Raina Douris

The first time I was ever on the radio was in high school. The CBC (Canada’s national public broadcaster) wanted to get students’ opinions on current events — and I was asked if I wanted to participate because, in the words of my Economics teacher: “you seem to have a lot to say about everything”. He was right. I’ve always been a talker. I’ve always been curious. And I’ve always wanted to communicate and connect with people. From that first radio panel, I knew I wanted to talk for a living. At the same time, I was becoming a bigger and bigger music fan.

I grew up in a musical household, taking piano lessons, playing the trumpet, and absorbing my parents’ excellent taste. Music was a way to connect with other people, with the emotions and experiences for which simply talking wasn’t always adequate. When I got the chance to intern at 102.1 the Edge, Toronto’s biggest rock station, while I was studying radio & television in university, it all started to come together. But there was something else – a keen desire to share music from artists who AREN’T necessarily being heard on the big stations. That’s what led me to join the team launching Toronto emerging-artist focused station Indie88 – as Afternoon Drive host (and original Music Director) — and after that, to hosting the national morning show on the CBC Music.

And while I love Canada, making the move to Philadelphia to host World Cafe for NPR is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Public radio is something I truly believe in. The opportunity to talk to artists about their work and the creative process is something I never take for granted, especially as a lifelong visual artist and writer myself. The chance to connect and share music I love with an audience who loves it just as much is a joy, every single day. And… well… I still really have a lot to say about everything!