Howard Stern’s Laid-Off Staffers Are Handling It With Way More Grace (and Humor) Than Expected

Following last week’s news that Howard let go of nearly a dozen staffers as part of his shift to a once-a-week schedule, some of the affected crew members are finally speaking up — and honestly, it’s not the bitter fallout you might expect.

Among those impacted were familiar names to longtime listeners: Benjy Bronk, Jon Blitt, Memet Walker, and Mike Trainor. Staffers reportedly got the news over a Zoom call the day before it went public, which is never an easy way to hear that kind of update.

But it’s Jon Blitt’s response that’s getting the most attention right now — and for all the right reasons. Instead of a bitter statement, Blitt posted a tongue-in-cheek video on Instagram announcing his “first day” at a new job… folding clothes at Old Navy. Deadpan and fully committed to the bit, he explained that the role is “different” from his last one, but shared the most important lesson he’d already learned: ABF — “Always Be Folding.” He capped it off by turning to an actual customer and asking, completely in character, “Hey, can I help you?”

It’s a small moment, but it says a lot. After years of being part of the machine that built one of the most influential shows in radio history, Blitt chose to face a tough moment with the same comedic instinct that made him good at his old job in the first place.

For longtime fans, this hits a little different than the corporate side of the layoff story. These aren’t just “staffers” — they’re the people who helped shape decades of bits, characters, and moments we all grew up listening to. Watching them respond with humor instead of resentment says something about the culture Howard built, even as that culture enters a quieter new chapter.

Whatever comes next for the show, it’s clear the people behind it still know how to make us laugh — even on their way out the door.