Re-Imagined Radio Celebrates 100th Episode With Retrospective Special "RiR 100" Aug. 17 (Photo) - 08/10/26
VANCOUVER, Wash. – Re-Imagined Radio marks a major milestone with the premiere of its 100th episode,"RiR 100," at 1 p.m. Aug. 17. The special program celebrates more than a decade of sound-based storytelling by revisiting memorable moments, themes and productions from the series' first 100 episodes.
Since its debut in 2013, Re-Imagined Radio has explored the art of storytelling through sound, presenting dramas, documentaries, soundscapes, comedies, adaptations and original productions that have transported listeners across time, place and imagination. Over 100 episodes, the program has reached audiences locally, nationally and internationally through broadcasts, streaming, podcasts and online archives.
"One hundred times before, we've packaged dialogue, sound effects and music and sent them across the airwaves to create believable worlds on the wide screen of the listener's imagination," said John F. Barber, producer and host of Re-Imagined Radio and faculty member in the Digital Technology and Culture program at Washington State University Vancouver. "This episode is our opportunity to reflect on that journey and celebrate the people, stories and creative collaborations that made it possible."
The number 100 carries special significance across cultures. Often associated with completeness, achievement, abundance and success, it represents both a culmination and a new beginning. For Re-Imagined Radio, the milestone symbolizes years of creative experimentation, persistence and growth.
Episodes were produced intermittently during the program's early years, from 2013 through 2020. As production evolved into a regular monthly schedule, the collection steadily expanded until reaching the century mark in 2026.
Rather than focusing on a single story, "RiR 100" serves as a retrospective celebration, revisiting highlights from the program's extensive archive. Drawing from approximately 90 recorded productions, the episode offers listeners an opportunity to rediscover favorite moments while introducing newer audiences to the breadth and variety of Re-Imagined Radio's work.
"We're not bragging," Barber said. "But we are proud of this achievement. Reaching 100 episodes required creativity, dedication and the support of listeners, collaborators and broadcast partners. We wanted this program to honor that shared accomplishment."
The centennial episode also marks a transition point for the series. Following August's broadcast, Re-Imagined Radio plans to step away from its monthly production schedule and explore new approaches to audio storytelling. Future programming may include a more experimental series, tentatively titled RiR Workshop, along with guest-produced episodes, original works and other creative collaborations.
"Who knows what serendipity might send our way?" Barber said. "More partner stations, more guest artists, more original productions. We're excited to discover what comes next."
Listeners are invited to join the celebration Aug. 17 and experience a journey through more than a decade of innovative sound-based storytelling.
About Re-Imagined Radio
Created in 2013 by John F. Barber, Re-Imagined Radio explores sound-based storytelling across genres including drama, comedy, documentary, adaptation and sound art. Through performances, broadcasts, streaming, podcasts and social media, the program reimagines radio storytelling for contemporary audiences.
Re-Imagined Radio episodes air on KXRW-FM (99.9) in Vancouver, Washington; KXRY-FM (91.1 and 107.1) in Portland, Oregon; KNOM-AM (780) in Nome, Alaska; KAAD-FM in Sonora, California; and Galloway's Star 24 in Galloway, New Jersey. In addition, each station streams its programming globally, helping Re-Imagined Radio reach listeners in more than 60 countries. Listening links and an archive of past episodes are available at reimaginedradio.fm.
About WSU Vancouver
WSU Vancouver is one of six campuses of Washington State University and the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington. The campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs that support workforce development, innovation and economic growth through strong partnerships with businesses, industries and community organizations.
WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. in Vancouver and is accessible via I-5, I-205 and C-TRAN bus service.
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