Helen's Leicht's love of radio began in South Philly in the 60's, as her uncle was the General Manager of WIBBAGE, and she was introduced to the world of Hy Lit, Joe Niagara, Bill Wright Sr, Dean Tyler, Dick Clark, Jerry Stevens as well as the burgeoning connections between the British Invasion and local radio as she was a witness to local concerts like The Beatles, the Dave Clark Five, Peter & Gordon, the Kinks and The Stones, as well as Charlie Gracie, the Nazz, Chubby Checker and many more. It fueled her interest in broadcasting and began her 10,000 hours invested in identifying, developing and celebrating musical talent.
Helen's broadcast career began at KYW in the early 70's working as a Production Assistant and Office Support for the Production Department. Helen also worked for the RICB /Radio Information Center for the Blind Philadelphia. Every Sunday morning reading The Sunday newspaper to the blind on their own signal, which honed her skills as a communicator and voice actor.
Helen first worked on-air at WILM in Wilmington reading the news, while still reading to the blind in the city.
In 1976, Helen started full-time at WIOQ the Progressive Rock station in Philadelphia that included working weekends and fill-in shifts. During her 10 years at WIOQ she is credited with developing Breakfast With the Beatles on Sunday mornings which has since inspired the show around the country and now on SiriusXM globally. After WIOQ changed formats Helen left and started working at WMGK.
A career dream-come-true was when Helen was invited to interview Paul McCartney at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.
Helen is recognized by the RIAA for her contributions to sales of millions of records by artists as diverse as Tom Petty, Gerry Rafferty, Sting, Cyndi Lauper, the Hooters, REO Speedwagon, Culture Club and many more.
In 1990, Helen was hired at WXPN to host a specialty show, the Saturday Mix, Noon - 3pm, and became part of the WXPN radio community. She began programming Philadelphia area local artists, and emerging national and international bands, and concurrently hosting Acoustic Sunday at WMMR presenting the acoustic recordings of the biggest rock, pop, folk, blues and R&B artists. The only radio host in Philadelphia to work on-air at two competing stations at the same time using the same name!
In 1998 Helen returned to full-time on-air work, hosting the Mid-Day Show at WXPN, as 10am-2pm Host and Assistant Program Director. During her two decades at the University of Pennsylvania media outlet, Helen was also responsible for managing and hosting the Philly Local show on-air, and in many venues and festivals in Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley. Helen also hosted the weekly Free@Noon live concert broadcast on NPR each Friday for 12 years.
Leicht was appointed the WXPN representative for the Musicians On Call program. The program began in New York City and she helped develop the organization from one hospital to other major hospital systems in Philadelphia. She connected the local musicians to the program, and the power of music was felt on both sides of the hospital bed. As part of her dedication to the program she also hosted the 5k Run each October as another fundraising opportunity for MOC.
Helen has served on the Board of Live Connections!, the non-profit educational program for city kids who want to learn music and performance at the World Cafe Live in West Philadelphia.
Helen continues her work with the Philadelphia music community through her Shine A Leicht podcast which included a conversation with the late Bill Wright, Sr.