| For two hours every Monday afternoon, the St. Michael's radio station, WWPV 88.7 The Mike, offers a programming choice that's noticeably different from the usual repetitive music that permeates Burlington's radio airwaves. St. Michael's staff member and former stand-up comic Garret Sullivan hosts “At the Mike,” where he interviews a diverse bunch of guests every week.
Behind the scenes
Sullivan works for property maintenance at St. Michael’s. “At the Mike” airs on WWPV from noon to 2 p.m. every Monday.
For the first hour of the show, Sullivan plays new music and prepares for upcoming interviews, he says. The second hour includes a monologue with topical jokes based on current news, and on-air interviews with guests.
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Sullivan enlists the help of first-year Matt Ohanian (left) during the show so he can focus on his interviews.
(Photo by Tyler Machado) |
“I practice self-censorship on the show,” Sullivan says. “It’s a Catholic school and I work here.”
Sullivan’s friend Gary Cannon, the audience warm-up comic for “Last Call with Carson Daly,” calls in to the show every week to talk and joke around, Sullivan says.
The show began on Oct. 6 of this year. A familiar voice on the show is that of President Jack Neuhauser, Sullivan says.
Sullivan jokes that President Neuhauser is his favorite guest because he works here. Joking aside, Sullivan maintains that Neuhauser really is a great guest, he says.
After being on the show for the first time, Neuhauser suggested making monthly appearances, Sullivan says.
Sullivan has some help in making sure his interviews go smoothly. He has an assistant in the studio, fellow WWPV DJ first-year Matt Ohanian, who is “a huge help,” Sullivan says.
“I can concentrate on interviews and not have to deal with volume control,” he says.
Sullivan decided to host a radio show because the school doesn't have a TV station, he says.
“My dream job would be to host a TV talk show,” Sullivan says.
Sullivan enjoys hosting his radio show, but there are some things that could be improved.
“The station could use better technology; for example, you can’t prerecord phone interviews,” Sullivan says. “If there is a wealthy reader out there, feel free to donate.”
Breaking in to radio
This is Sullivan’s first time working in radio and broadcast. WWPV offers a training program to familiarize hosts with how the radio station works, Sullivan says.
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Sullivan interviews men's basketball head coach Tom O'Shea (far right)
and assistant coach Ari Shapiro-Miller (second from right) on the Nov. 17 show.
(Photo by Tyler Machado) |
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Sullivan frequently listens to National Public Radio. Some of his favorite shows include “The Story” with Dick Gordon and “Fresh Air” with Terry Gross, he says.
As a former stand-up comic, Sullivan gets some inspiration from late-night talk shows.
Jimmy Brogan, who worked for “The Tonight Show” and continues to write jokes for Jay Leno, is a friend and guest of Sullivan’s.
“I consider him one of my mentors,” Sullivan says.
”At the Mike” guests come from a variety of different fields. “The goal is to have interesting people on, along with light-hearted jokes,” Sullivan says.
“I’d like to have students as guests because it is a college radio station, it would be a good experience for them,” Sullivan says.
Sullivan is currently working with director of Alumni and Parent Relations, Patrick Gallivan, to get alumni as guests on the show.
He tries to have guests on that have some sort of tie to the college. It is also important to him that the show puts the college in a good light, he says.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to have the show,” Sullivan says.
“At the Mike,” a rousing success
Aaron Metcalf works in the St. Michael’s grounds department and hosts “Grateful Shed,” an all-Grateful Dead radio show, which airs on WWPV on Sunday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon.
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Sullivan uses his experience as a stand-up comic to stay comfortable on the air and add an element of humor to the show.
(Photo by Tyler Machado) |
“It’s a good thing,” Metcalf says about Sullivan’s show. “He’s got good people skills.”
WWPV public relations director Dan Ferris enjoys Sullivan’s show and thinks it’s great for the station, he says.
“In previous years the station hadn’t allowed talk shows, they preferred music and [talk] wasn’t really their thing,” Ferris says.
Ferris thinks Sullivan’s show is doing well, he says.
“He’s very professional, asks good questions and definitely took the time to learn the equipment,” Ferris says.
As far as the future for “At the Mike,” the show will continue for the rest of the semester, and Sullivan hopes to keep the show going next semester, he says.
“It feels good to entertain people,” Sullivan says. |
