April 2024 Program Guide

Hosted by David Nicholas

For Our Members ...

Wishing a Happy Spring to all our extended family of WCMU listeners and viewers!

It’s the season to get outside for the projects around your house and in your yard. Before you get to work, you need supplies. For us here at WCMU, the projects we are always working on are bringing you the very best radio and television programming. Our hard-working staff produces programs, and we are grateful for your continued support which supplies us with the valued resources to make great radio and television!

Something new on your radio this spring is a weekly feature called, “Central Focus.” I’m proud to be bringing into focus the innovative work and research from students and faculty at Central Michigan University. I think you’ll be amazed at the diversity of endeavors happening on our campus.

Join me for “Central Focus” on

Wednesdays at 4:44 p.m. during All Things Considered

Thursdays at 8:45 a.m. during Morning Edition

Fridays at 2:34 p.m. during Here and Now.

All our segments will live on our website, and we’ll be spreading the word to an even wider audience via podcast.

Always remember, it’s your generosity and trust that allows us to serve YOU as your public radio and television station. Thank you for all you are for WCMU!

David Nicholas All Things Considered Host/ Reporter/Central Focus Host

Central Focus

Listen now on the radio, at wcmu.org or wherever you get your podcast

WCMU Local Programming

Ask the DNR

Join us on Thursday, April 4 at 7 p.m. when Ask The DNR returns for an hour-long special. Join host and outdoor enthusiast Bob Garner and our expert panel as they answer your questions. Chad Stewart, Deer Management Specialist, Joe Molnar, Traverse City Customer Service Center, and Mark Tonello, DNR Fisheries Biologist will join Bob to get answers to your questions LIVE from the WCMU studio! Submit your questions during the live event by calling 844-975-3343 or commenting on our Facebook page

Pressing Matters

Submarines explore Lake Michigan, plus a look at rising cancer rates in Michigan among younger age groups on the next edition of Pressing Matters. Watch on Friday, April 19 at 7 p.m.

Eclipse Exploration

Parts of the midwest will see a total eclipse of the sun! Every now and then we get a little bit lucky when the moon comes around and blocks our view of the sun. WCMU prepares you for the upcoming eclipse with stories of history, inspiration, and folklore. Plus, we’ll introduce you to BSA 366G, all girl troop that’s pairing science experimentation with eclipse excitement! Mark your sundial or calendar for Eclipse Exploration on Friday, April 5 at 7 p.m. and uncover what scientists discovered from studying this celestial event.

Destination Michigan

Destination Michigan returns with another all-new episode Thursday, April 25 at 9 p.m. In this episode, we’ll take you on a trip to the oldest hat retailer in the United States! We’ll cruise down to Motown and get fitted at Henry the Hatter, the same place where Dwight D. Eisenhower got his homburg hat for his inauguration. Plus, we’ll get cooking in the kitchen with Sam Anglin, a member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. We’ll discover how indigenous ingredients ignite inspiration for chef Sam! Join us for these stories and more.

Earth Day Programming

Independent Lens: A Thousand Pines

A crew of Oaxacan quest workers plant trees throughout the United States. This intimate potrait shows how hard it is to balance the physical demands of reforestation. Watch on Monday, April 1 at 10 p.m.

Green Planet

Sir David Attenborough travels the globe to reveal the secret lives of plants. Using pioneering camera techniques, the series takes viewers on a magical journey inside the hidden world of plants. Watch on Thursday, April 18 at 7 p.m.

American Experience: Poisoned Ground

The 1970’s Love Canal disaster, one of the largest, most notorious environmental and public disasters in U.S. history and how the battle for justice, led by women, created the basis for the landmark federal Superfund program. Watch on Monday, April 22 at 9 p.m.

Changing Planet

Dr. M. Sanjayan visits the Maldives to take an in-depth look at coral reefs and the urgent efforts to help them survive climate change. Watch on Wednesday, April 24 at 8 p.m.

Julius Caesar: The Making of a Dictator

The dramatic story of how nearly five centuries of ancient Roman democracy was overthrown in just 16 years…by one man. This is the story of a brazen, ambitious power-grab that saw Julius Caesar consolidate the vast power of Rome in his own hands. Watch on Tuesday, April 2, 9, and 16 at 9 p.m.

A Brief History of the Future

A unique six-part PBS documentary series about our futures and how we can reimagine them. Hosted by renowned futurist Ari Wallach, the show invites viewers on a journey around the world that is filled with discovery, hope, and possibility about where we find ourselves today and what could come next. Watch on Wednesdays at 9 p.m.

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Antiques Roadshow Santa Clara Hour 1

9:30 PM

New Scandinavian Cooking

Explore a rich visual tour of Nordic cuisine, culture, and history.

Saturday, April 6 at 4 p.m.

10 PM

Independent Lens A Thousand Pines

10:30 PM

Real Road Adventures Real Road Adventures Rick Steves’ Europe Fly Brotherwith Ernest White II

Roadtrip Nation

Start Up Breakthrough: Ideas That Changed The World The Telescope

Julius Caesar: The Making Of A Dictator High Priest Frontline

Real Rail Adventures: Swiss International Hubs Rick Steves’ Europe Travelscope

Nova A. I. Revolution

A Brief History Of The Future Beyond The Now

Nova Star Chasers Of Senegal

Nova Secrets Of The Forbidden City

Real Road Adventures Real Road Adventures Rick Steves’ Europe

Great Performances: Now Hear This Piazolla’s History With Tango

Destination Michigan

Under The Radar Michigan

Real Rail Adventures: Swiss Grand Tour

Spy In The Wild The Tropics

American Masters The Incomparable Mr Buckley

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television

Iconic America: Our Symbols & Stories Fenway Park

Midsumer Murders With Bated Breath Part 2

Best Of The Joy Of Painting

American Masters Groucho & Cavett

Mr Bates Vs. The Post Office

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television

Nova

Great American Eclipse

Best Of The Joy Of Painting

Ireland: County By County

Great Performances: Now Hear This Schumann: Genius And Madness

Julius Caesar: The Making Of A Dictator High Priest

Rick Steves’ Europe

Spy In The Wild The North

Joseph TravelscopeRosendo’s

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television

Iconic America: Our Symbols & Stories The Statue Of Liberty

Paris Murders Radio Silence

Rick Steves Art Of Europe

American Masters

Norman Lear

Alice & Jack

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television

Rick Steves Art Of Europe

A Brief History Of The Future Beyond The Now

Finding Your Roots: Viewers Like You

After a nationwide search, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. meets 3 everyday Americans who are haunted by deep family mysteries. Tuesday, April 9 at 8 p.m.

Good Eggs The Nap Time Show Independent Lens Matter Of Mind: My Parkinson’s

Great Lakes Now Off The Record

Washington Week With The Atlantic Firing Line With Margaret Hoover

Sara’s Weeknight Meals Cooks Country America’s Test Kitchen

Key WithIngredient Sheri Castle

Live From The City Opera House The Nap Time Show Great Lakes Now Native Report

Father Brown

The Whistle In The Dark Midsumer Murders Garden Of Death Part 1

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television Pati’s Mexican Table Legacy List With Matt Paxton

Camp TV Kid Stew American Black Journal One Detroit

Epic Train Journeys Australia’s Outback Railway Call The Midwife

Moveable Feast Cook’s Country Legacy List With Matt Paxton

Camp TV The Nap Time Show Poetry In America Native Report

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Elton John & Bernie Taupin

9:30 PM

Great Performances: Now Hear This: Rising Stars

Visit Julliard Pre-College with Scott Yoo to play with some of tomorrow’s virtuosos.

Friday, April 12 at 9 p.m.

10 PM

The Library Of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television

Roadtrip Nation

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television

Rick Steves’ Europe

10:30 PM

American Anthems

Fly Brotherwith Ernest White II

Start Up Breakthrough: Ideas That Changed The World The Airplane

Julius Caesar: The Making Of A Dictator Veni Vidi Vici

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television

Nova

Great American Eclipse

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television

A Brief History Of The Future Chaos & Complexity

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television

American Masters Groucho & Cavett

Destination Michigan

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television

Nature

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television

The Invisible Shield Follow The Data

Rick Steves’ Europe

Joseph TravelscopeRosendo’s

A Brief History Of The Future Beyond The Now

Nova Ancient Maya Metropolis

Rick Steves’ Europe

American Masters Normal Lear

Under The Radar Michigan

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television

Raptors: A Fistful Of Daggers - Meet The Raptors

Great Performances Now Hear This: Rising Stars

Dooky Chase Kitchen Leah’s Legacy

Kitchen Queens New Orleans

Iconic America: Our Symbols & Stories The Golden Gate Bridge

Midsumer Murders Garden Of Death Part 2

Best Of The Joy Of Painting

Best Of The Joy Of Painting

Great Performances: Now Hear This Rising Stars

Ireland: County By County

Julius Caesar: The Making Of A Dictator Veni Vidi Vici

Rick Steves’ Europe

The Age Of Nature Awakening

Joseph TravelscopeRosendo’s

Next At The Kennedy Center Ben Folds Presents Declassified

New Orleans Cooking With Kevin Belton

Dooky Chase Kitchen Leah’s Legacy

Iconic America: Our Symbols & Stories The Hollywood Sign

Paris Murders Missing

Rick Steves Art Of Europe

Next At The Kennedy Center Ben Folds Presents Declassified

Mr Bates Vs. The Post Office Alice & Jack

Dooky Chase Kitchen Leah’s Legacy

Nova Ancient Maya Metropolis

Kitchen Queens New Orleans

Rick Steves Art Of Europe

A Brief History Of The Future Chaos & Complexity

Joseph Rosendo’s Steppin Out

Continue traveling the world with Joseph on new adventures and exciting encounters across the globe.

Sunday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m.

In A Different Key

Pressing Matters Off The Record

Washington Week With The Atlantic Firing Line With Margaret Hoover

Sara’s Weeknight Meals Cooks Country America’s Test Kitchen

Key WithIngredient Sheri Castle

Live From The City Opera House The Nap Time Show Great Lakes Now Native Report

Father Brown

The Demise Of The Debutante

Midsumer Murders Destroying Angel Part 1

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television Pati’s Mexican Table Legacy List With Matt Paxton

Camp TV Kid Stew One Detroit One Detroit

Epic Train Journeys Norway’s Bergen Railway Call The Midwife

Moveable Feast Cook’s Country Legacy List With Matt Paxton

Camp TV The Nap Time Show Poetry In America Native Report

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WCMU-PBS

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Antiques Roadshow Santa Clara Hour 2

New Orleans Cooking With Kevin Belton

Roadtrip Nation

9:30 PM

Next at the Kennedy Center: Joshua Redman, Where are We Renowned jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman performs songs from his new album. Saturday, April 19 at 10 p.m.

10 PM

Dooky Chase Kitchen Leah’s Legacy

10:30 PM

Jon Stewart: The Mark Twain Prize

Rick Steves’ Europe

Fly Brotherwith Ernest White II

Start Up Breakthrough: Ideas The Changed The World The Robot

Julius Caesar: The Making Of A Dictator Ides Of March

Kitchen Queens New Orleans

Nova Ancient Maya Metropolis

New Orleans Cooking With Kevin Belton

A Brief History Of The Future Once Upon A Time

Dooky Chase Kitchen Leah’s Legacy

Kevin Belton’s Cooking Louisiana

Great Performances: Now Hear This Rising Stars

Destination Michigan

Kitchen Queens New Orleans

Nature

Under The Radar Michigan

Kevin Belton’s New Orleans Celebrations

Raptors: A Fistful Of Daggers - Meet The Raptors

Great Performances

Now Hear This: Virtuosos

Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House

Iconic America: Our Symbols & Stories

The American Bald Eagle

Midsumer Murders

Destroying Angel Part 2

Best Of The Joy Of Painting

Best Of The Joy Of Painting

Great Performances: Now Hear This Virtuosos

Secrets Of The Dead Nero’s Sunken City

Rick Steves’ Europe

Joseph TravelscopeRosendo’s

A Brief History Of The Future Chaos & Complexity

Nova Making North America: Origins

Rick Steves’ Europe

Ireland: County By County

Next At The Kennedy Center

Ben Folds Presents Declassified

Julius Caesar: The Making Of A Dictator Ides Of March

Rick Steves’ Europe

Earth’s Natural Wonders Extreme Wonders

Joseph TravelscopeRosendo’s

Next At The Kennedy Center Joshua Redman: Where Are We

Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House

Iconic America: Our Symbols & Stories The Cowboy

Paris Murders

Just Before Oblivion

Rick Steves Art Of Europe

Next At The Kennedy Center Joshua Redman, Where Are We

Mr Bates Vs. The Post Office Alice & Jack

Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House

Nova Making North America: Orgins

Rick Steves Art Of Europe

A Brief History Of The Future Once Upon A Time

The

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Art Happens Here with John Lithgow

Follow Lithgow as he tries singing, dancing, printmaking, and pottery, working alongside and learning from young people.

Friday, April 26 at 10 p.m.

9:30 PM 10 PM 10:30 PM

American Experience Poisoned Ground: The Tragedy At Love Canal

Ask This Old House Ask This Old House Rick Steves’ Europe

Fly Brotherwith Ernest White II

Roadtrip Nation Start Up Breakthrough: Ideas That Changed The World The Car

The Express Way With Dule’ Hill California Independent Lens One With The Whale

Ask This Old House Ask This Old House Rick Steves’ Europe Joseph TravelscopeRosendo’s

Nova Making North America: Orgins

A Brief History Of The Future Human

A Brief History Of The Future Once Upon A Time

Nova

Making North America: Life

Ask This Old House Ask This Old House Rick Steves’ Europe

Great Performances: Now Hear This Vituosos

Destination Michigan Under The Radar Michigan

Ireland: County By County

Next At The Kennedy Center Joshua Redman, Where Are We

The U.S And The Holocaust

The Golden Door (Beginnings - 1938)

Ask This Old House Ask This Old House Rick Steves’ Europe

Changing Planet Coral Special

Great Performances Now Hear This: Old Friends

Joseph TravelscopeRosendo’s

Magical Land Of Oz Ocean

Art Happens Here With John Lithgow

America’s Test Kitchen Cook’s Country America’s Test Kitchen Cook’s Country

Iconic America: Our Symbols & Stories The Gadsen Flag

Midsumer Murders Electric Vendetta Part 2

Best Of The Joy Of Painting

Best Of The Joy Of Painting

Great Performances: Now Hear This Old Friends

Mr Bates Vs. The Post Office

America’s Test Kitchen Cook’s Country

Nova Making North America: Life

Iconic America: Our Symbols & Stories Stone Mountian

Paris Murders Reminiscences

Rick Steves Art Of Europe

Art Happens Here With John Lithgow

Guilt

The Clothes On Our Backs

Rick Steves Art Of Europe

A Brief History Of The Future Human

9 PM

Antiques Roadshow Santa Clara Hour 3

9:30 PM

Nothern Nights, Starry Skies

Explore the wonders of star-bright skies in and around the world’s largest Dark Sky Sanctuary.

Monday, April 29 at 10 p.m.

10 PM

Northern Lights Starry Skies

10:30 PM WCMU-PBS

America’s Test Kitchen Cook’s Country Rick Steves’ Europe Fly Brotherwith Ernest White II

Roadtrip Nation Start Up

American Masters Becoming Helen Keller

The Express Way With Dule’ Hill Appalachia Frontline Crisis On Campus

America’s Test Kitchen America’s Test Kitchen Rick Steves’ Europe Joseph TravelscopeRosendo’s

Nova Making North America: Life

A Brief History Of The Future Human

Sanditon Marathon

Sanditon tells the story of Charlotte Heywood, a spirited and somewhat impulsive young woman who travels from her rural English home to the up-and-coming seaside resort town of Sanditon to reinvent herself. Watch the final season on Sunday, April 24 starting at 12 p.m.

Sunday Night Drama

Call the Midwife

Experience summertime in Poplar as the story progresses for the nurses, midwives, and nuns of the Nonnatus House.

Continue watching Season 13 on Sundays at 8 p.m.

Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office

Follow one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British legal history. Hundreds of innocent village Subpostmasters were accused of theft and fraud caused by errors in the Post Office’s computer systemsomething it denied for years. Premieres April 7 at 9 p.m.

Alice and Jack

Celia seeks Alice out to get some answers about Jack. Alice and Jack meet again and find joy, but it is cut short by devastating news as they face their greatest obstacle yet. Season finale April 21 at 10 p.m.

Guilt on Masterpiece

The contemporary dramedy continues with riveting plot twists and a strong vein of dark humor. When disgraced lawyer Max McCall is released from prison, he finds himself entwined in a gripping new story with characters old and new. Starts April 28 at 10 p.m.

Programs to Start Your Month

American Masters: The Incomparable Mr. Buckley

Follow the personal and political journey of conservative writer, strategist, candidate and provocateur William F. Buckley, Jr. See how one of the architects of the modern conservative movement rose to prominence as a public intellectual and influenced generations of politicians—including Ronald Reagan and Barry Goldwater. As founder of the National Review and host of the public affairs program Firing Line for over 30 years, Buckley created new spaces for civic discourse that were accessible to the public. Watch on Friday, April 5 at 9 p.m.

Elton John and Bernie Taupin: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song

The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song salutes Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Since a once-in-a-lifetime meeting between John, a young piano player, and lyricist Taupin together in 1967, they have forged a songwriting partnership that continues after more than 50 years. Watch on Monday, April 8 at 9 p.m.

PBS KIDS 24/7 Channel

Explore the earth for Earth Month with PBS KIDS

Wild Kratts: Our Blue and Green World

Premiering April 1, the Kratt brothers disagree on what’s better: blue oceans or green forests.

Dinosaur Train: Nature Trackers Adventure Camp Buddy, Shiny, Tiny and Don travel to different ecosystems to learn about erosion, tree lines, rainforests and canyons. April 16 at 8:30 a.m., April 19 at 12:30 p.m., and April 26 at 10:30 a.m.

Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Camping

April 17 at 11:30 a.m., the Cat in the Hat embarks on an outdoor adventure filled with camping, hiking and paddling while escorting Nick and Sally to Fish’s family reunion.

Nature Cat’s Nature Movie Special Extraordinaire

Debuting April 22, Sir Galahad begins taking things from nature to make his castle look more beautiful. It is up to Nature Cat and his friends to show him a better way to appreciate the natural beauty of their world before he does more damage to their favorite place.

Donor Spotlight

Stephen and Laura Hahn have been married for 42 years and have three adult married children. They were both introduced to PBS by their parents and have been listening and watching programs together for as long as they have been married. They started listening to the news and then became fans of A Prairie Home Companion, which led to listening and watching more entertainment. Their favorite radio shows include Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me, All Things Considered and Marketplace. Their favorite television shows include Call the Midwife, Finding Your Roots, Mystery, Masterpiece Theater, All Creatures Great and Small, PBS Newshour, and Antiques Road Show

Stephen received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Michigan Technological University (MTU) and continued his education at Central Michigan University (CMU) where he received his master’s in chemistry. After college, Stephen worked at Dow Chemical for thirty-five years and has worked for the National Science Foundation for the past four years. Laura received a Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation from CMU. For fifteen years, she worked for MidMichigan Medical Center, now known as MyMichigan, and for four years worked for the Senior Services of Midland County.

Stephen and Laura met at church in Midland and although much of their life has been spent in Midland, they have also lived in Minnesota, Texas, and California. They both enjoy volunteering and are active in the community. Stephen volunteers his time as a mentor for CMU’s New Venture Competition and as an assessor for the CMU College of Medicine. Laura volunteers on church committees and in other areas such as the Open Door and Garden Club. Together, the Hahn’s enjoy traveling, exercising, gardening, cooking, and music. You may also find Stephen playing the piano or Laura quilting.

Stephen and Laura Hahn support WCMU Public Media because public television and radio have always provided quality programming and educational, in-depth, and balanced news reporting.

Bellaire

Grass River Natural Area

BIG RAPIDS

Galloup Guitars

FLINT

Flint Institute of Arts

Flint Institute of Music

HARBOR SPRINGS

Perry Farm Village

Toms Mom’s Cookies

LANSING

Impression 5 Science Center

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

MACKINAW CITY

Mackinac State Historic Parks

MARQUETTE

Travel Marquette

MIDLAND

Alden B. Dow Home & Studio

Chippewa Nature Center

Dow Credit Union

Eastman Party Store

Midland Area

Community

Foundation

Midland Center for the Arts

MyMichigan Health

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Midland

MT. PLEASANT

CMU Bookstore

CMU Libraries and Friends of the CMU Libraries

Greentree co-op Grocery

Krapohl Ford Lincoln Mt. Pleasant Tire Service

NABET-CWA Local 412 Northwind Investments

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan University Theatre at CMU

PETOSKEY

Ameriprise Financial / Osborne/Klein

American Spoon Blissfest Music Organization

Spring & Porter Restaurant

REGIONAL

Consumers Energy Foundation

Featured this month

REMUS

Wheatland Music Organization

ROYAL OAK

Mindful of Motion

SAGINAW Temple Theatre

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Sault Symphony Orchestra

SHELBY TOWNSHIP Decorative Stitch

TRAVERSE CITY City Opera House

Morse Moving and Storage

Munson Healthcare University Center

Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum

For information regarding sponsorship opportunities with WCMU Public Media call 989-774-3105

1-800-727-9268 radio.WCMU.org

Mt. Pleasant WCMU 89.5 FM

Bay City WUCX 90.1 FM

Alpena WCML 91.7 FM

Traverse City WCMV 94.3 FM

Oscoda WCMB 95.7 FM

Standish WWCM 96.9 FM

Sault Ste. Marie WCMZ 98.3 FM

Harbor Springs WCMW 103.9 FM

Thank You

All of us at WCMU would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to each of you who contributed during our spring fundraiser. Your generosity and commitment to our mission keeps us going. Over the last month, we have seen time and time again how we are truly ‘Better Together.’

Because of you, WCMU can continue to deliver the quality programming you love and rely on. Your support ensures that our community remains informed, entertained, and connected. Thank you for being such an integral part of our family, and for believing in the power of public media!

Introducing WCMU’s New News Director, Rick Brewer!

WCMU is pleased to announce the appointment of Rick Brewer as our new News Director. Rick has been WCMU’s lead reporter since 2022, covering a wide range of issues including the Great Lakes and the environment, education, and the economy. His work has been heard nationally on NPR’s Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Here and Now. His stories have also been featured by Harvest Public Media.

“I’m humbled to be WCMU’s next News Director,” said Brewer. “I’m most excited about developing deeper connections with our audience and the communities we serve.”

“Rick is the perfect fit for this position,” said Mike Horace, WCMU’s Radio Program and Operations Manager. “Rick is an expert story teller, has keen journalistic sensibilities, and has been an incredible mentor to our team of full time and student reporters.”

Rick has a BA in history from Denison University, and dual Masters’ degrees in history and library science from Indiana University. He lives in Midland with his wife Annie, and cat Marjoram.

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Staff Spotlight: Judy Wagley

Judy Wagley hosts middays on WCMU. You hear her Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. She is also the host and producer of ‘From the Ground Up,’ and the producer of ‘The Children’s Bookshelf.’

What is one of your most memorable interviews?

Shortly after I arrived at WCMU, I was fortunate to interview comedienne Paula Poundstone (from “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me.”) She was kind, sincere, gracious and down-to-Earth. She never tried to be funny or sarcastic. Among other things, she talked about the importance of small, every-day interactions with others and shared that she volunteers weekly at a nursing home. When we finished the interview, I thanked her, then confessed that I was a big fan of hers, and that I was a bit nervous because I was “new” here. She responded with, “Oh, that’s OK, just keep doing what you’re doing Judy, you’re good at this!” Wow! I am sure that Paula Poundstone will never know how her words of encouragement have inspired and carried me through more than five years at WCMU!

What are you reading right now?

I read myself to sleep at night. On my bedside table there is usually a rotation of prayer books, cookbooks, and murder mysteries or historical fiction novels.

What is your goal when you come to work every day?

I am doing live radio, multi-tasking from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. five days a week—and stuff happens! My goal is to keep technical issues, tongue-twisters, memory lapses etc. at a minimum, while delivering news, weather, underwriting and other information in a way that is respectful and pleasing to WCMU listeners. When I produce “From the Ground Up!” I hope that listeners learn something new from my amazing expert guests and get inspired to get outdoors and “get growing!” I produce “The Children’s Bookshelf” too, but Dr. Sue Ann Martin is truly the “brains behind the operation,” and she is a treasure. Our shared goal: let’s get beautiful books into kids’ hands!

If you could interview any historical figure, who would it be and why?

It would be so interesting to have a conversation with Clara Wieck Schumann, a “rock-star” in her day (1819-1896). She was a child-prodigy pianist, composer and teacher—famous throughout Europe. When she was very young, she met and fell in love with composer Robert Schumann much to the dismay of her overbearing father. Clara and Robert eventually married, and their story rivals any soap opera with its many joys and sorrows. I would love to ask her how she managed to care for their eight children, care for Robert, his mental health issues and tragic death, and keep up her 61-year concert tour career. She was a courageous woman far ahead of her time who influenced the history of music!

Stay Informed with WCMUnow Your Weekly News Recap

Imagine starting your weekend with a cup of coffee and a concise, yet comprehensive digest of the week’s most compelling stories. That’s what WCMUnow brings you every Saturday morning. Curated with care, just for you, delivered right to your inbox.

WCMUnow is not just another newsletter. It’s an exclusive pass to the week’s best journalism, handpicked from WCMU, NPR, and PBS. Whether it’s groundbreaking investigations, insiring stories, or insightful analysis, WCMUnow captures the essence of the week’s news, so you’re always in the know.

Ready to transform your Saturday mornings?

Subscribe to WCMUnow today. Sign up now at WCMU.org/WCMUnow

Fire disrupts broadcasts on

91.7FM and TV Channel 6 in northeast Michigan

On February 28, 2024, a fire destroyed WCMU’s transmitters serving northeast Lower Michigan. WCML 91.7FM and WCML TV Channel 6 were both knocked off the air by the blaze.

As we work to rebuild our transmitter site and restore full broadcast services, there are many other ways to watch and listen to WCMU…

Watch and Listen on our website, WCMU.org

Watch and Listen on the WCMU App, available in the Apple and Android App Store

Listen on your smart speaker by asking it to ‘Play WCMU’ or ‘Play WCMU Classical.’

Watch on the PBS App, available on many smart TVs. While this fire may have temporarily silenced us in parts of our coverage area, WCMU remains committed to northeast Michigan. We will continue to report on news from the northeast on our website and all our broadcast platforms, and WCMU will remain northeast Michigan’s NPR and PBS station.

Learn more about our rebuilding efforts, and discover other ways to watch and listen at WCMU.org/fire.