What Happened to Michael Feldman?
Michael Feldman is an American radio personality best known for hosting the nationally syndicated comedy quiz show "Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know?" for over 30 years. After its cancellation by Wisconsin Public Radio in 2016, Feldman transitioned the show into a podcast format, which he continues to host as of 2026, maintaining his unique blend of humor and audience interaction.
Quick Answer
Michael Feldman, the beloved host of "Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know?", saw his long-running public radio show conclude its syndicated run in 2016 after 31 years. Following its cancellation by Wisconsin Public Radio, Feldman successfully relaunched the program as a podcast, "WYK 2.0," in 2020. He continues to produce and host this podcast as of August 2026, allowing fans to enjoy his distinctive live-audience, call-in quiz show format in a new medium.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline11 events
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Michael Feldman, the future radio personality, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Graduates from University of Wisconsin–Madison
Feldman earned a degree in English from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Begins career as a teacher and early radio work
After teaching at high schools in Kenosha and Madison, Feldman began volunteering at listener-sponsored radio station WORT-FM in Madison, eventually getting on air.
Show canceled by WGN (AM)
After a stint at WGN (AM) in Chicago, Feldman's show was canceled, leading him back to Wisconsin Public Radio.
Launches "Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know?"
Michael Feldman returned to Wisconsin Public Radio to produce and host "Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know?", a live comedy quiz show with an audience and band.
National syndication begins
"Whad'Ya Know?" was picked up by American Public Radio (later Public Radio International) for distribution beyond Wisconsin, greatly expanding its audience.
30th Anniversary of "Whad'Ya Know?"
The radio show celebrated three decades on air, nearing its 1,000th broadcast, highlighting its long-standing success.
Wisconsin Public Radio announces cancellation
WPR informed Feldman of their decision to cancel "Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know?" after 31 years, citing changes in public radio programming.
Final broadcast on public radio; Kickstarter launched
The last episode of "Whad'Ya Know?" aired on public radio. Simultaneously, a Kickstarter campaign was launched to fund a podcast version of the show.
Launches "WYK 2.0" podcast
Feldman successfully transitioned his show to a podcast format, titled "WYK 2.0," continuing his unique blend of humor and quizzes for a digital audience.
Continues podcasting
As of mid-2026, Michael Feldman is still actively producing and hosting his "Whad'Ya Know?" podcast, with new episodes available.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Michael Feldman, born on March 14, 1949, established himself as a prominent figure in American public radio with his show, "Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know?". The program, which began in 1985 on Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR), quickly gained a loyal following for its live audience, call-in quiz segments, and Feldman's spontaneous, improvisational humor, often compared to Groucho Marx. By 1989, the show was picked up for national distribution by American Public Radio (later Public Radio International, PRI), significantly expanding its reach across the United States.
The show celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2015, nearing its 1,000th broadcast, a testament to its enduring popularity and Feldman's unique connection with his audience. However, a significant turning point occurred in March 2016 when Wisconsin Public Radio announced the cancellation of "Whad'Ya Know?" after 31 years on air. Feldman expressed feeling 'blindsided' by the decision, which he stated was presented as a 'fait accompli' by WPR.
The reasons behind the cancellation, according to WPR, were rooted in the changing landscape of public radio, with a move towards more tightly edited, pre-recorded shows rather than Feldman's live, long-form, and often unedited format. Feldman himself acknowledged that the type of live radio he did was 'pretty much dead' in the contemporary broadcasting environment, contrasting it with more modern, edited shows like NPR's "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!". Despite the end of its syndicated run, Feldman owned the show's name and concept.
In response to overwhelming audience demand and a successful Kickstarter campaign, Feldman launched a podcast version of his show, "WYK 2.0," in May 2020. This transition allowed him to continue his signature style, including live audience tapings, albeit in a new digital format. As of August 2026, Michael Feldman remains active, continuing to produce and host "Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know?" as a podcast, demonstrating his adaptability and commitment to his audience. His current status reflects a successful pivot from traditional radio to digital media, ensuring his comedic and quizzical legacy endures.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Michael Feldman made different choices?