What was your first job as a journalist?
Every job, to one degree or another, has been about creating media, providing context - so probably my first political campaign.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Absolutely - I love the sound, the style. I don't use them very often anymore, but I have a fondness for sure.
How is social media changing news?
More access to information, but it also creates a greater need to use your brain, organize things, make sense of the complexity.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Danny on the West Wing - basically anyone covering politics, but at the speed of Aaron Sorkin.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Helping people to understand what is happening in the world and why its important - to our society, to their lives.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
- maybe not 'ha ha' funny, but the Seahawks used that to describe their trip to the White House. Classy. Smooth.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email. Definitely email. And no press releases - I want a personal pitch, someone who understands why I might be interested.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I capture everything - DSLR camera, high-powered audio recorder, computer and notepad. Collect all the ideas and organize it later.
What's your favorite social network?
That's like asking me to pick a favorite between my two kids. Can't do it. I like many, but for different reasons at different times.
Who do you wish followed you?
I wish the owners and commissioners of sports teams followed me - so they could hear my views as a fan and consider them.
Why did you become a journalist?
Media can inform educate people in ways that other things can't - but there isn't enough good content, so I wanted to add something.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I was the Editor of my HS Newspaper ("The Bagel") - helped shape the vision for our coverage, and edited everything.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
The 'Do Good Dialogues' ebook I published recently based on interviews I conducted is great - lots of different views and ideas.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Just start publishing - video, audio, text graphics. The more content you push, the more you will learn and the better you will become.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Early in the day is always better - because everything gets chaotic by the afternoon. If I don't get something started, wont' happen.
