Christina Shockley

Christina holds a degree in Mass Communication Studies from the University of Michigan. As a student, she got her start in broadcasting as an intern at Michigan Radio working on The Todd Mundt Show.

After graduation, Christina worked in Minnesota and Wisconsin. She co-produced a daily call-in program on politics for Minnesota Public Radio in addition to serving as an announcer and newscaster. Before her return to Michigan, she also hosted All Things Considered at Milwaukee Public Radio.

In her free time (when she’s not catching up on sleep to recover from those early mornings), she likes to run, bake, and go out with friends in downtown Ann Arbor. For fun, she has run in four marathons, including the Boston Marathon, and, though she has an extensive shoe collection, Christina wears slippers in the studio during Morning Edition.

Q&A

How did you get involved in radio?
I had a make-believe radio show when I was in elementary school. I wrote little stories and conducted "interviews." As I got older, became involved in plays, and was in charge of reading stories aloud to my elementary school class after lunch. So, the spoken word was always a part of my life. My parents also listened to NPR in the morning and evening (I still have a crush on Noah Adams, former co-host of All Things Considered). I started at Michigan Radio as an intern for "The Todd Mundt Show" in 1998, while I was a student at the University of Michigan.

What is your favorite way to spend your free time?
I catch up on sleep! I also run, bake, and head out to downtown Ann Arbor with friends.

What is your favorite program on Michigan Radio? Why?
Aside from Morning Edition, I love Wait Wait Don't Tell Me. I appreciate the humor! Since I deal with news all week (and let's face it, a lot of news is negative) it's very refreshing to take a look at the lighter side. I also appreciate the interviews they conduct with really smart people on a topic they know nothing about. It shows we all have our own talents.

What do you like best about working in public radio?
I work in public radio because we are listener-supported. This radio is really a group effort; everyone across the community chips in to make it happen. We're not owned by a corporation or industry. I'm honored to work in a profession I admire -- with some really smart, amazing people.

Is there a T.V. show you never miss? If so, which one?
One of my favorite things, I'll admit, is reality TV. I'll record the shows and watch them while I'm on the treadmill.

What are people usually very surprised to learn about you?
Even native Michiganders don't realize how common it is for high school students in Holland (Michigan) to take part in Dutch Dancing! During Tulip Time, high school kids from the Holland area put on Dutch Costumes and perform in the streets for tourists. (I even remember some of the steps!) The elementary school students also walk in the "Kinderparade" If you're from the area, it's just something you do.

What else would you like people to know about you?
I have an extensive shoe collection(?) but I wear slippers in the studio during Morning Edition!