What was your first job as a journalist?
I wrote my own paper/magazine in middle school.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yep, but not for 30 years or so.
How is social media changing news?
It's not just changing news; it's becoming the news.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Zoe Barnes.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
For me, being a journalist means being able to tell my story. I believe that I have a story to tell with regard to training BJJ.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
Probably something from John Oliver.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Link on Facebook.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I am a fan of integrating YouTube into the learning process whenever possible, so I try to include as much video as possible.
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook, easily. Everyone is there.
Who do you wish followed you?
Anyone who I can help learn.
Why did you become a journalist?
I feel compelled to help people.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Nope.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Probably the body of works that is my BJJ Tutorial collection.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Start writing! Get as much feedback as you can immediately, and listen to it.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Any time I'm scrolling and bored.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Elevator pitch for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for me was, oddly enough, UFC 8.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I think I've managed to forget the truly bad ones.
What's your favorite drink?
Coffee!
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
On the mats.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Kurzweil's AI news.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
People don't understand the difference in between athletic competency and actual mastery and understanding.
