So much of Michelle Rhinesmith’s journey so far was not part of the official plan. From capturing the attention and becoming the mentee of a well-respected NPR veteran to counseling people diagnosed with potentially terminal cancer to grappling with her own bouts – yes, that’s plural – bouts with cancer – to losing her mother in December, her beloved dog, Chloe on February 15th and her grandmother the very next day, the ride has been anything but predictable and smooth. All of the personal losses took place after she accepted the post of WHQR Station Manager last year and made the move in August from Orlando, Florida to Wilmington, North Carolina.
On this edition of CoastLine, we’ll find out what Michelle Rhinesmith sees as the legacy she is charged with carrying forward, why she no longer fears death, and what she has in store for WHQR. In fact, we announce the identity of our Annual Luncheon Speaker near the end of this discussion. This person will join the illustrious list of past guests who include Cokie Roberts, Robert Siegel, and Ira Flatow – among others.