Staff Spotlight: Ben Thorp

As a member of WFYI, you power the stories you love and rely on; but someone has to produce, distribute, fundraise for and promote those stories. Each month here in the Insiders' Magazine, you'll see a series introducing you to the team here at WFYI. Learn about journalists, radio producers, administrative specialists and all the dedicated individuals who — alongside your support — bring you the shows you care about.

What does your work at WFYI usually entail?

Work for me usually entails endless emails, lots of reading and research. That can all be enjoyable, but the stuff I really love about the job is getting to go out and talk to people.

What do you enjoy most about working at WFYI?

I've worked at smaller public radio stations (WBAA, WCMU) before coming here and the thing I've most enjoyed is having a bunch of coworkers. Feeling like there's some depth to the news team? That hits!

Do you have any advice for those who'd like to follow in your footsteps?

I took a really roundabout route to end up here in public radio so it's hard to offer any advice (I also think hard career paths into the field are... difficult to come by). Mostly I've just followed my interests and stumbled into something I enjoy. Do that!

When you're not at work, what can you often be found doing?

Crying. Probably going to the Kan-Kan. Eating a lot. I don't know, maybe I need a hobby.

If you had to take one WFYI program with you to a desert island, what would it be and why?

Radiolab. I know it's cliche but listening to Radiolab was what got me interested in public radio. Driving between my hometown and Michigan State University during college Radiolab was all I listened to. So, it's that. On the TV side, it's gotta be Frontline.