A Valpo Life in the Spotlight: Matt McCann

A Valpo Life in the Spotlight: Matt McCann

How many of us act on our passions? With daily tasks and necessities taking up a majority of our thoughts and time, how often do we really do something constructive when it comes to pursuing our true passions?

WVLP's Matt McCann has created a hobby of embracing his passions and sharing them with an audience. For McCann, sharing with others what enjoys most is a treat that so few have the opportunity or courage to do.

Originally from Detroit, Michigan McCann found his way to Valparaiso through the recommendation of a friend and after hearing about the many things Valpo offered as well as an opportunity involving his job McCann made the move.

"There're so many things to do here in Valpo, says McCann. "There's a great downtown area, I'm 20 minutes from great mountain biking spots it's great."

McCann had the opportunity to blossom and become a component of the Valparaiso community with the help of Chicago Street's Theater Eric Brant and WVLP. Brant had an idea of creating a radio show centered around geek culture, a place for people to discuss and listen to the latest in the world of quirky and fun subjects ranging from comics and movies to games TV shows.

"Eric was the one to propose the idea to WVLP as he always wanted to do a podcast," says McCann. When he told me that the idea was approved and asked me to host the show, I said 'Heck yeah I wanted to do it' and that's how N3rds after Dark was formed."

McCann along with his co-host Rob Dolliver host the show that makes an appearance on the airwaves every other week. While being on the air in front of an audience may seem like a nerve wrecking experience, for McCann, this is just another stage to practice his craft as acting is also another one of his passions.

McCann is used to an audience and always being on stage. McCann is a stage performer as well and is heavily involved in the theater scene with experience in musicals, scripted plays and a member of Disposable Theater Improv Comedy.

"Theater is such a great way to meet people, a lot of the people that I have come to know as friends here I met through theater," says McCann. "It is so much fun to put something together with people. it's so exciting to work together with others to make something great."

While it may seem like a huge commitment to host a radio show while also doing other duties, McCann's drive to see N3rds after Dark succeed is what keeps him coming back.

"The idea that people can get together and geek out about stuff is a great thing," says McCann. "This doesn't necessarily apply to stereotypical nerd stuff but anything that people can be passionate about. Whether it's people from the NWI Beekeeping Association or the local Boyscouts, there is a bunch of stuff that people know exist but aren't familiar with the intimate aspects."

For the future of N3rds After Dark and for McCann, he is always looking to take the success of the show even further. He has big goals for the show and above all, is looking to ensure that the audience stays engaged and grows larger than it is now.

"I would love to have 1,000 listeners for the show," says McCann. "It would also be cool to have a bunch of listeners and have them call in. I'd also like to bring even more abstract concepts to the show. I want to go all out and make every subject interesting and engaging to the audience, that is how I can serve them best."

For more information on N3rds After Dark, please visit their Facebook page. To listen to live streams of their show every other Monday, please visit their streaming site.