"Cousin" Danny Corsun, Class of 1987

"Cousin" Danny Corsun shares much in common with many of our alumni - a New York kid who liked sports and went to Syracuse.  But as you'll hear today, his life's journey is as unique as they come.

Danny started at WJPZ doing sports, and after the station moved to FM, he found his way to the Crazy Morning Crew. There,  he and the late Larry Barron teamed up for one of the most prominent AM drive shows in the station's history.   He tells a classic story of the moment when they realized the whole town was listening, and some problematic phone calls then-GM Carl Weinstein had to field.  He also has a Mike Tirico story to share.

Danny also shares his memories of the Student African American Society sit-in at the station - protesting the musical direction of WJPZ.   With the benefit of time and life experience, his views on that event have changed greatly, years late.

Following graduation, Danny and Larry could have pursued radio full time, but eventually headed out to LA.  Danny found himself working his way up the ladder at the preeminent TV show in the country in those days - The Cosby Show.

To supplement his writing career, Danny took a substitute teaching job that would change his life.  He was brought into a special needs classroom, and found a way to connect with his students through cooking.  He broke down barriers with Gen Ed students, and a two-week stint lasted five years.

This inspired Danny to educate the kids of Southern California through his Culinary Kids Academy.  Later, he leaned into his faith and started teaching Jewish principles through cooking with the Culinary Judaics Academy.   He's shot countless videos in his backyard with his daughter, now at Berkley.

Danny leaves us with two great stories.  One involves why he should never have been running the board.  And the other is a Rick Wright classic that may have elicited the longest sustained laugh from Jag yet.

Learn more about Danny's latest venture, Culinary Judaics Academy, here: https://www.culinaryjudaicsacademy.com/

The WJPZ at 50 Podcast Series is produced by Jon Gay, Class of 2002, and his podcast production agency, JAG in Detroit Podcasts.

Sign up for email alerts whenever we release a new episode here: jagindetroit.com/WJPZat50

Want to be a guest on the pod or know someone else who would? Email Jag:  [email protected].

Want to stay in the loop with WJPZ Alumni events?  Subscribe to our newsletter on the right hand side of the page at http://wjpzalumni.org/

Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/