, and may he shine his light upon you and keep you healthy……Amen
February 14, 2025 at 5:23 am
Its been fun listening to you on my drive to work from BALT to DC AT 3 AM. you made the ride a little less stressful and at times so funny to here you speak so candidly. That damn neighbor from hell with the light issue OMG lol. Any way loved your show for the past few years and was a loyal listener. You were so down to earth and real and new your sheet for sure. Show is just not the same. Hope you pop up again soon, awesome to listen too. PEACE
February 14, 2025 at 7:27 am
Good luck Amy. You will be missed.
February 14, 2025 at 9:09 am
Amy, Congrats on your decision, Audacy or infinity or what the hell it’s called will regret not offering you a new time slot, I met a lot of women in my field (weight training)you are by far most knowledgeable on all sports
you will be missed
February 14, 2025 at 11:22 am
Amy you were my ride or die these last five or six years. We very much miss you on my early morning ride to work. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors! Good Luck!
February 14, 2025 at 12:51 pm
You will be missed and I am happy for you. I will follow and listen wherever you are. And You Tube is easy (I just record stuff and throw it on there), but I know that you have super high standards. Looking forward to that.
February 14, 2025 at 3:16 pm
All the best for the future, Amy!
If you’re still on the radio somewhere, hopefully my affiliate will still pick you up. Otherwise, I’ll do my best to continue to follow!!!
February 14, 2025 at 8:04 pm
Me again…and as promised (mostly), no unsolicited advice! Ha, ha!
Thank you so much for the candid update. I’d sensed for awhile that something wasn’t quite right and “Producer Pete” never, despite the promise, seemed like quite the right fit after “Producer Jay”. You, however, always remained professional and met or exceeded the highest standards.
I am discovering going to bed earlier is easier said than done, but I’m working on it! 🙂 Hope your body is adjusting to the sleeping time change (despite THE LIGHT!). However, I must admit this past week I’ve been a bit at lose ends after planning my schedule around you at 11 PM (Pacific) for so long–like “now what”?
However, most importantly, as I think back on your show and all of the many highlights, what I will always remember the most is your laughter and your joy!
My best,
@donnamarymason (Vancouver WA)
February 15, 2025 at 8:01 pm
Thank you, Donna! I’m still struggling with sleeping at night. Not comfortable yet. I appreciate all the kind words and support for years. Your confidence and encouragement are welcome. Sincerely, Amy
February 16, 2025 at 1:50 am
Amy, just want to say “Thank you” for being such a blessing to me and many thousands of other listeners. You were a joy to listen to and, even though we have never met, you made us all feel like you were our dear friend.
I could tell that a transition was coming because, although you still conveyed fun in your show, the effervescence of passion was feeling a bit strained. God was preparing you for your next life-purpose adventure!
You will be greatly missed, but He is ordering your steps and we are happy for you!
The best is STILL yet to come!
February 16, 2025 at 9:39 am
It’s time to put yourself and family first. I will definitely miss hearing your show and your takes. Listening in was a routine for years. When I tuned in this week I was confused as to what had happened. But after reading this post I completely understand. Although, I am not a fan of the guy filling your time slot at the moment at all. Thanks for all the content over the years and look forward to hearing you again soon!
February 16, 2025 at 9:47 am
I’ve been listening since your Providence days. Your career has taken off and will continue to soar. The next door will open and you will take that opportunity by the horns. Thank you for the years of great radio. Until I get to hear you on the waves again.
February 16, 2025 at 6:08 pm
Thank you, Amy. You are a pro through and through. We understand your need for a change and wish you all the best. (Looking forward to your next gig!)
February 17, 2025 at 6:50 am
Always loved your show. Very entertaining, very fun. Great decision . Hope you are at peace and getting some good rest. Miss you a lot. Looking forward to your next adventure. 🌞
February 17, 2025 at 7:44 am
For the past 12 years I started every day with my 4:30 AM walk with my beloved MEEKO (Recently Past). That dog and I put on several thousand mile over that time, but it was a breeze because you were always there through my headset. I will miss you and your show. But I know with your tenacity and energy you will reemerge. Good Luck and many thanks for keeping Meeko and I company over the last 12 years.
February 17, 2025 at 6:02 pm
Thank you for all of the years you gave to radio. From your days at the University of Hartford (my son also worked sports for the TV and radio station) there to your years with CBS and ESPN. Life always moves on and it can be tough to go along with them. Your life has also made a change for the good and you deserve every hapiness. Take good care of yourself, your husband, your pup, and your family.
Hope you see you somewhere on the airwaves.
February 17, 2025 at 7:19 pm
I worked ER night shifts and you were always the first station I tuned into on my way in ❤️ the only female radio host I could find and a damn good one! Stay true to your personal compass!
February 17, 2025 at 9:25 pm
Amy, It is apparent that God is preparing you and your husband for a different journey in this life. We are just passing through. Give it your all (as usual) and always remember; “God, is faithful.” Enjoy the journey.
February 17, 2025 at 11:22 pm
you made absolutely the right decision. Too often in America we are our jobs and they don’t leave much room for anything else, including making sure that we stay healthy and happy, not to mention time for relationships.
I think rather than returning to the airwaves you might seriously consider doing a podcast 1-3x/week I know so many other people are doing it but there’s always room for excellence.
Best Wishes,
A Fan
February 18, 2025 at 2:17 am
I guess I found you on the radio after you already made your decision. I enjoyed your stories and the sound of your voice. dont look forward to listening to the radio during your time slot anymore. good luck to you and your family… i’ll keep my light shining in your backyard so hopefully you will find your way back to the radio. just kidding, its not me… btw, i just turned off the radio. not able to listen to your replacements voice 😞
February 18, 2025 at 12:20 pm
It was an honor to be a guest on your show after listening to you for many years.
Best of luck during this transition!
-Tim Hagerty
February 18, 2025 at 3:16 pm
Amy
I will definitely miss you in the overnight, although I may get more sleep. I knew you only from sports minutes, which ran on WFAN, until the pandemic. At that time FAN began to run Steve Somers and then you, back to back, starting at 10PM. You both were masterful at pull off a sports show when there were no sports. You continue to talk sports as well as anyone on the air. You talk non-sports better than any other sports talk host. I will find you wherever you land and through the magic of Audacy and XM, I will make sure I never miss a thing. Thank you so much.
February 18, 2025 at 10:24 pm
Amy I really enjoyed listening to your show when I was able to. I think you are making the best decision of your life.
I know from personal experience when my wife and I got married she was on overnights and I was day time and it created a huge issue.
February 19, 2025 at 5:45 am
Been listening to Overnight With Amy Lawrence for years in Boston. Love the mix of Amy’s Sports knowledge and expertise and personal conversations. Best of good health and luck in your future.
February 19, 2025 at 6:18 am
Amy: I had not listened for a little while and when I tuned you in at 2 AM this past Monday and heard a different song, I was somewhat jolted. Other than you, I rarely listen to sports talk shows these days…I am tired of the scoffing and mean-spiritedness which is now so common. The covid period was a difficult time for me, and when I heard your voice at 2 AM from the “super secret” location five mornings a week, I knew I was going to be ok. Thank you for being you. I am 74 years old, and have five little grandchildren. If, at the end of my life, I receive from any of them the love, admiration, and respect that you showed toward your grandmother, then I will have done quite well in this life. Best wishes always.
February 19, 2025 at 2:41 pm
You Amy will be missed! A true professional!!! I will miss your show!
February 19, 2025 at 6:19 pm
While will miss you and your show. May you and your family be blessed. As always God’s got this…
February 20, 2025 at 5:38 am
Amy. You’re the best in the business! Stay true to yourself and you’ll succeed in anything you do… All the best!
February 21, 2025 at 6:14 pm
Amy, you will be missed, for so many reasons. Enjoy your next chapter,God bless you and I look forward to hearing you on air again.
March 17, 2025 at 2:47 pm
Didn’t think I would enjoy a woman sports host(sexist male growing up in the Archie Bunker era) but you proved me wrong. FOund you driving from late nights at Amazon and continuing going to work now). You were insightful, knowledgeable, and very indearing, as well as entertaining. I will miss you. Thanks for the time you gave me. Enjoy the future whatever it may bring. Good luck. Wishing you the best
August 31, 2025 at 11:37 am
Hi Amy, I would like to have you on my podcast The Broadcast Map Show, to talk broadcasting. If it is possible, can you please email me and I will send you my booking link?