The Savor Life brand is a series of radio shows by Michael Warren Thomas airing in the Greater Rochester Area. With each show listeners are guided through celebrating life in the Finger Lakes Region and beyond. Whether you're interested in horticulture, local travel, food or wine, the Savor Life lineup has you covered!
New episodes of each show are posted weekly. You're invited to spend a few hours each week to savor life and learn more about your favorite topics!
Your host
Michael Warren Thomas
Michael Warren Thomas has lived in the City of Rochester ever since he came to attend the University of Rochester. His degree in economics and political science, with a certificate in international relations was the ideal preparation for a career discussing food, wine, and gardening. He is proud to have helped raise two food loving kids.
Michael first launched his food show on the radio back in 1996. He was inspired after hearing one in Boston which had already been airing for 20 years.
He has worked selling pastries from Creme de la Creme on the UR campus, as a front desk clerk for the Rose Mansion & Gardens, as an analyst for the Center for Governmental Research, as a landscape designer and natural lawn care provider, as an Urban Forestry Economist, as Horticulturalist for the City of Rochester, and as a tour leader taking people to the Philadelphia Flower Show and Longwood Gardens for over two decades.
Through adding shows to the Savor Life brand, Michael aims to inspire other locals to engage with their community and find new ways to connect with our region.
The shows
The Grapevine
This two-hour show airing every Sunday morning from 9:00a to 11:00a began in February 1998.
The Grapevine guides listeners through learning more about wine and viticulture. Listen in for interviews with local farmers, wine makers, sommeliers, and industry experts while we discuss everything that makes our local wine culture so wonderful.
Discover The Finger Lakes
The one-hour Discover The Finger Lakes show first launched in January 2001 under the title The World Next Door.
Each Saturday morning at 11:00a Michael uses the hour to guide his audience through learning more about the majesty of the Finger Lakes Region in Upstate New York, and why it's a perfect place to live and visit.
For The Love Of Food
Since the summer of 1996 this hour-long show has offered a platform for those who love exploring the world of food.
Join in each Saturday at 10:00a while we discuss local restaurants, talk with chefs, and learn more about cooking at home. We'll touch on casual eats, fine dining, drinks, and everything else!
Naturally Green
This show is how Savor Life started! Michael began broadcasting in April 1994 with the Naturally Green show.
Using his professional experience in gardening, landscaping, and horticulture, this hour airing each Saturday morning at 9:00a offers discussion and education. You'll hear lawn care tips, pruning pointers, and gardening guidelines from the most knowledgeable people in our area.
Timeline
April 1994
Savor Life launches with the Naturally Green show
February 1998
When service ended with Rochester's Fast Ferry, the Savor Toronto show is ended. That hour becomes a second hour of The Grapevine.
January 2001
The World Next Door launches as a one hour travel show. It would later become Discover The Finger Lakes.
Summer 2006
A two-hour Sunday morning time slot is added. The first hour is dedicated to wine with The Grapevine, and the second hour dedicated to a new show called Antique Talk.
Fall 2006
For The Love Of Food begins airing
April 2020
The Savor Life shows begin publishing as a podcast.
June 2020
After 19 years of airing on WYSL, all SavorLife shows cease to broadcast on the channel and remain an online platform