What was your first job as a journalist?
Topeka Lutheran School, "The Wildcat Tale", staff writer
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Often. How I learned to type. Inspired further by my journalism teacher, Duane Shufelberger, pounding out stories at 60 WPM on an Underwood.
How is social media changing news?
Good: connecting directly journalist and community. Bad: more easy for trolls to harass, denigrate journalists, easier to fling "Fake News".
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Kermit The Frog, Sesame Street Breaking News
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To give a damn about your community at large. In doing so: to ask questions that need to be asked, to shine a light into dark places.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Lucratively.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Pencil and paper. Tascam audio recorder. + wireless mic. Apple software; iMovie/Garageband. OBS streaming software.
What's your favorite social network?
Reddit.
Who do you wish followed you?
Prof. Michael E. Mann, Scientist & author; Distinguished Prof of Atmospheric Science & Director of Earth System Science Center, Penn State.
Why did you become a journalist?
Curiosity rules. Helping people understand things better. Reducing confusion and helping to make life better through the power of words.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes. Topeka West Campus View, staff writer.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Being part of the KFSM-TV news team that covered the F3 tornado strike of April 21, 1996 and the subsequent recovery special coverage.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
If you want the job, be prepared to grit and grind better than the other person. But, don't be disappointed or discouraged by the idiots.
When's the best time to pitch you?
After I've had my morning/afternoon coffee.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
"We'd like you to cover all things environmental for a new regular Friday night 10PM news segment."
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
"Quit mentioning climate change as it will drive away our viewers."
What's your favorite drink?
Root beer, the good stuff.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Operating my amateur radio station. Playing chess. Writing various articles and ideas for my book(s). Learning American Sign Language.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
NPR's All Things Considered/Morning Edition
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
From a news directors point of view: that everyday people won't understand (or care for) science, especially climate change information.
