Whatever the occasion—a morning commute, an all-night study sesh, or Sunday brunch—WTJU has the radio hour you need. The station was founded in 1955, and today Lewis Reining is one of the producers who helps keep the music playing and the conversation flowing. Reining, who’s been with the station for over a decade, was recently named one of 22 rising stars in public media by national news source Current. Reining was recognized for the impact he’s made at WTJU, and his hard work, which has directly contributed to the station’s growth. Tune in at wtju.net
Name: Lewis Reining.
Age: 33.
Pronouns: He/him.
Hometown: Seoul (birthplace), Purcellville (grew up).
Job: Producer & operations director (i.e. keeping the station running).
First job: Language practice assistant with Rosetta Stone’s online courses.
Worst thing about living here: Housing.
Best thing about living here: The people.
Favorite restaurant: Doma.
Where do you start and end a night out: The apartment, a real homebody.
Who is your hero: Anyone who does something creative and puts themselves out there.
Best advice you ever got: Be curious.
Proudest accomplishment: Being part of WTJU’s growth this last decade.
Describe a perfect day: Eat a curry croquette, play games with my partner, read xianxia, check email and phone at midnight to find no fires or problems.
What’s something about yourself that people would be surprised to learn: Published author (piece on experiences as Korean adoptee in Seoul).
If you could be reincarnated as a person or thing, what would you be: Shiba inu in a loving family with a huge yard.
If you had three wishes, what would you wish for: Politicians with a non-theistic moral compass, living wage, just justice system.
Do you have any pets: None, hope to have some again someday soon.
Most embarrassing moment: Slid down my back porch when I was a kid and got a splinter in my butt, had to go to the E.R.
Favorite movie and/or show: “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God.”
Favorite book: So You Want to be a Wizard by Diane Duane.
What is music to you: Another sense, another way of seeing the world and ourselves.
Favorite musician: Recently, Willi Carlisle.
What are you listening to right now: “Nobody” by The Crane Wives (Dogtown Studio version).
Go-to karaoke song: “Congratulations” by Eric Nam.
Favorite radio show: “World Turning.”
Favorite radio personality: Ed Walker.
How was your first time on air: Exhilarating and easier than I imagined.
Who’d play you in a movie: Marutaro.
Celebrity crush: Sa-Roc.
Most used app on your phone: Milanote.
Last text you sent: “Yup we can do thay”
Most used emoji: :3
Subject that causes you to rant: Health care or video game monetization.
Best journey you ever went on: Study abroad to Seoul, South Korea.
Next journey: Starting a radio drama-centric YouTube channel.
Favorite word: Solid.
Hottest take: In certain professions like radio, where someone is always on or broadcasting, 9-5/hard blackout times aren’t viable.
What have you forgotten today: To unfreeze fish for dinner. Again.