Tom Daldin and Jim Edelman are more than just the faces behind the popular PBS show
Under the Radar Michigan – they’re storytellers, adventurers, and longtime friends whose journey to the state’s hidden gems has captured the hearts of viewers across the Great Lakes State and beyond.
Their chemistry on screen is a reflection of a deep-rooted camaraderie that began more than 40 years ago in a place not far from where their show would later begin — Detroit. They first met decades ago while working at WRIF-101.1 FM, a Detroit-based rock station. Both were passionate about radio and entertainment, but it was their shared humor and love for playing music that solidified their bond.
While their careers took different paths for a time, the pair eventually found themselves as hosts of
Under the Radar Michigan, which has been on the air for some 14 seasons.
Under the Radar Michigan has built a dedicated and enthusiastic audience through its exploration of the unique people, places, and attractions across the state. It airs on PBS stations throughout Michigan, Northern Ohio, and Eastern Wisconsin, and reaches approximately 2.5 million homes in Canada, showcasing its broad appeal and reach.
Under the Radar Michigan was born from a desire to tell the stories of Michigan’s lesser-known destinations and the people who make those places special. The show’s premise was simple yet powerful: explore the state and highlight the hidden gems that make Michigan unique.
From its first season,
Under the Radar resonated with viewers, quickly gaining a following. The genuine rapport between Tom and Jim, combined with their obvious love for Michigan, made the show both informative and entertaining.
The show has taken the duo all over the state, from Frankfort to Frankenmuth, Manistee to Marquette and South Haven to Sault Ste. Marie.
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Under the Radar Michigan Tom Daldin visits a corn maze in an episode of Under the Radar Michigan.
Kelly Wolgamott, vice president of Travel Michigan for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, said the show has done an incredible job of highlighting the diverse and vibrant communities throughout our state. “Tom and Jim’s work has been instrumental in promoting Michigan as a travel destination,” she said.
Dave Lorenz, former vice president of Travel Michigan, has been a close collaborator since the show's inception.
“From the first meeting, I knew these guys were genuine and unique—everything you’d want in a business partner and entertainer," Lorenz said. "What you see on TV is what they really are — a couple of goofy guys who love the state and love people."
Before PBS
Though the pair met while working at the Detroit radio station, their paths diverged for a time.
Tom, who had earned a degree in journalism from Oakland University, became an Emmy-winning producer, actor, and writer. Jim’s career continued in radio, where he took on various roles, from producing to national sales. Despite their divergent paths, their friendship remained strong.
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Jim EdelmanBy 2010, both found themselves at career crossroads. The advertising industry, where they had built successful careers, was hit hard by economic cutbacks. Jim lost his job as a national sales manager for Clear Channel Communications in 2008, and Tom’s work as a high-end video producer for the auto industry began to wane.
“It was one of those moments where you either panic or pivot,” Jim reflected. “We chose to pivot.”
The idea for
Under the Radar came almost by accident. After pitching a children’s show to PBS executives — a pitch that was quickly turned down — the duo was asked what else they had. On the spot, they proposed a show about traveling around Michigan, sharing all the cool places they knew.
“When Tom and Jim first approached me, they were pitching Bob’s Jobs, a pilot for kids to learn about different careers. It was a clever show, but PBS was more focused on curriculum-based programs at the time,” recalled Dan Alpert, then vice president but who later became COO at WTVS Detroit Public Television. “When I asked what else they had, they shuffled a bit and then came up with the idea of a Michigan travel show, almost on a whim.”
Alpert recognized the duo's potential, which left a lasting impression.
On the air
Over the years, the show has expanded its reach, now airing across the United States and in parts of Canada, but it has never lost its Michigan focus.
“We’re always looking for new places to feature,” Jim said. “But it’s not just about the locations; it’s about the people we meet along the way. They’re the ones who bring these places to life.”
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Under the Radar Michigan Tom Daldin in an episode featuring Holland, one of many communities highlighted in Under the Radar Michigan.
This focus on people is evident in every episode. Whether it’s a local artist, a small business owner, or a park ranger, Tom and Jim make it a point to highlight the individuals who contribute to the vibrancy of Michigan’s communities.
A recent episode brought Tom and Jim to Munising, a place that holds a special spot in Tom’s heart.
“Munising might just be my favorite spot in the U.P.,” he said. “It’s this great little slice of Michigan Americana stuck in the middle of paradise. It’s centrally located in a beautiful place, with everything from Grand Island to the Pictured Rocks — it’s got it all.”
The episode showcased Munising’s natural beauty, from its breathtaking waterfalls to the iconic Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. But more than just the scenery, the episode highlighted the people who make Munising special.
Deidre Phillipson, part-owner and general manager of Pictured Rocks Kayaking, was one of those featured in the episode. “Tom and Jim were so easy to work with,” Deidre said. “They made the whole experience fun and really showcased what makes our business unique.”
Ana-Marija Dolaskie, a stakeholder in Deployed Capital, which runs the Brownstone Inn, also appeared in the Munising episode. She praised Tom and Jim’s storytelling approach: “They’re true veterans at what they do. They really bring out the best in people and have a genuine love for showcasing places like Munising.”
Giving back
Jim sees the show as a way to give back to the state they both love. “We’ve been given this incredible opportunity to share Michigan with the world,” he said. “And that’s something we don’t take lightly.”
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Under the Radar MichiganAdventurous Tom Daldin gets a close-up view of the Mackinac Bridge.While
Under the Radar has taken Tom and Jim to nearly every corner of Michigan, it has also been a personal journey for both of them. Tom, who grew up in Birmingham, often reflects on how his love for travel and storytelling began at an early age.
“At 12, I joined the World Adventure Series Club at the Detroit Institute of Arts,” Tom recalled. “My mom would drop me off to watch travelog films, and that’s where my passion for exploring started.”
Jim’s journey has been just as eclectic. From working with the Detroit Pistons to being a ski instructor, and now part-owner with his wife of The Lake Theatre in Oscoda, Jim’s path to television was anything but traditional. But through it all, his love for radio and storytelling remained constant.
The future
Their time on the road together has been filled with countless adventures and memorable moments. Tom reflected on one particularly touching experience, visiting the After 25 Depot in Cadillac. The restaurant is staffed by people who are older than 26 who have special needs and have aged out of most support programs.
“The impact on those people and their families has been incredible. We received more responses from that segment than any other we’ve done,” he said. “I actually cried while we were filming, which is rare for me because it was such a touching and meaningful initiative. Every town should have an After 26 Depot."
But not all memorable moments are so serious.
Tom humorously recalled a Marquette episode where he dove off Black Rocks wearing a Superman suit.
"I thought the suit would protect me from the impact and the freezing Lake Superior water. But as soon as I hit the water, the cape wrapped around my arm, and I realized I was in trouble. I'm trying to smile and swim because the cameras are rolling, but all I can think is, 'How do I tell them I'm drowning here?' That was definitely a surprise."
Tom and Jim show no signs of slowing down. They continue to find new stories, new places, and new people to feature on the show.
“Our goal is simple,” Tom said. “We want to remind people how lucky we are to live in Michigan.”
Adds Jim: “We’ve been given this incredible opportunity to share Michigan with the world. And that’s something we don’t take lightly.”
In addition to its televised broadcasts, episodes air on WTVS-TV, Channel 56 in Detroit, at 8:30 p.m., with additional airings on WGVU and reruns on Saturday mornings. The show also extends its presence through a YouTube channel, allowing fans to access episodes and highlights online, further expanding its audience beyond traditional broadcasting.
Jennifer Champagne is an accomplished entertainment + visual effects writer with a passion for storytelling. When she’s not crafting articles on industry giants, you’ll find her enjoying life with her family and their three crazy golden retriever floofs at home in middle earth.