Doug "Doc of Rock" Podell to Retire from WLLZ Detroit

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 10, 2025 | 5:18pm CT

Doug Doc of Rock Podell

iHeartMedia Detroit has announced the upcoming retirement of Doug "Doc of Rock" Podell from 106.7 WLLZ (Detroit Wheels), effective December 5. The announcement marks the end of an extraordinary 50-year broadcast career that helped define Detroit's rock radio legacy. Podell will continue hosting his weekday afternoon drive show through his final broadcast, giving fans one last chance to tune in and celebrate a true Motor City icon.

A fixture on Detroit's airwaves since 1975, Podell began his career at 99.5 WABX before moving to 106.7 WWWW (W4) and later to 92.5 KQRS in Minneapolis. He became a key figure at 98.7 WLLZ during the 1980s, serving as both Program Director and an air personality and helping to shape the station's signature sound during its peak years.

After a successful stint as Operations Manager and afternoon host at Cleveland's 98.5 WNCX -- where he helped bring Howard Stern to the market -- Podell returned home to Detroit in 1995. At 101.1 WRIF, he guided the powerhouse "Drew & Mike Show" and served as Operations Manager for 15 years, cementing WRIF's dominance in Detroit's rock scene.

In later years, Podell was heard on 94.7 WCSX and 93.1 WDRQ, and spent over two decades as host of Westwood One's nationally syndicated Live in Concert, featuring performances from legendary rock artists.

"Doug Podell is a Detroit original," said Casey Krukowski, Program Director for 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."

Throughout his career, Podell earned honors including Billboard and R&R's Program Director of the Year, Michigan's Best Radio DJ by The Detroit News, and the Detroit Music Awards' Distinguished Career Award. In 2024, he served as Grand Marshal of the Polish Day Parade, helping raise more than $30,000 for charity.

"It's been an incredible ride," Podell said. "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."