Introducing Vibe 309
An interview about new local show with producer and host, Blake Wirth
Q: So tell us, what is Vibe 309?
A: It’s a TV show I’m producing with WTVP — basically me being the 309’s hype man, showing off the vibe of this place and its people.
Q: What will it be like?
A: It’s kind of like a late-night talk show where I interview cool people, but also part man-on-the-street adventure where I throw myself into fun things around the region — sometimes making a fool of myself in the process. For now, we're dropping the pilot in November then doing one 30-minute episode a month starting January and hopefully doing more in the future.
Q: How can people watch?
A: The pilot airs on November 6 at 8:30 p.m. on WTVP. You can also follow Vibe 309 and WTVP on social media--we'll post links to the episodes and tons of clips there too.
Q: What’s the end goal?
A: Honestly, to put Peoria on the map. I believe there’s more here than people realize, and this show is how we prove it. We’re telling human stories right in the heart of America, with some of the coolest people and places you’ll ever meet. Imagine if all 300,000+ WTVP viewers knew the real Peoria — what could that do for our region? The more we share how great this place is, the more people will visit, talk about us, maybe even move here. And that means not just good things for our city, but for the people who call it home.
But it’s also about pride. I want the people who live here to love where they live —because when you do, you’re just a happier human.
Q: Why did you want to make this show?
A: I’ve always wanted to bring joy to people — that’s sort of my life’s mission. This is just one more way to do that, alongside the other things I love: writing, hosting, and storytelling.
And I also believe you can’t be something you’re not. That’s true of Peoria too. We’ll never be Chicago or St. Louis and we shouldn’t try. Instead of competing, let’s double down on what makes this place great — and celebrate it.
Q: Why are you the right hype man for Greater Peoria?
A: Because Peoria and I are the same — we’ve always been our authentic selves. I’m not trying to be somebody I’m not, just the most honest version of me. I grew up in West Peoria, went to Bradley, lived all over the world — even served in the Peace Corps — but something always pulled me back. My parents are here, I’m building my life here, and I genuinely love every inch of this place. Half the time you’ll find me on my bike, riding 50, 60, sometimes100 miles across the region, just exploring.
I’ve also always had a thing for comedy — plus almost zero fear of embarrassment, which honestly makes for good TV. So I think I’m the guy to show off Peoria: authentically, joyfully, and with a little humor.
Q: And why WTVP?
A: I knew that if I wanted to tell the story of Greater Peoria in a real, authentic way, I had to partner with the people who’ve already been doing it — and doing it really well. It’s been a perfect fit. I bring the comedy and the chaos, they bring the credibility, the technical chops, and the reach. And WTVP Senior Producer, Todd Pilon — the “Toddfather” — and I clicked from day one. Having the right people in your corner just makes everything better. Together, we get to show off the personality of this place, make people proud, and hopefully pull in a younger crowd who never thought public television could be this fun.
Be sure to catch the pilot of Vibe 309 on Thursday, November 6 at 8:30pm only on WTVP!
