Heather Gersten has spent 23 years waking up Southern New England, and this September, the Rhode Island Radio & TV Hall of Fame will finally make it official. Even so, ask her how she feels about the induction, and she pauses.
“I actually don’t feel ready for it,” Gersten admitted. “So many people have told me that I ‘deserve’ it, but I’m feeling like I have so much more work to do.” She laughed off the disbelief, adding, “Maybe I’m just still in shock over the whole thing, lol.”
That mix of humility and drive has defined her run at Lite 105/WWLI in Providence, where she now co-hosts mornings with Matty Blake and serves as Assistant Program Director and Imaging Director for the station.
Finding the Right Partner in Matty Blake
Gersten calls Blake her favorite radio partner ever, and the two didn’t land together by accident. “I’ve wanted to work with Matty for a long time, and I’m so glad we were able to make it happen,” she said.
She credits their chemistry to mutual respect, something she says wasn’t always a given earlier in her career. “I think he’s hilarious with lots of fun opinions and tons of heart, and we completely respect each other,” Gersten explained. “It’s incredibly refreshing because it wasn’t always that way for me.”
That foundation has translated into something bigger than a show. “I’m extremely proud of the H & M community that we’ve built,” she said, referring to the loyal following that tunes in daily for their banter and their bond.
Family Radio Since the Lite Rock Days
Long before the current lineup, Gersten got her start at the station when it still carried the name Lite Rock 105, working alongside Gary DeGraide near the end of his tenure. The lesson from that era still guides her today.
“Lite 105 is FAMILY radio. I learned that early on, and it’s so still true today,” she said. She’s careful about how far the show pushes, even while embracing a bolder tone. “While we can be ‘clever’ and ‘crafty’ with adult language and adult topics, I don’t ever want to give a parent a reason to switch the station because they’ve got kids in the car and they’re upset with something we’ve said.”
A First-Name Honor That Still Means Something
Gersten is the lead name on the “Heather & Matty” marquee, a distinction that *unfortunately* remains uncommon for women in morning radio. She doesn’t take it lightly. “That’s actually one of the things I’m most proud of,” she said. “I worked really hard to get here, and I’m glad Cumulus recognized that and allowed me to have that first-name honor back in 2013.”
Wearing Both the On-Air and Behind-the-Scenes Hats
Beyond the mic, Gersten’s fingerprints are on nearly everything listeners hear across the station’s day. As Assistant Program Director and Imaging Director, she produces the promos and imaging as well.
“It’s awesome to have so much invested in this station,” she said, “and being part of the promotion and production process from early on only helps me sell it on the air.” She lights up describing the creative process itself. “I love being part of the process, watching a crazy idea I have turn into a full-blown promotion and event,” Gersten said. “It’s made me a better broadcaster to get involved in all aspects of radio.”
Her voice extends well past Lite 105, too. Gersten also voicetracks for Classic Hits 104.1 in Buffalo, The Wolf 106.3 in Providence, and The Wolf 102.3 in New London, Connecticut.
Benchmarks, Bits and Building a Loyal Audience
I asked Gersten about the show’s recurring segments, and the list comes fast. “We have so many benchmarks, it’s ridiculous,” she said. Some, like Therapy Thursday, the Heather Games, and Tell Us Something Good, anchor specific days of the week. “Our audience has come to look forward to them,” she noted.
Others, including IN or OUT, Blank You Very Much, Marvelous Moments in Marriage, and You Had One Job, work differently. “That’s how we like to categorize our stories,” Gersten said, “and frankly, it makes it more fun to tell these stories because we have produced intros for all of those bits.”
Steve Perry and a Fangirl Moment Realized
Over the years, Gersten has interviewed music icons including Elton John, Billy Joel, Kevin Costner, and Steve Perry. I asked her which stood out most.
“Hands down, Steve Perry,” she said. “I mean, I’ve crushed on him since I was 12 and saw Journey in concert.” Gersten landed one of Perry’s first interviews after he came out of retirement, then convinced him to co-host her show in New York City. The two later teamed up for a breast cancer fundraiser in Providence. “We raised over $20k for a local charity,” she said. “I’m still pinching myself that any of that ever happened.”
Community Work as a Core Value
Gersten has long championed the RISPCA and the Hasbro Children’s Hospital Radiothon, and she views that commitment as essential to the job, not optional. “If you have the privilege, and I mean that, the PRIVILEGE of doing what I do for a living and you’re not giving back to your community, then you don’t deserve the job,” she said firmly. “Set an example, donate your time, and get involved.”
Why Local Radio Still Matters
After 35 years in the industry, Gersten remains convinced that personality-driven local radio holds a place podcasts and streaming can’t replace. “Connecting with listeners is the key to winning,” she said.
She points to the Monday show after the Brown University shooting as proof. “Matty and I had one of our best shows that day, because we bonded with our listeners in a way that no other medium could,” Gersten said. “We all helped each other heal that day, and I’ll never forget it.”
Advice for the Next Generation
For newcomers hoping to build a career like hers, Gersten keeps her advice simple. “Get to know the air talent in your area and ask a ton of questions. Learn from the people you admire,” she said. Success rarely arrives overnight, either. “Don’t ever expect to make it to the top right away,” she added. “You gotta show up on time, work hard and be willing to put in the effort to get better.”
Even now, decades into her career, Gersten hasn’t stopped refining her craft. “I still aircheck myself every day,” she said, a habit that has clearly served her well across more than two decades behind the mic.
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Bethany Kent is a Music Radio Editor for Barrett Media. She spent nearly 20 years bringing radio to life on stages, across the airwaves, and through unforgettable listener experiences. Her career spans local markets including Providence, Philadelphia, and New York City, most recently serving as National Director of Music Initiatives for Audacy. From producing major live events like HOT 97’s Summer Jam to leading strategic national marketing initiatives, she has built a career at the intersection of music, media, and culture. She can be reached at bethany@barrettmedia.com.