Joseph Cooper
WLRN Radio's Joseph Cooper says producing and hosting Topical Currents is the most rewarding experience of his long radio career, which began at the University of Missouri School of Journalism in the 1970s.
"It's now an obsession, but I never thought talk radio would be in my future. The wide, wide range of topics, research and reading keeps me hustling all week," he says. "It's similar to a daily newspaper column because, essentially, we write an essay to frame each show before conducting the interviews and taking calls and then it all starts over again for the next day's program."
Topical Currents is put together by a small production team, which includes producer Richard Ives and technical director Bonnie Berman. Syndicated food and dining columnist Linda Gassenheimer frequents the program, as well as a handful of expert regular contributors and regional reporters.
Topical Currents is a sub-tropical blend of regional issues and politics, local profiles, author interviews, "At Your Service" programs, South Florida history and any topic listeners might banter about around the proverbial "water cooler." It was first broadcast in January 1999.
Cooper is often asked to name his "favorite" interview subject.
"Hmmmm," he says with the hint of a smile. "Not necessarily the celebrities or famous authors but the one I've just done. Well usually.
-
(08-10-2017) Linda Gassenheimer’s Food & Dining is devoted to tropical fruits, including those at stores, stands and backyards. They include dragon and…
-
(2017-08-10) Sun-Sentinel consumer columnist Doreen Christensen, known for her smart, penny-pinching ways and “Doreen’s Deals”, celebrates Data Privacy…
-
(2017-08-08) No one has had more public service roles in Miami-Dade than Merrett R. Stierheim. Ever.His first post at the City of Miami began in 1959.…
-
(8-7-2017) If you covet the urban coffeehouse feel of the ‘60s, you’ve probably put your feet up at The Luna Star Café, in North Miami.Besides an eclectic…
-
(8-3-2017) Miami Spice Months with Bill Talbert, President and CEO Greater Miami Convention and Business Bureau, and Chef Danny Serfer from Blue Collar…
-
(8-3-2017) Today’s Topical Currents checks out downtown Delray Beach and its hip multi-media arts venue, ARTS GARAGE.It holds jazz, blues & rock concerts,…
-
Today’s Topical Currents looks at how the “News Literacy Project” empowers students to resist the inaccuracy and bias of “fake news.”Extreme headings lure…
-
(8-1-2017) Most South Floridians have strolled Young’s Circle in Hollywood . . . but may not know of its namesake, Joseph Young, the City’s founder.…
-
(7-31-2017) Today’s Topical Currents is our seasonal South Florida Gardening “At Your Service” edition, with Urban Horticulturist Dr. John Pipoly and…
-
Fancy Food Show 2017(7-27-2017) This week’s Food News and Views: What’s New from the Fancy Food Show. Linda talks about new food trends and brings in her favorite picks to…
-
(7-27-2017) Today’s Topical Currents begins with the Florida Unclaimed Property Division. It holds money and property from dormant bank accounts,…
-
(7-26-2017) Today’s Topical Currents features two award-winning veteran journalists: Palm Beach Post reporter and columnist Tony Doris, and Florida…