A Moment With... Rebecca Sheir
By: Lisa Markuson
Welcome to “A Moment With…”.
Each week, we profile one representative of our 130-person staff or 600 volunteers to give you a chance to learn more about them.
This week, we highlight Rebecca Sheir, Host and Producer of WAMU 88.5's Metro Connection since 2010. As the host and producer of Metro Connection, WAMU's weekly news magazine, she reports and produces two or three stories each week. As she told me, "it's a lot of hats to wear at once - but none of them, I'm pleased to report, has ever left me with too embarrassing a case of hat hair." In case you didn't know, Rebecca has a great sense of humor.
Q: If you didn’t work at WAMU, what would you be doing?
Rebecca: Trying to work at WAMU! Or, perhaps, producing a long-form documentary about the growing number of artisanal donut shops in Washington, D.C., and conducting all necessary hands-on gustatory research said endeavor would no doubt require.
Q: What was your first musical purchase, and its format?
Rebecca: My first audio cassettes were "Sports" by Huey Lewis and the News, and "Songs From the Big Chair" by Tears for Fears. And, now that I think of it, there may very well have been a single-track tape called "Please Don't Judge Me" by Let's Face It You Probably Didn't Have the Most Refined Musical Palate in the 1980s Either.
Q: What is a myth or urban legend you would like to dispel about WAMU, a profession in public broadcasting, the radio, or yourself personally?
Rebecca: We love the membership campaigns every bit as much as you do.
Q: HA! What do you think about social media? Is it a fad, a scourge, a necessity, or the simple evolution of human communication?
Rebecca: To me, social media is pretty much a necessity. Posting copious photos and/or videos of your kitten trying to lap up a plate of spaghetti, however, is not.
Q: Can you share an inspiring quote or philosophical musing with us?
Rebecca: “In case any of you are wondering, of course you can have it all... It will be a little messy, but embrace the mess. It will be complicated, but rejoice in the complications. It will not be anything like what you think it will be like, but surprises are good for you. And don’t be frightened: you can always change your mind. I know: I’ve had four careers and three husbands.” - Nora Ephron
Q: I love the advice that you can always change your mind! Can you give us a recommendation for an underrated attraction or place in Washington, DC?
Rebecca: The Canadian Embassy Rotunda: Call me a sound geek (and/or dork, nerd, etc.), but the rotunda at 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW is music to my ears. Short story long: as you approach the center, the parabolic reflector's sonic properties take over and suddenly you're in a giant echo chamber. Long story short: it's ridiculously enjoyable for kids, grown-ups and everyone in between.
Q: Given the choice between a life without any radio or without any desserts, which would you choose and why?
Rebecca: A life without desserts, of course! Unless, of course, we're talking about artisanal donuts...?
Q: You are keeping your priorities straight, I like that. Last and most important question: Do you think you can dance?
Rebecca: Few people know it, but I'm actually dancing the entire time as I host Metro Connection. Ah, the magic of radio...
Lisa: Your secret is exposed! Thanks Rebecca for the interview, and I really hope your donut journey ends in a flurry of powdered sugar glory.
We’ll be back next week with another interview. Until then, share your comments with us on, Facebook, and Twitter!
Photo Credit: Tomas Espinoza
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A Moment With… is produced by and for the volunteers of WAMU 88.5, the premier public radio station in the nation’s capital. For more information about A Moment With…, contact Anthony Washington at [email protected].
Disclaimer: The opinions in A Moment With… do not necessarily represent the views of WAMU 88.5 and American University.