Meet The Hosts

Classical WSMR, 89.1 and 103.9, is west central Florida’s only station devoted to classical music. Here are the hosts that bring you the finest performances of classical music, 24 hours a day, with special features and live performances by internationally acclaimed musicians.

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Joe Goetz

I’ve been in the classical radio business since 2005, starting as a program host at KCME in Colorado Springs, then on to Vermont Public in 2007-2014, music director for WFIU in Bloomington, Indiana from 2014-2020, and music director for Minnesota Public Radio from 2020-2025.

It’s been a wild journey that has taken me to different parts of the country, and I’ve met so many amazing listeners and musicians along the way.

One of my core principles is that classical music is for everyone. You don’t have to play an instrument or study music history or theory to love this music. Every composer and performer has a story to tell that we can identify with.

It’s on us as hosts to bring you those stories and develop your passion for this music alongside us, and that’s what drives me every afternoon I’m on the air with WSMR listeners.

When I’m not at work, I’m busy shuttling my kids to and from school and to piano lessons and ballet. I love to cook, and you’ll often find me on the golf course, on the beach, or playing online board games with friends far and wide.

📩 Email Joe

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Thea Lobo

While I earned vocal performance degrees from New England Conservatory and Boston University, and established an international performance career as a mezzo-soprano based in the Northeast U.S. for quite a few years, truth is I'm a hometown girl at heart.

I attended high school at Booker's Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Program in Sarasota, and returned to Sarasota in 2019 where I currently live with my husband (organist and conductor Sam Nelson) and two young kids, in addition to my parents.

The roots go deeper too — my Tampeño great-grandparents met at a social club dance in Ybor City! Their son, my grandfather Richard "Dick" Lobo, storied broadcaster and TV exec, served as president and CEO of WEDU PBS from 2002 to 2010.

JS Bach is a huge inspiration and specialty of mine (so much so I got his stylized initials tattooed on my foot), but I also can't get enough of under-explored corners of music history, plus newly composed and experimental works.

I take great pride in helping to enrich the artistic community of the Suncoast, whether through performing, producing, advocacy, or sharing music with listeners on the air.

You can hear me 7 days a week, 5-10 p.m., on Florida's Classical Music Station, WSMR.

📩 Email Thea

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Mark Michaud

I'm originally from Caribou, Maine — a small city that's often the coldest spot in the lower 48 states in the winter — so it's a thrill to be living in Florida!

I studied music at the University of Maine, and it became clear that a concert pianist's life was not what I wanted to do — it felt too competitive. So, I ended up in radio, which ironically turns out to be quite competitive as well.

After quite a few years of playing everything from pop music to country and smooth jazz, I got the chance to return to the classical music I had studied. I was fortunate to work at classical radio stations in Boston, Kansas and California.

Before coming to WSMR as morning host, I was working at the classical radio station in Buffalo. After experiencing a 5-foot Christmas blizzard, I decided it was time to make a move!

I'm thrilled to be living in Bradenton and working at WSMR. The Sarasota area is beautiful, and the arts scene is incomparable. I enjoy spending time every morning with you, sharing thoughts about classical music and being a part of the community on Florida's Gulf Coast.

📩 Email Mark

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Susan Giles Wantuck

I grew up in a radio household. My dad was a radio newsman, and he used to take me and my siblings to work at his station in Coral Gables. Hearing his voice on the radio was a comfort to me.

My childhood in sunny South Florida was spent listening to popular music, reading just about everything I could get my hands on and writing poetry. I always thought I wanted to be a dentist or a lawyer, but that wasn’t for me.

Music was a constant in my family, my dad and sister played brass instruments, my brothers played guitar and my mom played the piano. We also sang around the piano. I still love to sing.

Radio is the most intimate medium, and I’ve hosted News and Classical music for many years.

It’s an honor for you to welcome me into your home or car to share the ride and I will never take that for granted.

📩 Email Sue