Today to 1A

Jim Scott

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. 

Épisodes

  1. 18 FÉVR.

    Episode 8: Joe becomes Director of NBC's Today Show

    Send a text In the midst of a successful career at NBC Sports, Joe Michaels is eager to explore new horizons (pun intended) at NBC, transitioning to NBC's Sunrise program and, then, to Director of The Today Show, a position he would hold for over 20 years. On this episode, you'll hear about those early days, as Joe takes control of one of America's iconic television programs.  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,...

    37 min

  2. 11 FÉVR.

    Episode 7: Innovator, risk-taker, Hall of Fame sports producer, Glenn Adamo guests

    Send a text Love the overhead shot of a NHL goalie making a save? That was Glenn Adamo's idea. Love the camera in the goal, itself? That was Glenn Adamo's idea.  Love seeing the puck cross the goal line because the crease and the goal ice are different colors? How about the bright yellow kickplates at the bottom of the dasher boards so you can see the puck better?  You guessed it. Glenn Adamo. Recently inducted into the Sports Broadcasters' Hall of Fame, legendary television producer and sports executive Glenn Adamo joins Joe and Jim to discuss his remarkable career and share the remarkable- and hilarious- stories we rarely get to hear.  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,...

    40 min

  3. 4 FÉVR.

    Episode 6: Former Today Show Director discusses what happens when things go wrong- plus, some career advice that really works.

    Send us a text 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,...

    36 min

  4. 28 JANV.

    Episode 5: Joe takes us behind the scenes to see what really goes on in the control room at NBC

    Send us a text On this episode, Joe shares what we never get to see: what goes on behind the scenes of network television. We head back to the late 70s and early 80s in our timeline and Joe talks about everything from David Brinkley's reaction to doing endless room-to-room promo drops to the true character of Johnny Carson to the tragic night and morning when the world lost John Lennon and network morning shows showed their ability to cover breaking news.  Among those mentioned on this episode: John Chancellor David Brinkley Jane Pauley John Lennon Tom Brokaw Johnny Carson Ricky Carson Bill Hanrahan, the voice of NBC Jonathan Winters Robin Williams Harry Coyle Glenn Adamo Joe Garagiola Dick Enberg Sports World Bob Levy Russ Ross Matt Lauer 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,...

    38 min

  5. 21 JANV.

    Episode 4: Former Today Show Director Joe Michaels on what it's like to direct live network broadcasting

    Send us a text LIVE network broadcasting- no one knows what that's like better than former Today Show Director Joe Michaels. Whether it was directing TODAY every day of the week, or live sports- even national political conventions- Joe's made it happen. So, what's that like to be in the hot seat as director? Find out on this episode of Today to 1A. Plus, the game show scene at NBC back in the late 70s and early 80s, Joe's friendship with Soupy Sales, preparing for Olympics coverage... that never happened... and the art of covering sports. Mentioned: Michael Weissman Harry Coyle President Jimmy Carter John Libretto Don Ohlmeyer Wimbledon 1980 Olympics in Moscow Soupy Sales Matt Lauer Princess Diana  ESPN 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,...

    33 min

  6. 14 JANV.

    Episode 3: Joe's sports career at NBC, his wonderful friendship with Joe Garagiola and stories, stories, stories about legendary people and events

    Send us a text In the episode, former Today Show Director Joe Michaels discusses his long career at NBC Sports, including his wonderful friendship with Joe Garagiola. Joe takes us back to what it was like working with and living with the legends of broadcasting. Mentioned on this episode: Joe Garagiola Tony Kubek Curt Gowdy Bob Costas Harry Coyle Keith Jackson Bryant Gumbel Chet Forte Vin Scully Glenn Adamo 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,...

    36 min

  7. 7 JANV.

    Episode 2: NBC in the '70s and... walking Katherine Hepburn across the street

    Send us a text On this episode, you'll experience through Joe's eyes what it felt like to be a young associate director for NBC living in the heart of New York City during the exciting times of the 70s, from walking Katherine Hepburn across the street to introducing Edwin Newman to the wonders of videotape. Mentioned on this episode: Katherine Hepburn Prince Maya Angelou Mohammad Ali Warren Beatty Bryant Gumbel Lauren “Betty” Bacall Dick Ebersole Dean Cain Edwin Newman ’74 All-Star Game ’75 World Series Joe Garagiola Harry Coyle Michael Weissman Jerry Damon Howard Rigg Walter Kravitz American Airlines Flight 191 crash in Chicago: early use of video tape in live news. Ernie Kovac Show and more. Produced and co-hosted by Jim Scott. 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,...

    34 min

  8. 1 JANV.

    Episode 1: Meet Joe

    Send us a text From the control room to the green room, former Today Show and NBC Sports Director Joe Michaels has seen it all. In Today to 1A, the multiple Emmy-winner pulls back the curtain on five decades of live television—from the chaos of breaking news to the magic of morning shows, from mundane cooking bits to the Day the World Stood Still. With behind-the-scenes stories, unforgettable moments, prominent personalities, and a plenty of well-timed cues, Joe reflects on a career that shaped how America watched TV—one live shot at a time, using his keen sense of storytelling and viewer empathy. Live from Studio 1A... all the way to today. Produced by award-winning broadcaster, Jim Scott. On this first episode, we meet Joe, how he got his start at NBC, and enjoy some remarkable memories along the way.  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,...

    42 min
  • 8 épisodes

À propos

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. 

Informations

  • Création
    Jim Scott
  • Années d’activité
    2 k
  • Épisodes
    8
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Today to 1A
  • Site web de l’émission
    Today to 1A