Radio frequency: find a new favourite daytime program during self-isolation

The power of community radio in times of crisis becomes more than a shelter from the bad news. That’s why now is the perfect time to time to tune in and discover radio programs you may not have heard before.

Best known as the front man of The Wagons, Henry Wagons is also a host on Double J, bringing Tower of Song to air every Monday between 8pm and 10pm.

Tower of Song, named after the piece by Leonard Cohen, is where to hear the work of songwriters who have written about politics, love or their dog on a porch.

“The show is seen as a haven for good songwriting. I showcase the best songwriters – dead or alive – who gave meaningful insight into their world,” Wagons says.

Melbourne DJ and PBS 106.7FM presenter Pierre Baroni has been hosting Soulgroove ’66 since 1997.

Every Saturday from 3pm, he carts his 45s into the studio to spin the songs that found a one-way ticket out of Detroit and New Orleans and into his private collection.

Baroni shares nitty-gritty details about artists from Otis Redding to Aretha Franklin and other greats from the 1950s to the ’70s. His smooth and calming vocals might be just what is needed and the show is a cultural exploration into the history of black American music.

“My thing is to relate the history of this black American independent music from the mid-’50s to the early ’70s … a golden period to my mind.”

Jacinta Parsons, who hosts The Friday Revue with Brian Nankervis on ABC Radio Melbourne, says the quiz on Fridays is a drawcard.

“It’s ridiculous and funny and we get to have a good time with the audience,” Parsons says.

“Brian is really the quiz master and drives this element. It’s about doing something absurd, it’s a little about the news throughout the week and guessing songs. Listeners ring up and we have a chuckle with them.”

Evenings on ABC with the word nerd himself David Astle is the perfect therapy for switching off.

“It’s very much close your eyes, fall back and listen to callers and their stories,” says Astle, who describes his program as companion radio.

“It’s a magazine-style show and largely a listeners’ show.”

Anthony “Lehmo” Lehmann will be filing in between April 13 and 16, otherwise it’s business as usual for the published author and puzzle maestro, who presents Letters and Numbers on SBS on Demand.

“I do think radio could come into its own in these tricky times,” Astle says. “It can talk through walls and make you feel connected.”

For those who want to crank it up to 11 with a dose of heavy metal, try Mia Timpano.

Her show Requiem for a Scream is on RRR 102.7FM every Tuesday from 10pm.

“I present a mix of the best and most interesting metal from local artists and around the world,” Timpano says.

“I present with love, enthusiasm and nerdish knowledge of every sub-genre from doom, sludge to death metal and thrash.”

The retro queen of cool Emma Peel presents PBS FM’s Switched On every Saturday between 1pm and 3pm. She unearths the upbeat and spins feel good tunes from the 1960s to present day, with a focus on Brazilian songs.

“Music is one of the great healers, so my approach to the show is one of keeping it positive,” Peel says.

“Brazilian music is amazing and great at lifting the spirits.”

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