March 2024 WCMU Program Guide

Lili

Clara

Amy

Wynona

For Our Members ...

As we emerge from the cold, dark, depths of another Michigan Winter, the onset of March brings connotations of rebirth, transformation, and growth. Perceived daylight, already increasing as our side of the planet orbits closer toward the Sun, gets its annual boost as Daylight Saving Time returns and we “spring” forward on the 10th. Seemingly, in just a matter of a few short weeks, we WCMU Engineers find ourselves leaving the Engineering Shop with plenty of light left to drive home and tinker with the personal projects that occupy our minds and hands at home. Being a gardener, maple syrup-maker, and overall outdoor enthusiast, a little warmth, water, and sunshine is all I need to inspire the itch to get outside and start doing.

Along with the first sprouts of Spring come other sunshine-induced events, including a biannual event that we broadcast engineers are quite familiar with: satellite/solar conjunction. Around the equinoxes, geosynchronous communication satellites often experience brief

periods of interference when the sun passes directly behind the satellites that transmit signals back to earth. In these cases, the Sun effectively functions as an outstandingly powerful broadband microwave generator whose astronomical strength can completely overwhelm the earth station receiver with radiated interference. Fear not, though! These are expected outages that only last a couple minutes!

I’m grateful to every one of you for your generosity and support of WCMU Public Media. I, along with all the WCMU Engineers, are pleased to have you along for these trips around the Sun.”

Sunday, March 17

Join us for a new season of Call the Midwife.

Engineer

WCMU Special Programming

Bee Gees: In Our Own Time

Explore the story of one of the best-selling music acts of all time, told in their own words by Barry and Robin Gibb, from modest beginnings to worldwide success in the 1970s. Includes interviews, videos, TV appearances and live performances.

Watch on Saturday, March 2 at 9 p.m.

Rick Steves Mighty Alps

Join Rick Steves on an alpine adventure from Italy to Austria to Switzerland to France, with scenic train rides, breathtaking lifts, majestic glaciers, and unforgettable hikes.

Watch on Wednesday, March 6 at 8 p.m.

Flamenco: Spirit of Seville

Filmed around Easter celebration in Seville in conjuction with Seville’s premiere Flamenco Theatre, these artists are among the world’s most vibrant and acclaimed Flamenco dancers. Watch on Sunday, March 10 at 5:30 p.m.

Super Tuesday

Join PBS Newshour for live special coverage of Super Tuesday. Co-anchored by Amna Nawaz and Geoff Bennett from the nation’s capital, coverage will include reporting from Newshour correspondents and analysis from additional guests. Watch on Tuesday, March 5 at 11 p.m.

State of the Union Address

Join PBS Newshour or NPR live for President Biden’s State of the Union Address. This will be his final address before the 2024 presidential election. Watch or listen on Thursday, March 7 at 9 p.m.

Women’s History Month

Her War, Her Story

Hear the stories of more than two dozen women’s experiences during WWII. Explore how women were equal to men in patriotism, service and steadfastness in critical moments. Watch on Monday, March 11 at 2:30 p.m.

Facing the Laughter: Minnie Pearl

The life and work of Sarah Cannon, aka iconic country music comedian Minnie Pearl. Watch on Monday, March 11 at 3:30 p.m.

American Masters: Mae West: Dirty Blond

Dive into the life and career of groundbreaking writer, performer and subversive star Mae West. Watch on Monday, March 11 at 10 p.m.

In Their Own Words: Queen Elizabeth II

Follow Queen Elizabeth II’s remarkable life, from her youth to her sudden ascension to the throne and her eventful reign of more than 60 years. Watch on Tuesday, March 12 at 4:30 p.m.

American Experience: The Sun Queen

Learn about inventor Mária Telkes, who spent her career exploring how to harness the sun’s power. Watch on Tuesday, March 12 at 9 p.m.

Jane Addams: Together We Rise

This documentary profiles Jane Addams and the cadre of persistent women who joined her to enrich the lives of thousands of immigrant women and children. Watch on Wednesday, March 13 at 4:30 p.m.

The National Women’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Celebrate the lives and achievemnets of ten extaordinary women across a diverse range of disciplines working to create meaningful change in their communities and the world. Watch on Wednesday, March 20 at 3:30 p.m.

Fannie Lou Hamer’s America: An America Reframed Special Explore and celebrate the life of a fearless Mississippi sharecropper turned human rights activitst and the injustices in America that made her work essential. Watch on Saturday, March 23 at 3 a.m.

Fannie Lou Hamer: Stand Up

Civil rights legend Fannie Lou Hamer is remembered by those who worked side by side with her in the struggle for voting rights. Watch on Saturday, March 23 at 4:30 a.m.

Composer Amy Beach

Join Scott Yoo as he investigates the work and life of one of America’s greatest Romatic composers. Watch on Wednesday, March 27 at 4:30 p.m.

9 PM

WCMU-PBS

Create TV

MI Learning

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Ken Burns: Civil War

A comprehensive and definitive history of the American Civil War.

Wednesday, March 6, 7 p.m.

9:30 PM

The All New Rock, Pop, and Doo Wop (continued)

Fit 2 Stitch Fit 2 Stitch

Civilizations

Bee Gees In Our Own Time

Best Of The Joy Of Painting

10 PM

Fit 2 Stitch

10:30 PM

Roy Orbison & Friends A Black and White Night

Fit 2 Stitch

American Experience: Fly With Me

Best Of The Joy Of Painting Richard Bangs’ Adventures with Purpose

Norway: Quest For The Viking Spirit

Great Performances: The LA Phil Celebrates Frank Gehry

70’s Soul Superstars Young Forever with Mark Hyman, MD

Fit 2 Stitch Fit 2 Stitch

Nova Reef Rescue

Memory Makeover With Daniel Amen, MD

Fit 2 Stitch Fit 2 Stitch

Roadtrip Nation Start Up

Ken Burns: The Civil War

Fit 2 Stitch Fit 2 Stitch

Nova Reef Rescue

Great Performances: The Conductor

Richard Bangs’ Adventures with Purpose

Pearl River

Gene: An Intimate History

Rick Steves’ Europe Fly Brotherwith Ernest White II

Secrets Of The Surface

The Mathematical Vision Of Maryam Mirzakhani

Last Of The Breed

Rick Steves’ Europe Travelscope

Gene: An Intimate History

Rick Steves Mighty Alps Raising Mentally Strong Kids with Daniel Amen, MD

Aging Backwards 4 (continued) Fit 2 Stitch

Rick Steves’ Europe

Great Performances: The LA Phil Celebrates Frank Gehry

PBS Newshour Presents President Biden’s State Of The Union

Fit 2 Stitch Fit 2 Stitch

Nature Sharks Of Hawaii

Ireland: County By County

Great Performances: The Conductor

Rick Steves’ Europe Travelscope

Operation Maneater Great White Shark

The Highwaymen: Live at Nassau Coliseum

Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Jonny Cash and Kris Kristofferson perform their hits in this 1990 concert.

Friday, March 8, 10 p.m.

Kitchen Queens New Orleans

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television

The Good Eggs The Nap Time Show Without A Whisper: Konnon: Kwe

DW Global US Quiz Central Irelands Wild Coast

Steven Raichlen’s Project Fire Cook’s Country Lidia’s Kitchen

Camp TV

Key withIngredient Sheri Castle

Love And Respect with Killer Mike

Key withIngredient Sheri Castle

The Nap Time Show The Career Center Start Up

A River Reconnected Wilderness Journal Michigan Out Of Doors

Essential Pepin Pati’s Mexican Table

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television

The Good Eggs The Nap Time Show Without A Whisper: Konnon: Kwe

Key withIngredient Shei Castle

Love And Respect with Killer Mike

9 PM

WCMU-PBS

Create TV

9:30 PM

NOVA: Arctic Sinkholes

In the Arctic, emormous releases of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, threaten the climate.

Wednesday, March 13, 10 p.m.

10 PM

10:30 PM

This Land Is Your Land (continued) The Highwaymen - Live At Nassau

Gregorian: Pure Chants (continued)

Joseph Steppin’Rosendo’s Out

Joseph TravelscopeRosendo’s Joseph Steppin’Rosendo’s Out

MI Learning

WCMU-PBS

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WCMU-PBS

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American Masters

Marian Anderson - The Whole World In Her Hands 70’s Soul Superstars

Best Of The Joy Of Painting

Great Performances

Merry Wives

All Creatures Great And Small (from 8:00 PM)

Best Of The Joy Of Painting Richard Bangs’ Adventures with Purpose Switzerland

Memory Makeover with Daniel Amen, MD

Joseph TravelscopeRosendo’s Joseph Steppin’Rosendo’s Out

Nova

Butterfly Blueprints

Antiques RoadshowBirmingham Hour 2

Joseph TravelscopeRosendo’s Joseph Steppin’Rosendo’s Out

Roadtrip Nation

American Experience The Sun Queen

Start Up

Joseph TravelscopeRosendo’s Joseph Steppin’Rosendo’s Out

Nova

Butterfly Blueprints

Nova

Hidden Volcano Abyss

Richard Bangs’ Adventures with Purpose Egypt

Amazing Human Body Grow

American Masters Mae West

Rick Steves’ Europe Fly Brotherwith Ernest White II

Julia Robinson And Hilbert’s Tenth Problem

Frontline: Lethal Restraint

Rick Steves’ Europe Travelscope

Amazing Human Body Grow

Nova

Arctic Sinkholes

Joseph TravelscopeRosendo’s Joseph TravelscopeRosendo’s Rick Steves’ Europe

Great Performances

Merry Wives

Destination Michigan Under The Radar Michigan City In The Sky

Ireland: County By County

Joseph TravelscopeRosendo’s Joseph TravelscopeRosendo’s Rick Steves’ Europe Travelscope

Europe’s New Wild The Missing Lynx

Europe’s New Wild Return Of The Titans

Paris Murders Season 2

Highly intuitive police profiler Chloé SaintLaurent must work with Detective Rocher to solve the most puzzling murder cases in Paris. Friday, March 16, 10 p.m.

Finding Your Roots: Things we Don’t Discuss

Dooky Chase Kitchen

Leah’s Legacy Kitchen Queens New Orleans

Finding Your Roots: Salems Lot

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television

Key withIngredient Sheri Castle

The Good Eggs The Nap Time Show Bonnie Boswell Presents: Saving Moms

DW Global US Quiz Central Irelands Wild Coast

Steven Raichlen’s Project Fire Cook’s Country Lidia’s Kitchen

Key withIngredient Sheri Castle

Camp TV The Nap Time Show The Career Center Start Up

Earth’s Natural Wonders Wilderness Journal Michigan Out Of Doors

Essential Pepin Pati’s Mexican Table

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television

Key withIngredient Shei Castle

The Good Eggs The Nap Time Show Bonnie Boswell Presents: Saving Moms

9 PM

WCMU-PBS

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MI Learning

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Epic Train Journeys

The most beautiful and challenging railroads in the world, seen from above.

Sunday, March 17, 7 p.m.

9:30 PM 10 PM 10:30 PM

Great Performances At The Met Dead Man Walking

Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi

American Masters How It Feels To Be Free

Midsumer Murders The Point Of Balance

Best Of The Joy Of Painting

Samantha Brown’s Places To Love

Family Travel with Colleen Kelly

Joseph TravelscopeRosendo’s

Paris Murders: The Shooting Star

Best Of The Joy Of Painting Hidden Ireland

Great Performances At The Met Dead Man Walking

Nolly Alice & Jack

Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi

Samantha Brown’s Places To Love

Hidden Ireland

Nova Hidden Volcano Abyss Nova Arctic Sinkholes

Dante

Inferno To Paradise Part 1

Family Travel With Colleen Kelly

Roadtrip Nation

Dante

Inferno To Paradise Part 2

America’s Test Kitchen

Nova

Joseph TravelscopeRosendo’s Rick Steves’ Europe

Start Up

New Orleans Cooking with Kevin Belton

American Experience Rachel Carson

Fly Brotherwith Ernest White II

Rick Steves’ Europe Travelscope

Hidden Volcano Abyss Nova Arctic Sinkholes

Nova Polar Extremes

Ireland With Michael Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi

Great Performances At The Met Dead Man Walking

Rick Steves’ Europe Ireland: County By County

Destination Michigan Under The Radar Michigan City In The Sky

Family Travel With Colleen Kelly

Forces Of Nature Shape

Rick Steves’ Europe

Rick Steves’ Europe Travelscope

Forces Of Nature Elements

9 PM

WCMU-PBS

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MI Learning

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9:30 PM

Menus-Plaisirs - Les Troisgros

Life Of Loi: Mediterranean Secrets

American Masters

Independent Lens: Greener Pastures

Four Midwestern farm families persevere through climate change, industrialization, and mental health crises.

Monday, March 25, 10 p.m.

10 PM

Life Of Loi: Mediterranean Secrets

Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir

Midsomer Murders

The Miniature Murders

Best Of The Joy Of Painting

Best Of The Joy Of Painting

Menus-Plaisirs - Les Troisgros

10:30 PM

Life Of Loi: Mediterranean Secrets

Life Of Loi: Mediterranean Secrets

The Paris Murders: Panic

Rick Steves’ Art Of Europe

Nolly Alice & Jack

Life Of Loi: Mediterranean Secrets

Nova

Polar Extremes

Antiques Roadshow

Birmingham, Hour

Life Of Loi: Mediterranean Secrets

Roadtrip Nation

American Experience

The Cancer Detective

Life Of Loi: Mediterranean Secrets

Nova

Polar Extremes

Nova

Star Chasers of Senegal

Life Of Loi: Mediterranean Secrets

Life Of Loi: Mediterranean Secrets

Life Of Loi: Mediterranean Secrets

Rick Steves’ Art Of Europe

Independent Lens Greener Pastures

Rick Steves’ Europe Fly Brotherwith Ernest White II

Start Up American Experience

The Sun Queen

Invisible Shield

Life Of Loi: Mediterranean Secrets

Rick Steves’ Europe Travelscope

Nova Great Electric Airplane Race

Life Of Loi: Mediterranean Secrets

Menus-Plaisirs - Les Troisgros

Destination Michigan

Life Of Loi: Mediterranean Secrets

Nature

Remarkable Rabbits

Under The Radar Michigan

Life Of Loi: Mediterranean Secrets

Rick Steves’ Europe

Ireland: County By County

City In The Sky

Rick Steves’ Europe Travelscope

Dogs In The Wild

Fri 29

Sat 30

31

American Masters: Moynihan

Daniel Patrick Moynihan did not just live in the twentieth centruy, he strode across it: a colossus of ideas and a man of deeds.

Friday, March 29, 9 p.m.

7:30 PM 8 PM 8:30 PM 7 PM

Great Lakes Now Off The Record Washington Week 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 Great Train Robbery

Midsomer Murders The Sting Of Death

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

Camp TV Kid Stew The Career Center Start Up

Epic Train Journeys Call The Midwife

Moveable Feast Cook’s Country Legacy List with Matt Paxton

Camp TV The Nap Time Show Great Lakes Now Native Report

Programming Subject to Change - full schedules at wcmu.org/television/tvschedules

WCMU Passport is an added benefit of station membership. Members gain extended access to more streaming video.

Learn More about this Benefit at wcmu.org/supportwcmu/passport

Coming this month:

Call the Midwife

Nolly

Alice & Jack

American Experience: The Life Saver

NOVA: The A.I. Revolution

Miracle Years S2

9 PM

WCMU-PBS

9:30 PM

Father Brown: The Great Train Robbery

Faced with the prospect of travelling in second class Lady Felicia is delighted to run into opera legend Dame Bianca Norman. Saturday, March 30, 7 p.m.

10 PM

American Masters Moynihan

Real Rail Adventures: Switzerland

Fannie Lou Hamer’s America

WCMU-PBS

WCMU-PBS

Midsomer Murders The Sting Of Death

Best Of The Joy Of Painting

Best Of The Joy Of Painting

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

Nolly

Real Rail Adventures: Switzerland

Nova A. I. Revolution

10:30 PM

Antiques Roadshow Recut - Bonanzaville

Real Rail Adventures

Fannie Lou Hamer: Stand Up

The Paris Murders: Crossed Destinies

Rick Steves’ Art Of Europe

Great Performances: Now Hear This Schumann: Genius And Madness

Alice & Jack

Rick Steves’ Art Of Europe

Nova Star Chasers Of Senegal

Dante: Inferno to Paradise

Dante will bring deep and widespread awareness of Dante’s significance and immense contribution to world culture: an impact that has reached now across 700 years with a text that speaks as powerfully to contemporary readers today as it did to the men and women of Dante’s own time. The modern-day relevance of the story of Dante’s life and work is astonishing, as people everywhere look for signs of hope and redemption and a way forward in circumstances as challenging in their own way as Dante’s own. Watch Monday, March 18 at 9 p.m.

St. Patrick’s Day

Ireland Wild Coast

Follow a unique journey along one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world featuring the wildlife and wild places that make it so special. Wildlife cameraman Colin Stafford-Johnson takes viewers on an authored odyssey along Ireland’s rugged Atlantic coast – the place he chooses to make his home after 30 years spent shooting some of the world’s most celebrated wildlife films. Watch part 1 on Wednesday, March 13 at 8 p.m. and part 2 on Wednesday, March 20 at 8 p.m.

Easter

Ancient Roads from Christ to Constantine Join historian Jonathan Phillips journey to the historic sites of early Christianity. Embark on an exciting and visually stunning trip to the beautiful and important hisorical places of early Christianity. Watch on Sunday, March 31 at 12 p.m.

Local Programs

Destination Michigan

This month on Destination Michigan, we’ll sharpen steel with a Master Bladesmith in Hubbardston. We’ll bounce back to Battle Creek to browse the building of biplanes and grab a bite with a brilliant view at WACO kitchen. We’re going to learn and play all day at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, and we’ll hop on the trails at the crosscountry ski headquarters in Roscommon. You can watch Destination Michigan on Thursday nights at 9 p.m., Saturday mornings at 11 a.m., or online anytime at wcmu.org Watch on Monday, March 25 at 10 p.m.

A River Reconnected

A science, cultural and environmental documentary about reconnecting the Boardman River to the waters of Grand Traverse Bay that explores the challenges and solutions of selective fish passage while blocking invasive species from migrating upstream. Watch on Thursday, March 14 at 7 p.m.

Saving the Barn: The Leelanau County Poor Farm

The Leelanau County Poor Farm is one of many in Michigan. It is widely thought that all but one county had either a poor farm or poor residence in the early 1900s. Nearly every Michigan county built such facilities, but few remain. Their social and cultural histories have almost disappeared as well. Watch on Sunday, March 17 at 6:30 p.m.

PBS KIDS 24/7 Channel

Live stream avaliable at WCMU.org/family

Monday to Friday Saturday and Sunday

6:00 a.m. Clifford the Big Red Dog

6:30 a.m.

7:00 a.m.

7:30 a.m.

8:00 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

Dinosaur Train

Pinkalicious & Peterrific

Sesame Street Shorts

Sesame Street

Work It Out Wombats!

Work It Out Wombats!

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

Curious George

Curious George

Donkey Hodie

Donkey Hodie

Elinor Wonders Why

Rosie’s Rules

The Cat in the Hat Know A Lot About That Pinkalicious & Peterrific Pinkalicious & Peterrific

Peg + Cat

Sesame Street

Sesame Street

Work It Out Wombats!

Work It Out Wombats!

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

Curious George

Curious George

Donkey Hodie

Donkey Hodie

Elinor Wonders Why

SUPER WHY!

2:30 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

9:00 p.m.

9:30 p.m.

Rosie’s Rules

Xavier Riddle & the Secret Museum

Alma’s Way

Alma’s Way

Lyla in the Loop

Arthur Nature Cat

Odd Squad

Wild Kratts

Wild Kratts

Lyla in the Loop

Molly of Denali

Molly of Denali

Hero Elementary

Cyberchase

Let’s Go Luna!

Rosie’s Rules

Xavier Riddle & the Secret Museum

Alma’s Way

Molly of Denali

Lyla in the Loop

Arthur Nature Cat

Odd Squad

Wild Kratts

Ready Jet Go!

PBS KIDS Family Night

Cyberchase

Let’s Go Luna!

Sunday Night Drama

Call the Midwife

It is now 1969, and the period drama returns with Poplar coping with the popularity of home births under the auspices of the Sisters. Starting Sunday, March 17 at 8 p.m.

Nolly on Masterpiece

Explore the reign and fall of soap opera star Noele “Nolly” Gordon, one of the most famous faces on British TV in the 1960s and 70s. Starting Sunday, March 17 at 9 p.m.

Alice and Jack

When Alice and Jack first meet they’re bound by a connection so powerful it seems nothing can break it, but will their path lead them to a place of happiness and togetherness? Starting Sunday, March 17 at 10 p.m.

BIG RAPIDS

Galloup Guitars

FLINT

Flint Institute of Arts

Flint Institute of Music

HARBOR SPRINGS

Perry Farm Village

Toms Mom’s Cookies

LANSING

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

REGIONAL

Consumers Energy Foundation

REMUS

Wheatland Music Organization

ROYAL OAK

Mindful of Motion

Featured this month

SAGINAW

Saginaw Valley State University Foundation

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

WCMU Public Radio

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

For Our Listeners ...

Oscoda WCMB 95.7 FM

Standish WWCM 96.9 FM

Sault Ste. Marie WCMZ 98.3 FM

Harbor Springs WCMW 103.9 FM

As the frosty winter weather gradually gives way to the vibrant chorus of spring, we find ourselves in a moment of renewal and anticipation. March offers us a canvas painted with the promise of new beginnings, as the landscape around us is transformed and rejuvenated as the days grow longer, and the temperatures begin to warm.

Here at WCMU, we’re not only welcoming the changing seasons, but also preparing for an event at the heart of our mission and community: our annual spring fundraiser. This event is a celebration of what we can achieve together. It’s also a cornerstone of our mission, providing the vital funding that allows us to bring you the enriching, engaging, and

For our spring drive, we’re inviting you to amplify your impact by joining our Member Challenge Fund. Contributions that come in before the drive begins will be pooled together to create a challenge grant that will encourage listeners who have never made a donation to WCMU to make their first-ever gift. This is your chance to lead by example, showing the strength and spirit of our community. You can give to the Member Challenge Fund right now at , or by scanning the QR code on this page. From in-depth news and thought-provoking discussions to captivating music and storytelling, there is something on WCMU for everyone. Your support during our spring fundraiser will help us keep these programs on the air, ensuring that WCMU continues to be a vital resource for central and northern

Thank you for being an essential part of the WCMU family. Here’s to a wonderful end of winter and an even more splendid start to spring!

This month, we’re getting to know WCMU’s David Nicholas. David has been with WCMU for over 34 years, and is your local host weekdays during The World, All Things Considered, Marketplace, and The Daily

What is one of your most memorable interviews?

I recall my interview with the late Kenneth Untener, former Bishop of the Diocese of Saginaw, in the wake of a sex abuse scandal. We had been hearing so much about allegations at the national and global level – but here were allegations in our own back yard. It was an important conversation that impacted so many of our listeners.

What kind of impact do you think your reporting has?

When I work on a story or interview, I put myself in the position of our listeners, trying to ask the questions that they would ask. I want my interviews and reports to be accessible, and my goal is always to be a trusted, calming voice that listeners can turn to for fairness and integrity.

What

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

President Abraham Lincoln. He stands above all our leaders, including those who also led the nation during wartime. His presidency was such a pivotal point in U.S. history. Lincoln’s actions held the nation together, and to talk to someone who witnessed so much history would be a tremendous honor.

are you reading right now?

We the Presidents by Ronald Gruner. It’s a look at the impact of presidents over the last century, from Warren G. Harding to Donald Trump, and how each of them shaped the presidency and the nation.

Echoes

From

Homespun

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Friday, March 1 at 10:40 a.m.

In this performance, the DSO celebrates the contributions of African American composers and artists with new music from Shelly Washington, and a performance by saxophonist Steven Banks.

Friday, March 15 at 10:40 a.m.

Pianist Inon Barnatan joins the DSO to perform Schumann’s only piano concerto. And we’ll hear Elgar’s breathtaking Enigma Variations.

A Rare Visitor: The Southern

Lapwing’s Unprecedented Journey to Northern Michigan

By Teresa Homsi

The southern lapwing is a pretty ordinary bird - if you live in flat, grassy regions of South America. It’s the national bird of Uruguay and rarely strays north beyond Guatemala. So when the red-eyed shorebird appeared in Oscoda sometime in May 2022, it was a complete anomaly.

I followed this story from when the bird first arrived, disappeared, and then last month when the Michigan Bird Records committee voted the bird arrived without any human intervention.

It’s safe to say these stories got some attention. My initial coverage of the bird was picked up by a radio station in Paraguay, which translated my story into Spanish and cited WCMU. My most recent update aired nationally on NPR, announcing the Oscoda visitor now holds the first confirmed record of its species in North America.

Not everyone agreed with the decision to label the bird a “natural vagrant.” The committee was split in a 5-2 vote, and some have expressed doubt this fairly sedentary species was capable of traveling thousands of miles. Others insist all possible options -

The lapwing trudging through snow December 22, 2022 in Oscoda is among the last photos taken of the bird before it disappeared. Photo courtesy of Jason Shaw

like a zoo escape or a hitchhiked plane ride - have been ruled out.

With the committee’s decision, the debate is beside the point, and I’d make the case it’s not the most important part of the lapwing’s story.

Rare birds are often called “one-day wonders.” They appear and within a couple days, vanish without a trace. But the lapwing put down roots in Oscoda and stuck around for nearly six months.

The lapwing was a regular at the Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport and spent its days foraging for insects in the mudflats of Cedar Lake.

The bird was a natural in front of the camera, and as the weather took a turn, the tropical bird was a trooper.

There’s a lot we don’t know about the lapwing -- where it came from, how it got here and what happened to it after it was last spotted Dec. 22, 2022.

What we know is that it was a remarkable bird, and it reveals more about our own species. We took delight in the lapwing’s arrival, celebrated its resilience and expressed awe at its mysterious journey. This is a story I’m honored to share. Amid all the terrible things that happen in our world, it’s humbling to know that we can revel in a spunky, awkwardlooking bird. We can still find ways to open our hearts to a creature that’s very lost, probably confused and just making the most of its time on this weird, blue planet.

Photo courtesy of Jason Shaw

Carolyn Beeler named Co-Host of The World

Award-winning

journalist Carolyn Beeler has been named co-host of The World, heard each weekday on WCMU. Beeler joins Marco Werman as co-host of the daily global news program.

Beeler has been a correspondent for The World since 2015, overseeing the program’s environmental coverage. She has reported from all seven continents on a variety of issues, and her work has been recognized with Edward R. Murrow Awards and other accolades from the Society of Professional Journalists, the Alliance for Women in Media, and others.

“We’re delighted to welcome Carolyn as co-host,” said Dan Lothian, executive producer of The World. “Carolyn has been a long-time voice on The World, providing smart insights and clarity in her reporting about difficult situations, from Ukraine to climate change. She’ll work closely with Marco to ensure our audience continues to understand the world we live in today.”

“Carolyn is an exceptional journalist and has contributed significantly to The World since she joined the team in 2015,” says Beeler’s co-host, Marco Werman. “Her work on climate-related stories, including looking for solutions to this existential crisis, is impactful and brings significant value to our listeners. Having her as a co-host will be a gift for me and our audience.”

You can listen to Beeler on The World every weekday at 3 p.m., on WCMU.

The Children’s

and From The Ground Up! are just a click away!

Search for these programs wherever you get your podcasts, including on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe by visiting

WCMU.org/podcasts

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