Doug Podell
iHeartMedia Detroit today announced the upcoming retirement of Doug “Doc of Rock” Podell from 106.7 WLLZ Detroit Wheels, effective December 5, 2025, after an incredible 50-year career in broadcast radio. Podell will continue hosting his weekday afternoon drive show 2-7 p.m. through his final broadcast on December 5, giving Detroit listeners the chance to celebrate and say goodbye to one of the city’s most iconic radio voices.
Podell, one of Detroit’s most celebrated and enduring rock radio voices, leaves behind a legacy that helped shape the sound and spirit of Detroit’s rock radio scene for nearly five decades.
A fixture on Detroit’s airwaves since 1975, Podell’s radio journey began at 99.5 WABX before moving to 106.7 WWWW (W4), and later 92.5 KQRS in Minneapolis. He then joined 98.7 WLLZ, where he served as Program Director and on-air talent throughout the 1980s, helping cement the station’s identity and place in the Motor City’s rich rock heritage.
Podell later took on roles at Cleveland’s 98.5 WNCX as Operations Manager and afternoon drive host, guiding the station to a #1 rating and helping bring Howard Stern’s show to a major new market. In 1995, he returned to Detroit radio at 101.1 WRIF, where he played a pivotal role in developing the market-dominating “Drew & Mike Show” and served as Operations Manager for 15 years, curating major events and pioneering Detroit’s rock morning format.
Podell went on to become a familiar voice on 94.7 WCSX from 2009 to 2017 and later appeared on 93.1 WDRQ. For over two decades, he also brought national rock performances to life as host of Westwood One’s “Live in Concert,” showcasing national rock performances to millions of listeners nationwide.
“Doug Podell is a Detroit original,” said Casey Krukowski, Program Director for iHeartMedia Detroit’s 106.7 WLLZ. “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.”
Throughout his career, Podell has been recognized with numerous industry honors, including Program Director of the Year from Billboard and R&R, Michigan’s Best Radio DJ by The Detroit News, and a 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 over $30,000 for charity.
“It’s been an incredible ride,” said 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.”