Ann Delisi has been a part of the Detroit media landscape for more than 35 years. A Wayne State Music School grad and former WDET Music Host and Music Director (1983-1995), Ann returned to WDET in 2009 to host Essential Music, a program dedicated to exploring the history of music, creating a platform for Detroit musicians, discovering new music and listening to what is next on the musical horizon. As a broadcaster, music host and storyteller, Ann creates features that highlight iconic artists, landmark albums and has curated hundreds of shows. As an interviewer, she's talked with everyone from David Bowie to White House Photographer Pete Souza to Iggy Pop and her curiosity about the creative spirit led to the podcast series, Essential Conversations. Her passion for food and those who make it led to another podcast/broadcast, Essential Cooking, with her co-host, award-winning chef, James Rigato.

She is an accomplished voiceover talent and for 5 years, Ann hosted the Detroit Public Television program, Backstage Pass, a weekly arts and culture program highlighting Detroit's artistic community. She has donated her time to working with The Greening of Detroit, Karmanos Cancer Institute and other Detroit non-profits.

Essential Cooking: The Truth About Fish

Have you ever wondered where the fish sold at your local supermarket come from, or which ones are sustainably raised?...

Essential Cooking: Detroit Farmer On How Climate Change, Space Challenges Local Growing

Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato talk with Detroit farmer Michelle Lutz to discuss the problems climate change is causing...

How Do Honeybees Survive Winter? And Other Questions For A Beekeeper

In Episode 2 of "Essential Cooking," hosts Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato talk with Brad Gladstone of Urban Bee LLC...

Journalist Emery King on Race, Trump and Network News

Journalist, news anchor, documentarian and producer Emery King, was born in Gary, Ind. before his career took him to Chicago and...

Essential Cooking: Midwesterners, Embrace Your Spicier Side

In the debut episode of WDET's new podcast "Essential Cooking," hosts Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato explore the spicier...

Smokey Robinson: Legendary Singer, Songwriter and Motown Executive

When we speak of Motown royalty, one of the first artists who comes to mind if Detroit's own Smokey Robinson....

Herbie Hancock: A Primer for the Jazz Fusionist, Miles Davis Collaborator

Jazz icon Herbie Hancock began his extraordinary journey on April 12, 1940, in Chicago, Ill. "First of all, I define...

WDET Launching New “Essential Cooking” Podcast With Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato

With people forced to stay at home and cook more than ever before, this is the right time to discover exciting...

Detroit Entrepreneurs Launch Michigan Fields, Fresh Food Delivery Service

Two Detroit entrepreneurs have teamed to take food insecurity during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Michigan Fields supports Michigan farmers as well...

Camera Jesus, Detroit Photography Staple, Puts Pieces of City Together

With his long hair and beard, Detroit photographer Joe Gall began shooting musicians and bands while in the "pit" at the...

Botanical Artist Creates Large Installations to Support Michigan’s Flower Growers

Many businesses have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 including Michigan's Flower Growers, a group of farmers who make the majority...

The Feeder Loft, Eastern Market Studio, Launches Record Label

A historic gathering place for musicians in Eastern Market is launching a record label.  "I wanted to provide a space...