Boise State Public Radio listeners are waking up to a new voice. Dan Greenwood joined the station in May after hosting public radio news programs at KUNC in Greeley, Colo.
We asked Dan - who wakes for his new job at 3:30 a.m. - a few questions about himself, his background and his interest in Idaho.
What attracted you to the Morning Edition job in Boise?
I like the idea of being able to host and tell original stories. My background in hosting Weekend Edition in Colorado and reporting in Minnesota made hosting and reporting for Morning Edition a perfect fit. I’m a musician and was already aware of the thriving music scene here. When I visited Boise this spring, I was impressed with the city and its close proximity to mountains and wilderness. Boise’s size is ideal, big enough to have all the amenities of an urban center but small enough to not be overwhelming.
What kind of reporting have you done in the past?
I was an arts and culture reporter for KFAI Community Radio in Minneapolis for several years. I also covered immigration, politics and local government for the Twin Cities Daily Planet. I’m fascinated with history and produced an award-winning documentary about an historic orphanage in my hometown of Owatonna, Minnesota. Much of my previous radio work can be found at ampers.org.
What kind of stories are you most excited to tell in Idaho?
I’m interested in the plight of refugees and hope to report on the various ethnic groups who live here. I also hope to delve into environmental stories, agriculture and history. I like to find out-of-the-ordinary places and people. This past winter, I produced a story about some hearty Minnesotans who surf Lake Superior in subzero temperatures. Someone asked me why I got into journalism. My answer is that I get to interview extraordinary people doing unusual and interesting things.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I play multiple musical instruments, ranging from piano to guitar and percussion. I used to tour with a rock band before becoming a reporter. Music is one of my favorite pastimes. I’m obsessed with the far corners of the world and like to end the day with books or articles about the distant places I hope to visit someday. I’m a big fan of Southeast Asian food and love to use my wok for cooking. And of course, the beautiful scenery and diversity of desert and forested mountains allow me to spend weekends hiking and exploring the region.
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