In this episode of WJPZ at 50, we sit down with Bella Galan and Lizzie Gottlieb, the current GM and PD of WJPZ, to talk about how they found Syracuse, how they found the station, and how they are helping shape its culture right now. Both of them came to Syracuse with strong interests in performance, media, and storytelling. Both found, in Z89, a place that brings all of those interests together. What stands out most in this conversation is how clearly they see the station as more than a radio outlet. They describe it as a place to build communication skills, leadership skills, confidence, and real relationships that last far beyond college.
A major focus of the episode is how the station continues to evolve while protecting what has always made it special. Lizzie talks about the programming side and how Z89 still leads with Top 40 music while also making room for specialty shows and new ideas. Bella explains how the team has worked to expand opportunities for students who do not necessarily want to be on air, including web, press, photography, and newly created associate producer roles. Together, they make the case that the station works best when more people feel they belong there and can see a path for themselves inside it.
The conversation also highlights the current culture at WJPZ. Bella and Lizzie speak with real gratitude about the mentors who guided them, and they are intentional about passing that same support to younger members. They talk about wanting freshmen to feel welcomed, included, and confident enough to take up space. That emphasis on culture comes through again when they discuss women in leadership, representation, and the importance of amplifying more voices across the station. Bella in particular reflects on how meaningful it has been to see women and women of color in visible leadership roles, and how important it is to keep building on that progress.
The episode closes with a look at what is happening at the station right now. They share updates on new shows, new technology, a digital station timeline, fresh social content, and even a full April Fool’s Day format flip built around Glee covers. More than anything, the episode shows that WJPZ is still doing what it has always done best: giving students room to experiment, lead, connect, and turn passion into real work. In 2026, it remains the World's Greatest Media Classroom.
(00:00) Intro
(01:19) Lizzie’s path to Syracuse and Z89
(04:02) Bella’s background and early station experience
(08:25) Lizzie’s first DJ shift and The Morning After
(10:54) New shows and taking creative risks
(14:38) Why Z89 is bigger than an FM station
(17:31) Mentors who shaped Bella and Lizzie
(23:52) Bella on the GM role and off air opportunities
(26:04) Building station culture and belonging
(30:23) April Fool’s Day and Glee89
(33:57) How Lizzie chooses music for the station
(35:47) Alumni who made an impact
(39:24) Women in leadership at WJPZ
(44:49) Representation and diverse voices
(46:08) The women’s conference and mentorship
(47:57) What is happening at the station right now
(51:17) Syracuse Giving Day and WJPZ support
(52:49) Closing thoughts
Want to be on the show? Email JAG at jag@jagpodcastproductions.com
Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/
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