Charity Nebbe - Host, All Things Considered

Charity Nebbe started her broadcast career as a student at Iowa State University and came to Michigan Radio in early 2000. She was the creator and co-host of Chinwag Theater, a nationally syndicated program for kids and worked as Senior Producer of The Todd Mundt Show, an NPR talk show produced at Michigan Radio. Now she splits her time between hosting All Things Considered, writing, and raising her two children. She is the author of the children'’s book Our Walk in the Woods, which reflects her favorite way to spend her free time -- hiking with her husband, kids, and dogs. Charity's website is charitynebbe.com. Q&A What person, alive or dead, would you like to have lunch with? Why? George Washington Carver. I’ve admired him ever since I was a child. My oldest brother is named after him, so I’ve known who he was for as long as I can remember. He has a remarkable life story, we know he had a deep and reverent relationship with the natural world, we know he was a talented artist and brilliant inventor, but there isn’t a lot on record about what he was like as a person. I would love to meet him. How did you get involved in radio? When I was in high school I became an die hard public radio fan and decided that I wanted to grow up to be the next Cokie Roberts. In college I got a job as an overnight board operator at WOI Radio in Ames, IA. I hung around all the time and learned everything I could and eventually worked my way into the role of host and producer as a student. What is your favorite way to spend your free time? Hiking with my husband, kids and dogs. What has been your most memorable experience as a reporter/host? On August 14, 2003, I was on the air when the power went out all over the Eastern Seaboard and much of the Midwest. We didn't have a generator at the station, but we did have one out at the tower. Tamar Charney (Michigan Radio's Program Director) and I drove out to our tower through gridlocked Ann Arbor and out past Dexter. On the way, we worked our cell phones to find out what was going on and broadcasted from the tower in the middle of the woods through the evening. We had a lot of fun. What is your favorite program on Michigan Radio? On the Media. It's smart and snarky and I always learn something. What is one ability or talent you really wish you possessed? I really wish I was a better singer. What do you like best about working in public radio? I love that I'm part of an organization that I really believe in. I really do believe that public radio is the best news source available. I believe everything I say during the membership drive. Is there anyone in the broadcasting or news business you find to be particularly admirable or inspiring? I've been inspired by David Brinkley, Edward R. Murrow, Cokie Roberts, Nina Totenberg, and many other people. My biggest influence was a man named Doug Brown who worked at WOI Radio in Ames, IA, for 35 years. He taught me almost everything I know. Is there a T.V. show you never miss? If so, which one? There are two. The Office and How I Met Your Mother. What would your perfect meal consist of? Taco Pizza without the meat from Godfather’s Pizza (a chain that is based in Nebraska and found through much of the Midwest.). What modern convenience would it be most difficult for you to live without? High speed internet. What are people usually very surprised to learn about you? That I live with three dogs and seven cats. Return to Michigan Radio Staff.