Today to 1A

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, legendary Today Show Director Joe Michaels discusses his number one tip for success in broadcasting. Also- the importance (and the curse) of timing. In an industry that sells time, every second counts.  Joe Michaels is an acclaimed television director with a distinguished career spanning over five decades. An eight-time Emmy Award winner and two-time Directors Gui...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, former Today Show Director Joe Michaels and producer Jim Scott discuss Joe's Top Five musical guests over his 20+ years on the show. From James Taylor to Taylor Swift, you'll discover the very human side of legendary performers- and you'll also discover how the Today Show pioneered live musical performances on the 30 Rock Plaza, before enormous- and...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, former Today Show Director Joe Michaels picks his Top Five Guests, from a director's perspective. Who made the the biggest and best impression on Joe, himself? Give a listen and find out. By the way, our regular podcast studio is under construction, so please forgive the relatively lower quality of the audio.  Joe Michaels is an acclaimed television director...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, former Today Show Director Joe Michaels and co-host Jim Scott discuss some of the demands that big stars make. Plus, who really does all the prep work to make sure everything from cooking shows to band performances go off without a hitch. And what happens if there is a hitch? From Whitney Houston to Shakira's "best side" to the president to Robin Wi...

Send us Fan Mail From Taylor Swift to Dustin Hoffman, Bill Clinton to Donald Trump... what was it like to hang out on set with famous- and infamous- people? How "real" were they, in-person? What was in that bag Richard Nixon brought to the Today Show? Who was "Hollywood"? Who was "Rope"? And who was that "Too Tall" guy? Get all the answers on this edition of...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Today to 1A, former Today Show director Joe Michaels discusses the transformation of the Today Show set, allowing people to peer in as the morning magic is made. Learn inside secrets about the cast felt about that, how the audience became a vital element of the show, how the set evolved, and how decisions were made that America will always remember.  Joe Michael...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Today to 1A, former Today Show director Joe Michaels reveals what actually goes on behind the scenes of a major political convention. Fascinating stuff, as we discover how our perception of political leadership is shaped and influenced.  Joe Michaels is an acclaimed television director with a distinguished career spanning over five decades. An eight-time Emmy Aw...

Send us Fan Mail In the midst of a successful career at NBC Sports, Joe Michaels is eager to explore new horizons (pun intended) at NBC, transitioning to NBC's Sunrise program and, then, to Director of The Today Show, a position he would hold for over 20 years. On this episode, you'll hear about those early days, as Joe takes control of one of America's iconic television programs. ...

Send us Fan Mail Love the overhead shot of a NHL goalie making a save? That was Glenn Adamo's idea. Love the camera in the goal, itself? That was Glenn Adamo's idea.  Love seeing the puck cross the goal line because the crease and the goal ice are different colors? How about the bright yellow kickplates at the bottom of the dasher boards so you can see the puck better?  You guessed it. G...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when things go wrong during live broadcasts? What happens in the ears of talent and producers that we never get to hear back home? Former Today Show Director Joe Michaels and co-host Jim Scott discuss those unforgettable/regrettable and often hilarious (although perhaps not-so-much at the time) moments. Plus, career advice that really works. Mentioned on this episode:...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, Joe shares what we never get to see: what goes on behind the scenes of network television. We head back to the late 70s and early 80s in our timeline and Joe talks about everything from David Brinkley's reaction to doing endless room-to-room promo drops to the true character of Johnny Carson to the tragic night and morning when the world lost John Lennon and...

Send us Fan Mail LIVE network broadcasting- no one knows what that's like better than former Today Show Director Joe Michaels. Whether it was directing TODAY every day of the week, or live sports- even national political conventions- Joe's made it happen. So, what's that like to be in the hot seat as director? Find out on this episode of Today to 1A. Plus, the game show scene at NBC...

Send us Fan Mail In the episode, former Today Show Director Joe Michaels discusses his long career at NBC Sports, including his wonderful friendship with Joe Garagiola. Joe takes us back to what it was like working with and living with the legends of broadcasting. Mentioned on this episode: Joe Garagiola Tony Kubek Curt Gowdy Bob Costas Harry Coyle Keith Jackson Bryant Gumbel Chet Forte Vin Scully...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, you'll experience through Joe's eyes what it felt like to be a young associate director for NBC living in the heart of New York City during the exciting times of the 70s, from walking Katherine Hepburn across the street to introducing Edwin Newman to the wonders of videotape. Mentioned on this episode: Katherine Hepburn Prince Maya Angelou Mohammad Ali W...

Send us Fan Mail From the control room to the green room, former Today Show and NBC Sports Director Joe Michaels has seen it all. In Today to 1A , the multiple Emmy-winner pulls back the curtain on five decades of live television—from the chaos of breaking news to the magic of morning shows, from mundane cooking bits to the Day the World Stood Still. With behind-the-scenes stories, unforgettable m...