Alan Levin, known as Brother Wease, a Rochester, New York radio icon, announced his retirement from Radio 95.1 (WAIO) Thursday, after a 40-year career in the Rochester market.
His final show coincided with the station’s shift from a Hot Talk format to Rock 95.1.
Wease, aged 78, had been a staple in Rochester radio since joining 96.5 WCMF in 1985, where he hosted the top-rated “Brother Wease Morning Circus.” He moved to Radio 95.1 in November 2008 after a non-compete clause following his exit from WCMF.
He was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2021, the first Rochester personality to receive this honor, and into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2009.
His openness about personal struggles, including a 2005 nasopharyngeal carcinoma diagnosis, and his charitable efforts through the Wease Cares Children’s Fund and “Kick Cancer’s Ass” campaign endeared him to listeners.
Despite offers to host a weekend music show or a Sunday night liberal talk show on 1180 WHAM, Wease chose to retire, citing his legacy and pride in his career. He plans to launch a podcast with his son Jake in January 2026. Deanna King, a co-host since 2015, also exited WAIO with the format change