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Driving Notes

The Official Blog of WNZR's Afternoon Drive

Oysters, Couscous, and Traffic Lights… Sounds like a tasty Wednesday Afternoon Drive

Today on the Afternoon Drive, we talked about Oysters, Couscous, and Traffic lights; here’s what we talked about…

WHO KNEW FACT CHECK: Even though it looks like one, couscous is actually tiny pellets of rolled semolina wheat.

NATIONAL OYSTER DAY: A single adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day, removing algae and tiny particles as it feeds.

NATIONAL COUSCOUS DAY: Traditional couscous can be ready in about 5 minutes, making it one of the quickest side dishes you can prepare.

INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC LIGHT DAY: The first electric traffic light debuted in the U.S. It was installed in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1914 and used only red and green lights with a buzzer to warn drivers when the signal changed.

WHO AM I?

  1. I was born in rural Washington Township, in Auglaize County, Ohio, on August 5, 1930.
  2. I earned a student flight certificate on my 16th birthday, and flew solo within August, all before I had a driver’s license.
  3. I was called up for the Korean War to serve in the Naval Air Station, where I flew in 78 missions.
  4. After my time in the Navy and college, I became an experimental Research Test pilot.
  5. I joined NASA and was involved in four space missions: Gemini 5, 8, and 11 Missions; and the Apollo 11 Mission.

I am Neil Armstrong! Congratulations to Terasa from Howard, who guessed correctly and wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica.

Thanks for listening!
– Daniel & Joe

Nominees & New Music

Jamie MacDonald is celebrating a big week! Fresh off multiple 2026 Dove Award nominations, including New Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for her chart-topping hit “Left It In The River,” she’s released a brand-new EP called Left It In The River [Reimagined].

The four-track project features three fresh takes on the song that spent 12 weeks at No. 1 on Christian radio, including a soulful version, an intimate backyard session, and a live recording from her sold-out hometown show in Nashville, along with the original hit.

MacDonald says each version uniquely tells the song’s story and hopes listeners find one that speaks to them personally.

The release comes after a breakout year for the Capitol CMG artist, and she’ll hit the road this fall on her Left It In The River Tour, which is coming to Cleveland on Friday, September 18th at the Wolstein Center!

We Are Messengers has released a brand-new song called “Room For You.” The uplifting anthem reminds listeners that no matter who you are or what you’ve done, there’s always room for you in the Kingdom of God through Jesus.

Frontman Darren Mulligan says the song is a message of hope for anyone who has ever felt like they don’t belong, emphasizing that God’s grace is available to everyone.

“Room For You” will appear on the band’s upcoming album, Halfway Home, arriving September 25. They’ll also kick off their Halfway Home Tour this fall with special guests Andrew Ripp and Allison Eide.

Luckily for Ohio residents, the band is coming to Cincinnati on September 26th at Landmark Church! So definitely don’t miss the opportunity to see them LIVE!

During the show, we also shared many of this year’s GMA Dove Awards nominees; check them all out here:

https://doveawards.com/awards/2026-nominees

Lord, I am so thankful for the ways that You blessed me

Everything You say makin’ waves like a jetski

You loved every part of me, even when I was messy

Now I see the art in Your beauty, so I can finally sing out…

Song poetry was a STUMPER this week, so if you know these lyrics, tune in next week for your chance to win a $5 gift card to Watt’s restaurant!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

The Heavenly Father | Ohio State Fair

Today, we are at the Ohio State Fair and having Monday Motivation.

Daniel: To me, Prayer has been a very formal activity. Not that I need to think deeply about my prayer; I just do the typical: God help this, do that, thank you for that. This isn’t a very normal relationship. I’ve heard it said that you can talk to God about anything, but the way it was put yesterday in Church got me thinking.

Matthew 6:8: Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

God doesn’t need to hear all your wants and needs; he already knows them, so instead have a conversation with God. The pastor put it like an experience he’d had with his son: he was in a board meeting, his son came in without a care in the world, walked up to his dad and sat on his lap to show him a cool drawing he’d made.

God isn’t too busy to hear all about us, every struggle, every high, every low, and all the in-between of our lives. When you pray, talk to God about your life like you would with your earthly family; your heavenly father cares about you far more than they ever could.

Mystery Monday 

Where do you see a lot of people waiting for a ride? 

  1. ??? (61) 
  2. ??? (10) 
  3. ??? (9) 
  4. ??? (8) 
  5. ??? (6)
  6. ??? (2) 

It’s a Stumper this week. Join us next week for a chance to win TWO $5 gift cards to Watt’s Restaurant in Utica!

Thanks for listening!
– Daniel and Joe

NZ Top 10 for 7/31/26

10. Carly Ann Taylor – Why Should I Worry
9. Chandler Moore – God I’m Just Grateful
8. Matthew West – Good (#1 for 5 weeks)
7. ELEVATION RHYTHM – WASHED (#1 for 1 week)
6. We The Kingdom – Rescue Me
5. Phil Wickham & Crowder – It Really Is Amazing Grace
4. Jamie MacDonald – Ain’t No Way
3. CeCe Winans – Worthy Of It All (Worthy) (4th week at #1)
2. Zach Williams – Wait For Me
1. Josiah Queen – demons

New Music This Week:

Megan Woods – Heaven Down Here

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock

Who knew it was the Knox County Fair!

We’re at the Knox County Fair today, we talked alot about different things we’re giving away and had conversations with all the people who present at the fair and make the fair happen in the first place. You can find all the information about our giveaways for this year’s fair right HERE

WHO AM I?

  1. I was born on July 29, 1938, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  2. In 1959, I got my first gig at a local radio station, where I was hired as a member of the news department; were many of my stories were picked up by the CBC
  3. In 1965, ABC hired me for their 15-minute nightly newscast, where I struggled a bit before moving on overseas
  4. After a brief stint abroad, I returned to the U.S. to become a Washington correspondent and news anchor for ABC’s new morning program AM America
  5. Throughout my career, I reported on some of the biggest events of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, including the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Gulf War, and the September 11 attacks.

I am Peter Jennings! Congratulations to Nathaniel from Sunbury, who guessed correctly and wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica.

Thanks for listening!
– Daniel & Joe

Fair week and the 40 Days festival!

Brock, Daniel and I are hosting the show alongside On The Road With Big Blue this week! Make sure you check this link on our website, WNZR.fm, to find out about the Knox County Fair and our amazing prizes!

Oh, and YES we are still giving away tickets this week to see FOR KING + COUNTRY at the Ohio State Fair on Monday!

Now to the news…

WILLIAMSTOWN, KENTUCKY – The 40 Days of Christian Music festival — the world’s largest — returns TODAY for its sixth consecutive year at the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum in northern Kentucky.

This massive event runs today through September 5, featuring dozens of prominent Christian performers and speakers for an unforgettable experience. The festival just announced the addition of Jeremy Camp, Grammy Award nominee and winner of five GMA Dove Awards on September 5.

Attendees can explore two of America’s best-known biblical attractions, the life-size Noah’s Ark at the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum, but also enjoy live performances from some of the biggest names in Christian music in state-of-the-art facilities.

This year’s lineup beyond Jeremy Camp includes CAIN, Crowder, Passion, Matthew West, Jamie MacDonald, Jon Reddick, Cochren & Co., David Phelps, Tasha Layton, Jason Crabb, Triumphant Quartet, Karen Peck & New River, Mark Trammell Quartet, The Isaacs, The Inspirations, Gold City, and Joseph Habedank, among many others. In total, more than 100 artists will take the stage throughout the 40-day event with performances every day, except Sundays.

I say, “I’m fine, yeah, I’m fine, oh, I’m fine, hey, I’m fine”

But I’m not, I’m broken.

And when it’s out of control, I say “It’s under control”

But it’s not and You know it.

This one was a stumper last week! This week, Lisa from Fredericktown got the answer correct! ‘Truth Be Told’ by Matthew West.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Brock

Giving the Little You Have and the Knox County Fair

Today on the Afternoon Drive, we are at the Knox County Fair talking to presenters at the fair, talking about the events, and telling you about all the excitement happening down at the fairgrounds today. Find out more information HERE on our website.

Daniel: One of the things I struggle with is my giving. I’m not consistent with it; I give in larger amounts but not as frequently as I probably should; I should do more.

In Luke 21:1-4, Jesus and his disciples are sitting by the temple collection booth. He sees the Pharisees, Princes, and the Wealthy give large amounts. He saw them smile when others praised their “generosity.” But then he spots a widow slip through the crowd to give a measly two copper coins. She was avoiding notice and didn’t give to be recognized; she gave out of devotion to God. This was probably all she could give. 

Even in the little she has, she still gives to God. Maybe you have a little time, or a little strength, or, as it is commonly thought, a little financially. It’s not about the number, the hours, or how much you can do; it’s about the fact that you do it at all. God asks us to simply do as he asks. Remember, he who is faithful in little is also faithful in much.

Mystery Monday

Give me a phrase containing the word “Hot”

1. Tamale (13)

2. Dog, Some like it hot (8)

    4. Outside, Sauce (5)

    6. That’s Hot (4)

    Congratulations to Charla from Utica, who guessed those top two answers and wins a $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica.

    Thanks for listening!
    – Daniel and Joe

    NZ Top 10 for 7/24/26

    10. Carly Ann Taylor – Why Should I Worry
    9. Chandler Moore – God I’m Just Grateful
    8. Matthew West – Good (#1 for 5 weeks)
    7. We The Kingdom – Rescue Me
    6. Phil Wickham & Crowder – It Really Is Amazing Grace
    5. Jamie MacDonald – Ain’t No Way
    4. ELEVATION RHYTHM – WASHED (#1 for 1 week)
    3. Zach Williams – Wait For Me
    2. Josiah Queen – demons
    1. CeCe Winans – Worthy Of It All (Worthy) (4th week at #1)

    New Music This Week:

    for KING & COUNTRY – what if i told you?

    Congrats to Maude from Mount Vernon for correctly guessing “Trust In You” by Lauren Daigle during today’s special edition of Name That Tune!

    Thanks for listening!

    -Joe & Brock

    Relax Your Brain while Eating a Mango in a Hammock

    Today for WHO KNEW WEDNESDAY, we talked about National Mango Day, National Hammock Day, and World Brain Day. Here is what we talked about…

    WHO KNEW FACT CHECK – The hammock can help improve sleep because its rocking motion feels like being rocked by your mother.

    NATIONAL MANGO DAY – Mango trees can grow up to 100 feet with a canopy of over 35 feet. Less than 1% of the flowers will mature into mango fruits, but don’t worry, mango trees produce mangos all year long.

    NATIONAL HAMMOCK DAY – The Mayans developed the only known written language in Mesoamerica and invented the hammock! Hammocks were originally woven from the Hammack tree, native to Latin America, hence the name, “hammock”.

    WORLD BRAIN DAY – Your brain isn’t fully formed until age 25. Brain development begins from the back of the brain and works its way to the front. As a result, your frontal lobes, which control planning and reasoning, are the last to strengthen and structure connections.

    WHO AM I?

    1. I was born on July 22, 1940, in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
    2. Early in my career, I would read the CBC national radio news and cover a wide range of special events for CBC Radio and CBC Television
    3. I was a host for many different game shows throughout my career, including “Wizard of Odds,” “High Rollers,” and “Jeopardy.”
    4. I had made several guest appearances on different talk shows and the show The X Files
    5. I became an advocate for pancreatic cancer before my death in 2020.

    I am Alex Trebek! Congratulations to Grace from Mount Vernon, who guessed correctly and wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica.

    Thanks for listening!
    – Daniel & Joe

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