Joe Riley
Joe Riley served as President of KWBU for 16 years. He retired in January of 2026. He is looking forward to retirement: tackling the honey-do list and spending "more time mowing." On occassion you might hear him on Likely Stories.
-
"Some books stay with you for decades. For me, that’s A Short History of a Small Place by T.R. Pearson. First published in 1985, it’s a funny, Southern tale of Neely, North Carolina, told through the eyes of young Louis Benfield, Jr. From quirky townsfolk to a chimpanzee companion, the story blends humor and heart in unforgettable ways. I first heard it on The Radio Reader in 1986—and I’ve never forgotten it." -
"Some books stay with you for decades. For me, that’s A Short History of a Small Place by T.R. Pearson. First published in 1985, it’s a funny, Southern tale of Neely, North Carolina, told through the eyes of young Louis Benfield, Jr. From quirky townsfolk to a chimpanzee companion, the story blends humor and heart in unforgettable ways. I first heard it on The Radio Reader in 1986—and I’ve never forgotten it."
-
I’m Joe Riley with KWBU, and this is Likely Stories. -
I’m Joe Riley with KWBU, and this is Likely Stories.
-
I’m Joe Riley with KWBU, and this is Likely Stories.Every couple of weeks, I visit the Waco McLennan County Library and browse the New Book shelves. That’s where I saw Bringing Ben Home: A Murder, A Conviction, and the Fight to Redeem American Justice. Actually, it was the author’s name that first caught my eye – Barbara Bradley Hagerty is currently a contributing writer at The Atlantic. Before that, she spent 19 years reporting on justice issues and religion for NPR. I checked the book out because I’ve always been impressed by her work. -
-
I’m Joe Riley with KWBU. I’ve loved Likely Stories from the beginning, and always looked forward to hearing Jim McKeown’s recommendations. Now I’m grateful for the privilege of sharing one of my recent reads. -
I’m Joe Riley with KWBU. I’ve loved Likely Stories from the beginning, and always looked forward to hearing Jim McKeown’s recommendations. Now I’m grateful for the privilege of sharing one of my recent reads.
-
For KWBU's Central Texas Leadership Series this week, KWBU's Joe Riley talks with Rachel Velasco who has joined Waco Public Radio as Community and Membership Engagement Coordinator. -
For KWBU's Central Texas Leadership Series this week, KWBU's Joe Riley talks with Rachel Velasco who has joined Waco Public Radio as Community and Membership Engagement Coordinator.
