After nine years at the helm of radio variety show Live Wire!, Courtenay Hameister is stepping down as host.
“I am simply not a person who is built for getting up in front of 400 people for three hours twice a month,” explains Hameister of her decision to step down. “I’ve always loved being head writer, reading my essays and performing with the sketch comedy troupe, but doing interviews and being the sole conductor of the freight train that is our live show was causing me undue stress that I finally decided was too unhealthy to sustain.”
“Those who listen to the show know that I had my gall bladder out New Year’s Eve, and my doctor mentioned that stress is often a factor when it comes to gall stones. I only have so many expendable organs left, so I’m quitting while I’m ahead.”
Live Wire! has gotten steadily better over the years: Their guest booking is the most interesting in town at this point (who else is gonna put Kristen Schaal and Lisa Hanawalt on a bill?), and Courtenay’s a great interviewer with a relatable, self-deprecating demeanor. For the sake of her organs, though, it sounds like stepping down is the right thing to do.
She’ll continue to co-produce the show and serve as head writer; Seattle’s Luke Burbank will step in as interim host for the remainder of the spring season, as Live Wire! searches for a new permanent host.
That’s a shame, it was great to watch her grow as an on air talent. Long time listeners of the show will certainly have heard her stories of the wrecked nerves and toll that the role had on her life. I have had the pleasure of meeting her a few times, and it was always a.. pleasure.. anyways, she will be missed, at least in an on air capacity. Glad to know that she will still keep a production job.
She’s a wonderful host and a truly funny person. I’m really excited to see what she does next.
This sucks. I love Courtenay Hameister and would gladly give up any one of my organs to see her continue as host of Live Wire!
Can I have her job? I’m great with people.