“Wake Up Wednesday!” host Tina Gorman
WESTFIELD – Westfield State Community Radio WSKB 89.5 FM celebrated its one year anniversary at this summer. Tina Gorman, host of the new radio show “Wake Up Wednesday!” said she’s enjoyed her initiation into the new hit programming.
Gorman joined WSKB in June as a co-host on Mayor Knapik’s show, “Mornings with Mayor Knapik.”
It was her first time on the air, and Gorman asked how they were going to put the show together and Knapik told her “just wing it.” This freedom allowed Knapik and Gorman’s bold and creative personalities and high energy to carry the show.
When the summer came to an end, Gorman saw a new beginning, and was offered her own show. Gorman’s enthusiasm and newfound love of radio made her the perfect choice for a host.
“Knapik and I both had so much to talk about and our personalities could be competitive, which made the show lively, but I jumped at the chance to drive the bus myself,” Gorman said.
“Wake up Wednesday!” provides medical information that varies from week to week on topics including breast cancer awareness, concussion treatments, healthy snacks, and sports hydration. On the first Wednesday of every month, Gorman invites her husband, Gary, a chiropractor practicing at River Bend in Agawam, on the show.
Several members of Baystate Noble Hospital have been featured on Gorman’s show.
“I didn’t want to restrict the guests to doctors and physicians,” said Gorman. “Baystate Noble has so many services. I’ve had on case managers, nurses, therapists, all different disciplines that fit into the rhythm of the show. They add different flavors to the show.”
Gorman speaks with her guests about their specialties in the medical field and breaks down confusing medical jargon for listeners, and what to be aware of as the seasons change to stay in shape year round.
“I’ve learned so much from the guests I’ve had on.” Gorman said. “I’ve met a lot of talented people who always bring something new.”
Working with the Council of Aging of Westfield, Gorman invites co-workers from the City of Westfield on the show. Talking with them on the air, Gorman said she’s amazed by how much they’ve been able to open up and learn from each other.
“It’s an eclectic group of people and we have a lot of fun. That’s the reward – getting to know these people better,” said Gorman.
When WSKB upgraded its radio antenna last winter, the opportunity for creating quality content to reach the Greater Westfield area was one that benefited the university and the city.
“We are very pleased with the first year of Community Radio at Westfield State University,” said Mike Knapik, executive director for University Advancement. “We have brought back a communication channel that had long been absent from the greater Westfield community and created a true partnership with students and professionals from the city to provide education and to create content.”
“Wake Up, Wednesday!” is broadcast on 89.5 FM Wednesdays from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and is video simulcast on Channel 15, Westfield’s community television station and online at atomicradio.us. Archived shows can be found at Vimeo. For more information visit www.WSKB.org .
