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Paul Shugrue is a gentle giant. At WHRO Public Media, during the workday, he rarely makes a whisper. He moves about unassumingly and unannounced, ducking in and out of doorways with mugs of coffee and cartloads of CDs. He’s always friendly and always quiet. That is until he closes the studio door and turns on the microphone, becoming the guy who turns first-time listeners into fast fans and gnarled rockers disciples for life.
In the announcer chair he has single-handedly kept music new and interesting in Eastern Virginia for over a decade. He has become a tireless advocate for local music upstarts. He is the warm shepherd in between news segments on All Things Considered, the host of WHRO’s most popular podcast Out of the Box: Album of the Week. And of course, he is the guy who will stop much more important work and answer polite-ish questions from a colleague.
You are a bit of a star, how does that make you feel?
Oh, come on, that’s not how I would describe it. I’ve been on the radio for a long time in Hampton Roads and I get recognized sure, but no paparazzi!
What do your kids think of your career?
They think I’m pretty lucky to have known from the beginning that I wanted to do this kind of work. They’re older now so they’re long past the awkward first days of school when the teacher would say,“Hey, is your Dad...?”
Do they know you’re a star?
There’s that word again.
As host and announcer, what do you look forward to or what aspect about the job excites you most?
I still get excited by new music, obviously! I feel like it’s Christmas every day when I get to open up all the new releases.
Which band or musician has had the greatest impact on you or your life?
I can’t pick just one so I’ll say the holy trinity from the sixties, The Beatles, The Stones and Bob Dylan.
When compiling the playlist for Out of the Box, the songs have to flow. What do you listen for when putting songs back to back?
I’ve always believed in “the segue.” That’s where two songs fit perfectly together and it’s what I strive to create on each show. I think the key is compatibility. I play a lot of different artists and they don’t always sound appropriate next to each other.
You have hosted All Things Considered for 16 years. Which host or former host of ATC do you appreciate most?
Yeah, they’ve had a lot of different voices during the 16 years I’ve been hosting. I guess Melissa Block is the one I liked the best.
Do you have a voiceover idol?
I really loved the jocks on WNEW, New York back in the seventies. I’ve sorta designed Out of the Box to emulate their sound.
Paul with his horse Dollar.
How long have you been riding horses?
Well let me tell ya’ pilgrim.., actually my wife started riding them about 20 years ago. I just tag along and ride sometimes.
Why horses?
Well, it’s great way to enjoy the countryside; ya’ can’t beat the view.
Richie Rich, the cartoon character, has a dog named Dollar. Did you name your horse after it?
No, we didn’t pick the name but it sure is appropriate.
Do you listen to music when you ride horses?
I like to sing to him myself. Van Halen’s version of “Happy Trails” is his favorite. “Bum Bah Dee Dah…”
Paul with his family at a baseball game.
What are your top five favorite songs about horses?
Ok, I guess “Happy Trails” isn’t technically about horses, so “Wild Horses,” “Chestnut Mare,” “Tennessee Stud,” “If I Had a Boat,” and “Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses.”
What’s your favorite thing to eat at the ballpark?
Jeez, it’s been so long since last year, WHEN THE NATS WON THE WORLD SERIES!! I like to eat peanuts and leave the shells on the floor.
Have you ever caught a fly ball?
One time a foul ball bounced my way at a Tides game. That’s about it.
Do you sing along during the 7th Inning Stretch?
No, I’m usually in line at the concession.
Check out Paul's show Out of the Box on 89.5 weeknights between 4-9 p.m., Monday through Friday, Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m. or download his podcast Out of the Box: Album of the Week.
