For nearly four decades, Bernie Smilovitz brought humor, heart and his unmistakable personality to WDIV Channel 4, making sports feel welcoming to everyone. In this episode of FedRadioDetroit, Bernie joins Sam Dubin and Beverly Liss to share stories from life on and off camera, including the Yiddish-speaking home that shaped his humor and the Detroit career that made him a local icon.
He also reflects on growing up as the son of Holocaust survivors, the sudden loss of his wife, Dr. Donna Rockwell, and the mindfulness lesson that continues to guide him: keep going. Warm, funny and deeply honest, Bernie still has plenty of wisdom and heart to share.
FedRadioDetroit is Federation’s podcast series hosted by Sam Dubin and Beverly Liss and featuring big personalities from Jewish Detroit’s diverse cast of characters.
Explore previous episodes and stay tuned for a new episode here.
