Meet The Hosts: Zoe Freisner

1. How long have you been with WNRN and how did you get started?

I’ve been with WNRN since July, so about three months. I started by taking on some of the overnight on air shifts (very nervously), and slowly worked my way to the midday shift as I got more comfortable. A week of being on air for the Fall Fund Drive definitely helped with that!

2. What is your role at WNRN and how would you explain what you do?

In addition to being the Midday Host, I am also the Public Affairs Manager at WNRN. I handle Hear Together, WNRN’s program to provide free air time to nonprofits looking to spread awareness about their missions and upcoming events. I get to travel all over to our listening areas to record these Announcements and Profiles, meeting so many amazing nonprofits across the commonwealth!

3. What’s your favorite recent music discovery?

I’ve learned about so many new (to me) artists by listening to WNRN! Here are my favorites at the moment:

– Bahamas – The Bridge
– My Morning Jacket – Everyday Magic
– Panic Shack – Girl Band Starter Pack
– Lord Huron – Watch Me Go
– Goose – Madelena

4. What might be an unexpected artist on your personal playlist?

Dmitri Shostakovich, Soviet-Russian composer and pianist.

5. A couple of firsts: What was the first concert you ever attended? What was the first album you ever bought?

First concert: The Chicks at the Wachovia Center (Wells Fargo Center) in Philadelphia in 2006.

First album: When the Sun Goes Down – Selena Gomez & the Scene

6. What would be your 1-3 Top ‘Desert Island’ albums? The ones you would want with you if stranded on a desert island. Why?
Disintegration – The Cure: The Cure is one of my favorite bands and Disintegration is one of the most perfect albums. Every song is fantastic; I especially love Lullaby.

More Adventurous – Rilo Kiley: I used to have this CD in my car and would listen to it nonstop (along with Pinkerton by Weezer and The Man Who by Travis). Does He Love You? is one of my favorite songs of all time.

OK Computer – Radiohead: Also listened to it in the car all the time, and also a perfect album. I love every song on it, especially Paranoid Android, Exit Music (For a Film), and Subterranean Homesick Alien.

7. What are some of your favorite hobbies/things to do outside of music and radio?

Collaging! It’s one of my favorite things while hanging out with my roommates. It’s a great creative outlet while still being relaxing. I’m currently working on collaging a whole tarot deck! There is a stack of old magazines and junk mail growing under my bed. It’s becoming a bit of a problem.

Extra: What shows are you looking forward to in 2026 / What were some of your favorite shows in 2025?

2025: Laufey with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in July, Wallows at Browns Island in Richmond in June

I’m super excited to see dodie in February next year!