Creative curiosity

It felt like an arts and culture homecoming on the day that Matt Rainnie and I met. I was sitting at the table waiting for him at a local café and as he walked in the door, he stopped or was stopped by someone sitting at each table between the door and where I was sitting. “How lovely that I get to see so many people who are part of the bustling arts community!” And how lovely for me that I got to be the one asking Matt the questions for a change!

Just a few days before we met, Matt was hosting the awards night gala for Music PEI. “I love being able to stay connected to the arts and culture community through events like this one.” 

Most Islanders will know Matt from his tenure as the host of CBC Mainstreet and I had the pleasure to learn so much more about the man behind the mic. 

“I’ve always loved writing and that is what I thought I’d do in school and afterward.” Matt went to Kings College in Halifax where he studied journalism and at some point in his education journey, he was required to specialize, picking one aspect of journalism as the focus. He chose broadcasting. Along with his formal education, he was interested in film and thought “someday I will write a screenplay.” 

Near the end of his degree during spring break, one of Matt’s professors recommended that he take on a temporary hosting job with CBC PEI. That one-week gig in the spring turned into a summer job and then into his full-time 30+ year career at CBC. “I started in TV, but I loved radio so that’s where I found my footing and where I stayed for decades.”

After more than 30 years with CBC, Matt retired earlier this year. “I’ll miss the people and the conversations most of all.” A humble and generous host, Matt recalled stories of people he interviewed in the years gone by. “I have so much gratitude for all the people who shared parts of themselves with us over the years. I cherish the memories I have from all those who showed up in the studio and on the streets.”

The relational aspects of his role were a highlight. “I had the great privilege to interview people in early stages of their careers and then witness their journeys. Some people were in high school during our first interview and then went on to win national or international awards.”

Matt started working at CBC when he was 21 years old and now, he is ready to start writing the next new chapters of his own journey. Remembering back to the end of his degree and start of his time at CBC, he says, “I was on rewrite 20 of a screenplay, had a full-time job, and a young family. Something had to go, so my screenwriting was put on the back burner.” Now, decades later, he is dusting off some of those old writings, bringing them back to the forefront. “I never lost the curiosity.”

Matt has had a passion for writing, film, and movies since he was a child. His love of film isn’t just about their entertainment value, though that is a part. “I am so curious about the creation of film and the study of film.” Since his retirement, he has already found himself on the set of a television show in Nova Scotia. “I am the world’s oldest intern! I’m in the sponge phase where I get to soak in all the possibilities and opportunities as I re-establish routines and structure.” 

With a wide range of creative and communications experiences and insights to draw on, Matt is re-imagining how the next chapter of his life will unfold. His creative background also includes acting and sketch comedy. He was part of Sketch 22 and a founding member of 4-Play. We took a few trips down memory lane, talking about shows happening at venues such as Myron’s. “I loved my time in sketch comedy, and it might be fun to give that another go!”

Though we won’t be hearing his voice on CBC Mainstreet anymore, we can anticipate hearing more from Matt through his creative endeavors. “I plan to create new stories and perhaps reimagine some of the old scripts from decades ago.” 

“What a gift that I get to go slow, catch my breath, and say yes to things that excite me.”