Jane Matenaer’s Thank You: ‘Keep Learning, Keep Laughing’

Some radio moments feel bigger than the actual segment being filled. This includes the way a familiar voice can make a difference. Jane Matenaer, host of Matenaer on Air, is working through the last days of hosting her show. She’s talking honestly about what her time at Civic Media means to her. And in the midst of a thank you, Matenaer also reminds all of us to keep learning and laughing. 

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Listen to the entire discussion here:

[podcast src="https://civicmedia.us/shows/matenaer-on-air/2025/12/11/why-we-love-jane-hour-2"]

She admits her overall philosophy is simple: stay curious.

Matenaer also suggests surrounding yourself with people who know what you don’t. And never be afraid to say I don’t know. Or even harder, I was wrong.

“It’s freeing,” she says, “to admit you don’t have all the answers. It feels better than pretending you do.”

And with the humor listeners love, she adds, “If I don’t laugh, I’m going to die. I hope I can say I laughed more than I sobbed.”

One moment quickly quiets the entire room. It comes as Matenaer addresses the leadership of Civic Media, thanking them for the gift of entrusting a woman in her 60s with her own show.

“That’s not a small thing,” she explains. “I know what it means, and I am so grateful.”

“You made it an easy decision,” CEO Sage Weil replies.

Their exchange reflects what Matenaer has been bringing to the airwaves every day. There’s kindness, curiosity, honesty, and a willingness to keep learning publicly. It’s also what makes her voice so beloved, and why her presence has become a defining part of Civic Media’s mission to restore meaningful discussions around local news.

A career can be long, but moments like these remind all of us why this work still matters. And we are grateful to Jane Matenaer for all of it.