GAINING STEAM
ABQ-based ‘Colt Balok Show’ gears for sixth season as audience grows
There is some calm in the chaotic world of Colt Balok.
Every week, Balok and his team tirelessly work on getting all the moving parts of “The Colt Balok Show” in order.
On Friday nights at uStudios, 912 Third NW, near Downtown Albuquerque, a live audience arrives and Balok takes center stage.
The lights shine brightly, and with a quick yell of “Action,” it’s time to move forward.
“I’m most calm when the cameras roll,” he says. “Our guests have been phenomenal, and we’re starting to get some national guests.”
The first episode of the sixth season of “The Colt Balok Show” will be aired live at 6 tonight.
Over the course of the TV show’s run, it has undergone some changes and Balok says the point of the show has always been to inspire others and show the good deeds.
“In everything we do, we challenge people to become their best self; we believe everyone is made for greatness,” Balok says. “The way we challenge people to be their best self is by showcasing inspiring and entertaining content that connects one human to
another. We just happen do this through a TV talk show.”
Tonight’s episode will feature William Gates, a young man with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, a disability that affects his joints and range of motion.
The show is flying Gates to Albuquerque from his home in North Carolina to give him the opportunity to have his story heard.
When Balok saw Gates’ story on social media, he knew instantly he wanted him on the show.
“His passion for basketball and perseverance to overcome his disability moved me,” he says. “I want to share his story with as many people as possible in hopes that others will be moved as well.”
Balok is humbled by the community support for the show over the course of the six seasons.
“This isn’t a one-man show,” he says. “It takes a great team who all want to share the stories.”
Each season, “The Colt Balok Show” has grown in both audience participation and viewership.
The 25-year-old host wants to eventually have his show air daily, much in the vein of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”
“I want to be at a larger studio,” he says. “I also want to get on a bigger network and have it be a daily show. Those are my goals, and with each day, I’m gaining traction on making it a reality.”
The events are open to the public weekly, and the show includes an audience Q&A session. Tickets are free but required; visit coltbalok.com/ tickets.
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