.png)
Today to 1A
From the control room to the green room, Joe Michaels has seen it all. In Today to 1A, the Emmy-winning director pulls back the curtain on five decades of live television—from the chaos of breaking news to the magic of morning shows. With behind-the-scenes stories, unforgettable moments, prominent personalities, and a few well-timed cues, Joe reflects on a career that shaped how America watched TV—one live shot at a time. Live from Studio 1A... all the way to today.
Today to 1A
Episode 6: Former Today Show Director discusses what happens when things go wrong- plus, some career advice that really works.
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
What happens when things go wrong during live broadcasts? What happens in the ears of talent and producers that we never get to hear back home? Former Today Show Director Joe Michaels and co-host Jim Scott discuss those unforgettable/regrettable and often hilarious (although perhaps not-so-much at the time) moments. Plus, career advice that really works.
Mentioned on this episode:
Bruce Springsteen
Al Roker
Bryant Gumbel
Glenn Adamo
Harry Coyle
Natalie Morales
Roger Goodell
Mitch Rissmiller
Harry Coyle
Michael Weissman
Joe Michaels is an acclaimed television director with a distinguished career spanning over five decades. An eight-time Emmy Award winner and two-time Directors Guild of America honoree, Michaels is best known for his 22-year tenure directing NBC’s Today Show, where he helmed more than 5,000 episodes and helped shape the landscape of live morning television. His directing credits also include major global broadcasts such as the Olympics (including eight Opening Ceremonies), Network coverage of the 2016 & 2024 Democratic National Convention, and National Geographic’s groundbreaking Brain Surgery Live.
Starting his career at NBC Sports, Michaels contributed to Emmy-winning coverage of the Super Bowl, World Series, Wimbledon, and the Olympics. He has directed high-profile network specials, live concerts, stage productions, and segments for celebrated shows like Seinfeld, 30 Rock, and The Michael J. Fox Show. His work has been seen by hundreds of millions around the world and thousands live at venues like Rockefeller Plaza.
In addition to his directing work, Michaels serves as the Broadcaster-in-Residence at High Point University, where he mentors the next generation of television professionals through courses in multi-camera production, on-camera performance, and senior production experience. A graduate of Seton Hall University and its 2013 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Michaels continues to consult on creative media projects, cor...
