Everyone Has a Story with Matt Shearer of WBZ Boston | Ep. 9
Listen to Matt Shearer, a reporter for WBZ Newsradio in Boston and New England's most viral journalist, according to The Boston Globe. Matt has won multiple awards including a national Edward R. Murrow Award for excellence in innovation, and has built a devoted following through social media videos that capture the stories of everyday people across Massachusetts. Hannah has been a fan for a while and, by her own admission, had to work very hard not to fangirl throughout the entire conversation. Matt came to journalism through years of morning radio, and when he landed at WBZ he made it his mission to do things his way: just real people with stories that might not otherwise be told. Hear about the man whose M&M collection turned out to be a story about grief and loneliness, to Richard from Aeropostale who hadn't performed as drag persona Maria Christina False Eyelashes in 30 years until Matt brought him to a Boston drag club. His work is a masterclass in what happens when you actually stop and listen to people. His sold-out live show at the Wilbur Theatre, featuring everyday locals who'd gone viral through his videos, proved that authentic human connection translates to any stage. The conversation gets real when Matt talks about what viral success has cost him, including a new kind of anxiety he'd never experienced before and the sting of very public mistakes. He also shares what years of talking to strangers has taught him: that human connection is what actually makes people happy, that we are losing precious face-to-face interaction, and that common ground is almost always there when you're willing to sit across from someone and listen. In this episode: human connection as the foundation of happiness, storytelling as a path to joy, going viral and what it costs, learning from public mistakes, the loneliness hiding behind humor, creative freedom as self-care, presence over achievement, and why the best stories are always the ones you never see coming.
Find Matt
Follow Matt on Instagram: @reportermatt
Follow WBZ Newsradio on TikTok: @WBZBoston
WBZ Newsradio on air and online in Boston
A special shout-out
Amy's son Ian wrote the intro music and theme song for I Think I Can Be Happier. Hannah's business partner Bonnie Liang, co-owner of Bonaco Fiber Arts, created the podcast artwork. Thank you both!
MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE
The Wilbur Theatre, Boston: The historic 1,000-seat venue where Matt held his first-ever live show, featuring everyday locals who had gone viral through his videos. It sold out in under two weeks. thewilbur.com
Jacquez Cabaret, Boston: The legendary drag club where Matt brought Richard, aka Maria Christina False Eyelashes, to perform for the first time in 30 years. A genuinely magical moment. Check it out here.
Marie Kondo: Referenced by Matt in the context of fitting two kids and all their stuff into a very small electric car. Her Netflix show and philosophy around keeping only what sparks joy are well worth exploring if you haven't already. Marie Kondo's website
Market Basket: A beloved New England grocery chain with a famously devoted following. If you're not from the region, the passion people have for this grocery store will surprise you. marketbasket.com
Billy Eichner: The comedian and actor Matt fanboyed over the night before recording this episode. Matt was on stage with him, which is the kind of thing that happens when you spend years telling people's stories with genuine joy and care.
No Mow May: The environmental initiative encouraging people to skip mowing their lawn in May to support pollinators. Matt tried it. He did not enjoy it. Learn more here.
Edward R. Murrow Awards: One of the most prestigious awards in broadcast journalism. Matt won a national award for excellence in innovation. Learn more here.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Lost Connections by Johann Hari: Matt's observation that we're losing face-to-face human connection and it's making us miserable is exactly what Hari documents in this deeply researched and readable book. One of the most important books on happiness and mental health of the last decade.
Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam: The foundational book on the decline of social capital and community connection in America. Heavy but important, and directly relevant to what Matt describes.
Tribe by Sebastian Junger: A short and powerful read about belonging, community, and why human beings need each other more than modern life allows.
The Art of Noticing by Rob Walker: For anyone inspired by Matt's ability to find extraordinary stories in ordinary moments, this book is a practical and beautiful guide to paying attention.
Reach out to us! Email us at icanbehappier@gmail.com or visit icanbehappier.com. This podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health support. Please reach out to a qualified licensed provider if you need help.
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