What was your first job as a journalist?
Sportswriter at my college newspaper
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I have, and we should bring them back.
How is social media changing news?
Social media is like the modern-day telegraph where you get it instantaneously. However, in the fight to be first, accuracy has taken a hit.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
It's a tie between Ron Burgundy and Harry Doyle
What does it mean to be a journalist?
This sums it up perfectly: "Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed; everything else is public relations."
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
As a former reporter, just get to the point. There's no need to be clever in the pitch.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Google Analytics and Search Console, ahrefs, Keyword Surfer, WordPress (to name a few)
What's your favorite social network?
It was Twitter ...
Who do you wish followed you?
President Obama and Derek Jeter
Why did you become a journalist?
I love writing and telling stories. But also being able to craft a story that no one has read before invigorates me. And I love to listen.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I did not. I didn't work for a student newspaper until college.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
A series on a sophomore wrestler who broke his neck. I followed his journey through recovery, finally going home & then his tragic death.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Never stop learning. Never stop asking questions. And always, always remember, "If your mom tells you she loves you, check it out."
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime during the day
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Ones that spell my name right and are coherent.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
All the ones that get my name wrong.
What's your favorite drink?
Old fashioned
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
In my favorite chair becoming a cat bed.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Washington Post and ESPN+
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That we're all degenerate gamblers, who hang out with the devil and kick puppies.
