What was your first job as a journalist?
I was a satire writer for Crap Trap, a comedy website.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
It's been a long time since I used one, but yes, I have.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Uncovering truth, delivering news in a way that's informative and never misleading.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I used to use Photoshop a TON. Now, I mainly use Audition for audio editing. No more Photoshop. (It's costly)
What's your favorite social network?
Blusky or Instagram.
Who do you wish followed you?
Journalist Chris E. Hayner. Mission accomplished!
Why did you become a journalist?
Teaching wasn't a good fit for me. I got a freelance gig and fell in love with it. The rest is history.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I did not. I had no interest in journalism back then, except for maybe photography.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Did a video feature with WWE's Tyler Breeze and Fandango, where they created a wrestler to battle my created wrestler. It was incredibly fun.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Know your worth. If you're freelancing, be prepared that there may be no road to becoming an editor. Find a place that fits your voice.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Typically, any pitch that allows me to experience the product I'm covering. I want to be honest about what I'm writing about.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
A persistent PR person wanted me to cover sex toys, somehow got my number, and called me a lot for a couple weeks.
What's your favorite drink?
La Croix. That should be obvious, if you read my Substack.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Hanging out with my wife and son in the living room.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The Onion and Clickhole
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That I watched all the TV shows and movies. I like trashy reality shows in my spare time.
