It's a Very Rhody Christmas with The Rhode Show Gang

The three talented co-hosts and real-life pals share what keeps them smiling, hopes for 2021, and who is most like Scrooge!

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Who better for our December cover than Will Gilbert, Michaela Johnson, and Brendan Kirby? Collectively known as The Rhode Show hosts, this authentic and likeable trio delivers useful lifestyle content with genuine smiles weekdays on WPRI, Channel 12. We caught up with the gang at The Farmer’s Daughter in Wakefield and decided to turn the tables on them, asking questions about everything from what keeps them smiling to wishes for 2021.

 

The three of you bring much needed cheer to your viewers every morning. What helps keep you inspired and positive?

Will Gilbert (WG): The thing that keeps me inspired is my family, my wife, and two daughters, and close friends. I also love what I do and the people who I am lucky to work with every day. The three of us really love each other and you can't fake that. Also, many of those watching feel like they know us and in Rhode Island – with about two degrees of separation – they probably do. I never take a second of it for granted.

Michaela Johnson (MJ): The people! Hearing and seeing what Rhode Islanders are doing (especially during the pandemic) to keep their communities going and lifting spirits, makes sharing their stories so worthwhile. Plus, working with Will and Brendan is so enjoyable and easy. The three of us have a great rapport that comes naturally and is hard to find.

Brendan Kirby (BK): I just love the thrill of the live hour each day and I truly enjoy the fact that we create something new and original every morning. I take it seriously knowing that our audience chooses to spend some of their valuable time with us, I want viewers to say "Wow, that really was a great show, I was entertained and informed. I'd watch again."

 

What are some of your favorite RI holiday traditions, and if they aren’t happening this year, what will you do instead?

WG: Normally we have a house full of family and friends, but this year will be different. 

MJ: My favorite traditions are simple. Just being with family, decorating the tree, and enjoying each other's company is what I look forward to most. It'll look a lot different this year, which is disappointing, but it's for the best. As long as everyone is happy and healthy, I don't mind another virtual celebration.

BK: For me, nothing beats the thrill of verbally sparring with a stranger over the last parking space in an overcrowded lot! I always loved the tree lighting on the steps of City Hall in Providence; to me that typifies the essence of the season – the city feels so alive and full of possibilities. Even though it looks like that isn't happening, I do hope memories and the sights and sounds of the season can help to bring people some relief and happiness.

 

If you had to compare yourself to a Christmas character, who would it be and why?

WG: Years ago I would have said Clark Griswold from Christmas Vacation, only because he tried to make everything just perfect for his family. Now after the year we've all had, I don't think perfect is a thing. I would just be happy to be together.

MJ: Kevin McCallister! The pranks, the smirk, the eyebrow raise, hands-down my favorite! Plus he loves his big chaotic family – and so do I.

BK: Definitely Ebenezer Scrooge. I'm definitely not the miserly and horrid character he is, but I can fully admit that my cynicism and biting sarcasm can run rampant. Let’s just say I sometimes start hitting the eggnog in October when I begin to think of the deadlines, the shopping, coming up with the ideal gift, commitments, etc.... 

 

What do you wish for in 2021?

WG: Not to sound like a beauty pageant contestant, but I wish for peace and health. After the past few years, and more so 2020, we all need a stiff drink and a beach vacation.

MJ: Family has always been important to me and since becoming a mom it means more than ever. I just want everyone to be happy and healthy, and I want to hug my family!

BK: Obviously I hope that life as we know it can get back to normal. However, until that glorious moment arrives, I truly wish everyone patience, understanding, empathy, good health, and LOTS of laughter; as far as I'm concerned, it helps like nothing else.

 

Do the three of you exchange gifts?

WG: It was never a thing we did every year but there have been a few years when we would get each other gifts. Nothing big but just small tokens.

MJ: I love making tons of Christmas cookies, so I usually bring in an assortment for the guys to enjoy.

BK: We have in the past and we've had the gift exchange on the air. It's always great. I know Will and Michaela love now having T-shirts with my picture on them – they make great dish rags.

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