Detroit Radio: 50+ Career, Doc of Roc Doug Podell Retires

Doug “Doc of Rock” Podell, a 50-year Detroit rock radio icon, will retire from 106.7 WLLZ Detroit Wheels on December 5, 2025, iHeartMedia announced today. 

He will host his final weekday afternoon drive show (2-7 p.m.) through that date, allowing listeners to celebrate his legendary career.

Podell’s five-decade legacy shaped Detroit’s rock radio sound and spirit. Starting in 1975 at 99.5 WABX, he later joined 106.7 WWWW (W4), 92.5 KQRS in Minneapolis, and 98.7 WLLZ as Program Director and on-air talent in the 1980s. 

Doug Podell

He served as Operations Manager and afternoon host at Cleveland’s 98.5 WNCX, achieving #1 ratings and introducing Howard Stern to the market.Returning to Detroit in 1995 at 101.1 WRIF, Podell developed the market-dominating “Drew & Mike Show” as Operations Manager for 15 years and pioneered the city’s rock morning format. 

He hosted on 94.7 WCSX (2009-2017) and 93.1 WDRQ, while nationally hosting Westwood One’s “Live in Concert” for over 20 years.“Doug Podell is a Detroit original,” said Casey Krukowski, Program Director for iHeartMedia Detroit’s 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.”

“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.” (Photo/ Logan Brannigan)