What was your first job as a journalist?
I was a stringer for the Newspaper Daily Star-Progress (RIP) in college. They actually paid me for my work!
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes.
How is social media changing news?
For the worse.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Lou Grant.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
You never stop working.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email, please.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
HARO, Profnet, MuckRack, social media.
What's your favorite social network?
I don't like any of them, to be honest.
Why did you become a journalist?
To help people.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I love helping people. Every story where I can get a positive resolution for someone, I'm happy.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Start a Substack newsletter.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Early morning.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
I get too many good pitches to name just one.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I don't want to embarrass anyone.
What's your favorite drink?
Mint tea.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Hiking somewhere.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Any one of the Hollywood trades. I should have stayed in film school!
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That it's glamorous.
