Any one journalist may speak to hundreds of people over the course of their career. But Reporter Matt Shearer ‘09 figured it was worth talking to a select few one more time, now under spotlights.
Shearer, a Framingham-based reporter and WERS Hall of Famer, has garnered millions of views across Instagram and TikTok through his online reporting for WBZ NewsRadio. His reporting involves an unconventional style of journalism, spotlighting Massachusetts residents with enough grit to give the internet a piece of their mind. His run-and-gun iPhone reporting consistently showcases the insightful sentiments that surface in spur-of-the-moment discussions.
On April 9, Shearer brought a slew of his most viral interviewees to Downtown Boston, taking his online act to the Wilbur Theatre’s stage with a live show of sincerely local proportions.
While most internet personalities find themselves presented with the challenge of having to endear themselves to their online audience in an offline setting, Shearer strolled into the Wilbur with the confidence of having already earned himself the admiration of the Boston scene through his committed local reporting.
“I take great pride in the fact that my job is to go out and interact with strangers,” Shearer said in an interview with The Beacon. “Magical things happen when you do that.”
Shearer is among a couple of journalists who have tapped into the “15 seconds of fame” social media provides. While not conventional, he emphasises the need to step out of the box.
“I think everyone’s instinct on social media, and maybe even in journalism as a whole, too, is to be like, ‘I got to make it this way. I got to do everything a certain way, because that’s the way it’s done,’” Shearer said.
The sold-out show involved a projector, where Shearer could briefly call back to past interviews or previously unseen footage; these moments treated the audience to Shearer’s trademark video compilations. These videos include quick-cut interviews with pedestrians who don’t mind sharing their personal experiences.
Previously unseen interviews included conversations with a Red Line operator who claims to hold demolition derby experience, Gen Alpha prank callers who “sort of” know John Cena, and an older gentleman who runs a side hustle where he “removes people.”
It’s these peculiar, informal conversations held around Greater Boston that have made Shearer viral, so it was only fitting for him to return the favor with a show centered on a series of follow-up conversations, allowing a select few Massachusetts natives to go from the streets to the stage. Shearer’s A-listers are local heroes turned viral sensations. Just to name a few:
Sharon Smith, a Dunkin’ general manager overseeing five locations.
Pari Kim, an MBTA superfan widely known for her appearance on “Love on the Spectrum,” alongside her girlfriend, Tina.
Richard Luna, a Braintree mall worker who moonlights as drag performer “Maria Christina False Eyelashes.”
Benjamin Smith, “Boston’s most glamorous realtor.”
Peaches, a great-grandmother from Dorchester with a strong tolerance for spicy food.
Massachusetts-based musician Matt Farley provided occasional musical accompaniment during the night’s proceedings. Farley is recognized online for his attempt to write and record an individual song for as many towns and cities as possible, as well as producing an entire album centered on office supplies.
Audience members were graced with a striking catalog of songs, including hits such as “I Made This Song For Medford,” alongside a few spontaneously composed numbers about relieving yourself. Additionally, Shearer was treated to a surprise audience-sung rendition of “Happy Birthday.”
“My birthday was three days ago,” Shearer bemusedly rebutted after the song’s conclusion.
Notable highlights of the night included an Emerson College shoutout from Shearer, a special gift for Pari in the form of an authentic decommissioned seat from a Red Line train car, a drag performance from Maria Christina False Eyelashes, and a surprise video message for Sharon Smith from former Patriots tight-end Rob Gronkowski.
But that’s not where the surprise appearances ended, as Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll arrived on stage to officially decree April 9 as “Joke Only” day, in reference to Maria Christina’s (Richard Luna’s) viral catchphrase.
Shearer explained to The Beacon that he hoped the structure and feel of the show would emulate his established interview format.
“When I usually go in to do interviews, I have nothing prepared. And that’s by design. Because I want to just experience something,” said Shearer. “I want to experience it like the viewer or the listener is going to experience it too — not knowing what’s about to happen.”
Although Shearer applied his signature impromptu style for these on-stage interviews, some noteworthy deviations from his usual routine took the form of theatrical surprises.
For his conversation with Peaches, in which they reminisced about their trip to a furry convention, he planned a surprise for the Dorchester native:
Shearer asked Peaches, “Had you ever heard of furries before?” Peaches responded, “Never!” This, of course, prompted a tiger-costumed furry to take the stage and present Peaches with a box of peach-flavored hot sauce.
While speaking with The Beacon, Shearer provided some insight for aspiring media creators, insisting that making unique creative strides is what really brings attention to your work.
“This is something that I know Emerson students are really good at — stand out, don’t blend in,” Shearer explained. “If you can find a way to make something people have never seen before, that’s how they’re going to remember you. And that’s how they’re going to hit that follow button, because they want more of it.”
Even though Shearer’s interviewees took the stage as revered stars, it quickly became apparent that, despite receiving viral acclaim, these Massachusetts residents see themselves as no different than any other passerby. The interviewees were all quick to step off the stage after the show to take pictures with fans, alongside Shearer himself.
Shearer’s genuine care for his guests was evident in his treatment of them throughout the night. As the house lights came on and the audience filed out into the lobby, Pari’s girlfriend Tina moved across the theatre floor to inform Shearer, “We don’t know what to do with this chair. All of us took the T today,” pointing backstage towards Pari’s new Red Line seat.
Shearer promptly responded, “I’ll put it in my car.”
Even during Shearer’s interview with The Beacon, the WBZ reporter couldn’t help himself from offering goodbyes to his honored guests before they took to the street. Glamorous realtor Benjamin Smith hung around near the back rows where the interview took place.
“Are you coming to Club Café?” Smith asked. Shearer then explained to Smith that he had made prior arrangements. But he added, “I’ll text you later and see if you’re still there.”
This personal element to Shearer’s reporting is what keeps audiences invested: His journey to shine a light on the authentic aspects of deep-cut Massachusetts culture comes from a commitment to his journalistic process.
“As opposed to just doing the same trends as everyone else, which blends in with the noise, do something to stand out from the pack,” he said. “That’s my advice.”
