What was your first job as a journalist?
I was a local sports reporter for a summer while still in college for an ahead-of-its time, online-only news outlet in Alliance, Nebraska.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes. I own an old Underwood, but it's more decor than tool.
How is social media changing news?
It essentially is the news now. The journalism piece of the equation is now about digging deeper to provide context around what happened.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Frank Bascombe
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Being a journalist is being curious about the world, doing your best to track down answers and sharing what you find.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Send me an email, and it's always nice to get some idea why you think I'm the right person for the story.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Whatever an outlet asks of me, mostly. Standard setup is a MacBook Pro, Sony a6 and a Keychron keyboard (unless I'm on the road).
Why did you become a journalist?
I had two passions from a young age, writing and sports. This was a way to combine them, and they still haven't faded.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
"Drew the Bones," in my portfolio, was a fixation of mine for a couple of years. Hit some dead ends before finally solving the mystery.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Passion for the work and your individual voice are the only things that are actually "yours," but they can take you far.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Mornings always work.
What's your favorite drink?
Nothing beats a glass of ice water. No, really, I actually enjoy water.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Spending time with my two children, hoping they'll grow up to be empathetic, curious and confident.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The New York Times.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That sportswriters always have an agenda. I have never found it difficult to be fair and impartial.
