Doug Podell

After 50 years in the industry, WLLZ-FM (Detroit) afternoon host Doug Podell has announced that he will hang up his headphones and retire following his show on December 5. He made the announcement on the station's Josh Innes morning show this past Monday (11/10).

Podell’s career began in 1975 at 99.5 WABX-FM before moving to 106.7 WWWW-FM, followed by a stint at KQRS-FM in Minneapolis. He returned to Detroit to join the original 98.7 WLLZ in the 1980s, serving as both Program Director and on-air personality. He went on to become Operations Manager and afternoon drive host at Cleveland’s 98.5 WNCX, where he helped bring The Howard Stern Show to the market.

In 1995, Podell returned to the Motor City at WRIF-FM, developing the The Drew & Mike Show and serving as Operations Manager for 15 years.

Podell was later on air at both WCSX-FM and WDRQ=FM and spent over two decades as host of Westwood One’s Live in Concert, which showcased national rock performances to audiences across the country.  He joined present day 106.7 WLLZ-FM when the station launched in 2019.

Throughout his career, Podell has received multiple honors, including Program Director of the Year from Billboard and R&R, Michigan’s Best Radio DJ by The Detroit News, and the Distinguished Career Award from the Detroit Music Awards. In 2024, he served as Grand Marshal of the Polish Day Parade, where a community roast raised more than $30,000 for charity.

“It’s been an incredible ride,” said Doug Podell. “From my earliest days at WABX to returning to WLLZ, where I first took on a leadership role, it feels like the perfect place to sign off. I’ve been lucky to spend 50 years doing what I love, in the city I love, surrounded by listeners who made it all worth it.”

“Doug Podell is a Detroit original,” said WLLZ Program Director Casey Krukowski. “His passion for music, deep connection with listeners, and commitment to radio excellence have left a lasting mark—not only on this station, but on generations of Detroit rock fans. We are honored that he chose to conclude his legendary run right here at WLLZ.”

Podell celebrated his 73rd birthday this past Tuesday (11/11).