Michael Feldman

Host

Michael Feldman has taught High School English, driven cab, hosted Michael Feldman's Whad'ya Know on PRI, and currently produces and hosts the Whad'ya Know Podcast from the High Noon Saloon in Madison, Wisconsin.

Michael Feldman's successful career as a radio quizmaster ("a great gig to have," says Feldman, "not so great if you're looking for work") began, somewhat unintentionally, when, returning to Wisconsin Public Radio from a brief but over-stimulating several months at WGN in Chicago compelled him towards doing a talk show without talk radio hot buttons, meaning either a quiz or swap-meet format. "Really liked the swap meet idea, back hoe for a hot tub kind of thing, but with quizzes there's no shipping." 

For Feldman, his new podcast, like the radio show, is all about audience: "The audience brings the show," says Michael, "I am an empty vessel, imploring, Fill Me!" In gratitude, Feldman provides great interviews, music and quiz opportunities with "not exactly big-ticket prizes--after all, it's how you play the game."

The entire Whad'ya Know crew is reunited for the podcast: John Thulin, piano and offhand remarks, that stand-up guy on stand-up bass, Jeff Hamann, and, our newest and most welcome addition, Stephanie Lee, most definitely, promoted on merit to co-host, along with her announcing duties. The show's new home is Madison's premiere music venue, the High Noon Saloon, "really a Salon, says Michael, "with an -oo."

For Feldman, the Brave New World of Podcasting is "an exciting opportunity to bring what you'd swear was a live radio show to a middle aged man on a cross- trainer at his health club." Of him, Feldman notes, "This guy's the limit."