Hey . . . It’s Me . . . Zachary Balogh
Occasionally, I come across a request to do an interview that is so inspirational and important that not to tell the story is not an option for me. Meet 29-year-old Zachary Balogh (I’ll be using his media name, Zach to reference him in this article) the head of Zachattackproductions and the host of Remotely Zach, (Canada’s ONLY Late-Night Talk Show).
Entering his sixth season of doing this show, Zach reports: “It was started to make people laugh during the toughest times. I have always wanted to do something that would put people to bed with a smile on their faces.”
Exactly who is this remarkably talented and creative young man?
Zach was born in Windsor and shortly after his birth, his family moved to Amherstburg.
As a young child, he had his first indications that journalism might be his life calling. At four years old, he would go with his mother to the grocery store. His mother soon discovered that he had spotted the camera that fed the large security monitor at the store’s entrance/exit, and when she wasn’t watching him, Zach recounts: “I was performing in front of the camera and watching myself on the big screen.”
A star was born!
Another hint of a future in journalism was Zach becoming a newspaper boy delivering the River Town Times, Amherstburg’s local newspaper. And throughout his adolescent years he was fascinated with news programs and developed a desire to be a television weatherman one day.
He attended St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic High School in LaSalle and when he graduated in 2013, the family returned to Windsor.
During his elementary and secondary school years, Zach struggled with his studies.
He was referred to specialists who identified a learning-based disability and, together with his guidance counsellor, told him he might never attend college.
Determined to work in journalism, Zach did not share their views. He said to himself: “Just watch me!”
He recognized that if he were to realize his dream, it would be a complex journey.
His first step ended negatively as he applied for the “upgrading” program at St. Clair College, but was not accepted. However, this did not deter him! Zach then attended the Unemployed Help Centre for the next two years taking courses to better his situation.
At age 21 he heard about the Community Integration through Cooperative Education (CICE) program at St. Clair College.
According to the college’s website: “This program is designed to provide individuals with developmental disabilities and other significant learning challenges with the opportunity to experience college life, pursue a post-secondary education and develop skills to help prepare them for employment or volunteer-work.”
Zach enrolled and was accepted.
“I finally got my foot inside their door!” he proudly points out.
His success in CICE allowed him to enroll in the Adult Education program at the college, taking the College Employment Preparation course and finishing with the Academic Career Entrance course, receiving his long-sought Grade 12 credit — the gold key to college enrollment.
The CICE program just celebrated its 10th anniversary — and guess who emceed the event celebrations? Yep, Zach! The guy experts said would likely never go to college.
He not only went to college, he’s like that guy who never leaves his parent’s home!
He’s been enrolled at the college now for 10 years, six of them in the Journalism Program at the MediaPlex.
Veronique Mandal, Journalism and Media Convergence Coordinator best describes Zach’s achievements: “Zach is an amazing young man. He struggled when he first came to us at the MediaPlex, and we were concerned he might not be able to meet the curriculum. He soon proved his mettle. He is one of the hardest working students to enter our programs. And, yes, I said programs. Feeling he needed more than he has learned in one diploma program, he entered a graduate program and is now in a third diploma program. You cannot but help admire his tenacity and creativity as he takes on one challenge after another. He has become fearless in putting himself out there . . . into the jungle of online and late-night shows. He is also always the first with his hand up to help us in any way at the MediaPlex. I am so proud of what he has accomplished so far and will be watching to see where he takes his talent and work ethic.”
So, readers, please visit his YouTube channel, Zachattackproductions, and hit SUBSCRIBE.
You can also like/follow him on his social media pages.
Amazingly, Zach does the entire show alone — research, writing, interviews, video/audio, graphics, hosting, editing, etc.
Some Windsor notables on his past shows are AM 800 CKLW personalities Mike Kakuk, Lisa Williams and Dan MacDonald; Sandra Pupatello, Veronique Mandal — just to name a few.
Whereas he paused Remotely Zach for the summer to work on his ON AIR radio program on CKRT Border City Radio, as of mid September, Canada’s ONLY Late-Night Talk Show resumed its Friday 11 p.m. slot for its sixth season. (Note: all previous Remotely Zach episodes are available on his YouTube channel.)
Additional Zach-series to view on his channel are: Throwback Country, Did You Know? Let’s Talk and the amazing Zach’s Lego Show where he invites viewers into Legoville, the massive and impressive city he constructed and continues to develop.
Zach is a determined and talented rising media star supported by loving parents, Tom and Marcia, plus a large universe of friends and supporters.
Remember his goal I mentioned earlier: “I have always wanted to do something that would put people to bed with a smile on their faces.”
Well, Zach, you not only put a smile on my face when I go to bed, but throughout the day as I reflect on your work and what you have achieved in life so far. I want you to know you are a true inspiration for others. I wish you continued success, my friend.
