Each week we feature “Meet the Staff Mondays” to help our viewers and fellow staff members learn more about the folks who work here at Idaho Public Television. Today we introduce one of our newest team members, Social Video Specialist Matthew Baltzell.
IdahoPTV’s Carol Beres sat down with Matthew to find out more about this unique grant-driven position. “I am currently in charge of the ‘American Graduate’ program, which is running the ‘Construction Jobs Explained’ social media accounts for a nationwide project called ‘Jobs Explained,’” Matthew says. “I am in charge of a program to reach out to teenagers and young adults who are looking for career pathways and what they can do with their lives. And the American Graduate program is trying to reach out to them on social media to let them know about different opportunities and options they have with jobs, with a specific emphasis of showcasing jobs that aren’t necessarily in a traditional four-year college education track. My specific emphasis is showing the construction job side of that.” Matthew adds that all the jobs are in demand as well, so getting teens and young adults interested in them will benefit the industries seeking applicants as well as the job seekers.
Look for the Instagram reels about jobs in the construction industry soon!
Matthew is originally from Idaho, but he grew up in the Northeast. “I was born here in Boise, but I actually spent most of my childhood growing up in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It’s most famous for The Office,” he laughs. “But I moved around quite a bit. I lived in Georgia for a little while. As an adult, I’ve lived in New York City and Chicago; most recently I lived in L.A. for a while. And then, back to Boise.”
Matthew worked in comedy troupes in those cities. He did go to college here: Boise State University, “…where I got a theater degree,” he says. His dad and some friends live in the area, so he is back to his roots, you might say. He’s excited to work here at Idaho Public Television. “I really like the creative opportunity I’ve been given. I’m really excited for this job. Also, it’s really nice to work both for Idaho Public Television and for the American Graduate program, because it’s also nice to work for things you believe in, and at places that you actually like and support. I would spend my summers here as a kid…I would watch Idaho Public Television a lot. I believe in the ideals of this place. And also, with the American Graduate program, it’s nice to feel like your work is meaningful.”
In Matthew’s free time, he likes to spend time with his friends doing board games. “Recently, I started playing Dungeons and Dragons with those same friends,” he says. “I started doing tabletop role-playing.”
He likes to keep his comedy chops fresh, with writing and the performing arts. His favorite part of the Gem State is Downtown Boise. “I love that here in Boise there always seems to be more cool things than you would expect for a city this size. Cool theater programs, art stuff, and festivals. It’s a really engaged community.”
And when asked to describe his favorite snacks, he likes things a little on the exciting side. “If it’s savory stuff, I like spicy things. Like spicy chips or habanero chips…if it’s candy, I like sour stuff. Like sour Skittles.”
Matthew is quick to answer which PBS Kids character is his favorite: “I grew up loving Wishbone…That’s gotta be my favorite.”