QMFM’s Listener or Lover

QMFM’s morning show is hosting their own version of The Bachelor as they try to match up co-host Mike Shaeffer with a local lady in Listener or Lover.

Brad Challoner (Producer), Mike Shaeffer (Host), Tara McGuire (Host)

“We’ve talked about this on and off for the last little while because I’m single and in Vancouver,” said Mike who moved up here from Phoenix in early 2009. “It’s hard enough to meet friends let alone find love, aside from the eHarmonys of the world – I’ve been there and done that.”

Women interested in dating Mike sent in applications including their bio, a photo, and a link to their Facebook profile if that was available. Relationship expert Teesha Morgan, knowing Mike’s relationship profile, then screened every applicant and recommended three who would be a good match for Mike that week.

Those three weekly finalists had an on-air “speed date” with Mike and then one person was selected to be his date for the week. So far, Mike’s been on five dates with five women over the last five weeks, with one left to go.

Co-host Tara McGuire has been helping with the screening process and will even get to personally select a “wild card” date for Mike. “I am really pleased with the quality of the applicants,” Tara told me the other morning. “I want to send him on a date with someone he wouldn’t really pick because they have an underlying quality that I think will make them really click with him.”

This Thursday the finale party will take place at Beyond Restaurant & Lounge where all of Mike’s dates will get to hang out with him at the same time. The following morning he’ll make his final decision known by selecting one Listener or Lover to be his date for a day trip to Whistler.

“I wasn’t taking it seriously but now that we’ve done it I’m already thinking about what life will be like after the trip,” Mike added. “What dates I’m going to take her on, what we’re going to do, etc.”

You can see what Mike’s been up to on his dates so far (including a Cinderella carriage ride around Stanley Park, trip to the Aquarium, and False Creek Ferry) by browsing the Mike & Tara Facebook page.

The party on Thursday is VIP/invite only however Beyond will still be open to the public at the time so those interested may be able to catch a glimpse of the action. Tune in to QMFM this Friday morning to hear the announcement about who Mike has chosen.