In honor of the North American International Auto Show and being part of the Motor City, all the WHFR shows are highlighting Cars and Car related themes all will. So get your motors revving and tune into your favorite WHFR shows to hear how they interpret this Auto Theme Week!

Two women with very close ties to Martin Luther King Jr. reflect on how King developed into one of the great moral and political philosophers of the 20th century and how his philosophies might still guide the world through troubled times today. Dr. Dorothy Cotton was the highest ranking female in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, founded by Dr. King. From 1960 to 1972 Dr. Cotton was the educational director for SCLC and worked very closely with Dr. King. The late Yolanda King was the eldest daughter of Dr. King.

Richard Greener is the author of a series of fiction novels whose central figure is Walter Sherman, a.k.a. The Locator, now a new FOX-TV series: "The Finder," Thursdays 9-10 PM. We'll ask him about his writing career and how Hart Hanson, creator and executive producer of FOX's "Bones," got involved to also produce this TV series. However, an equally important story is Mr. Greener's struggle with heart problems for several decades and how he received amazing support and encouragement from many famous people, as well as his wife, of course (and many doctors and hospitals).

After the fabulous soul styling of Motown singers Melvin Davis and Pat Lewis last week we return today at 5pm with a shot of jazz & soul from Ronnie McNeir of the Four Tops. A pioneer in the use of synthesizers in R&B Ronnie McNeir brings in his solo keyboard project for our 225th performance.

The latest weekly news episode (12-31-12) from the number one environmental lobbyist non-profit is followed by a short Freakonomics comment, "Why is American food so bad?" Then EarthSky22 ("Science and music from Austin, TX") contemplates the origin and future of life--all in 22 minutes! Finally, in the TED Talks series, Graham Hill explores how to have less stuff AND more happiness.
Can't listen to the broadcast? Remember: all WHFR talk shows are archived, after broadcast, and available anytime for listening or downloading from this website.

Happy New Year! Our featured podcasts this week begin with EarthSky 22 (science and music from Austin, TX): "The Mayan calendar and 12-21-12." Then, in EarthSky 8, Neil deGrasse Tyson suggests an appropriate New Year's resolution: "Learning How to Think." Finally, Stephen J. Dubner hosts another episode of Freakonomics Radio: "How is a Bad Radio Station [NOT WHFR, certainly] Like Our Public School System," because no issue is more important in 2012 than the education of our children for today's world.

From everyone here at WHFR.FM, we would like to wish you a Happy New Year! Enjoy extended classical programing this weekend starting tonight at 10pm until 3pm tomorrow afternoon! Also save 20% at the WHFR online store all weekend long when you spend at least $50. Use promo code NY20 at the checkout and remember, every purchase helps us continue making waves! Thanks for supporting WHFR in 2011 and we look forward to celebrating our 27th year of alternative programming with you in 2012!

Each month IMPACT! introduces you to individuals and groups making a positive difference in the community. This month's special guests are Kim & Stephanie Gross from the Forget-Me-Not Thrift Store in Lincoln Park.

What makes this store so special, is the 501c status. All profits go to suicide-prevention entities.

Within two years, Kim lost a 21-year-old nephew and 26-year-old daughter-in-law to suicide. Kim's daughter Stephanie was especially close to her cousin.

To mark the beginning of the Kwanzaa holiday celebration, WHFR is proud to offer "Season's Griot 2011" in our regular Monday FORUM slot (while "Parent Connection" is on hiatus until the 4th Monday in January). Public Radio International has provided to us this annual Kwanzaa holiday show, this year incorporating the always important issue of PEACE.

You may already know what the top-selling songs and albums were for 2011, but what was the BEST of the music released that was EQUAL TO OR BETTER than those "hits"? WHFR DJs look back on their playlists from this year to truly bring you the best of the ALTERNATIVE music, in every style we proudly feature. So you'll hear the year's best from INDEPENDENT and, as much as possible, LOCAL artists that the commercial stations haven't played. WHFR: beginning our 27th year of "making waves."