Lansing Radio: Deb Hart To EXIT WMMQ And Radio

Deb Hart

Radio Personality Deb Hart, of classic rock WMMQ 94.9-FM, made it public Thursday she will part ways with the station

Hart's last on-air shift will be from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Jan. 24, according to the Lansing State Journal.

"While it's been a wonderful career and wonderful adventure, it's time to step out of my comfort zone and take on some new challenges," Hart said.

Hart, 50, said she plans to pursue her love of teaching yoga full-time. She also plans to write books: fiction, non-fiction and even poetry.

Hart is one of the last radio veterans left on the Lansing airwaves who has multiple decades of experience.

She's been a morning show co-host at WMMQ with radio personality Joey Pants for seven and a half years and previously worked at rock station WJXQ 106.1-FM with Tim Barron.

Pants, whose real name is Joe Schneider, grew up in Webberville and said Thursday afternoon that WMMQ management has told him he will likely get another co-host for the morning show.

"The fact she is able to emerge from a 30-year broadcasting career with that warm soul still in tact, it's remarkable," Schneider said. "This business will chew you up and spit you out."

Hart has worked 29 years in Lansing's radio market. Her first job, at 19, was at a station called WMPX 1490-AM in Midland.

What's the key to longevity in the radio business? It's important to be adaptable, Hart said.

"I thought I'd be in Lansing for two years, and I've been here 29 because I love Lansing," Hart said. "The people here are so nice and genuine."