What was your first job as a journalist?
I just graduated and landed a job at Town Square television. We got to cover all kinds of events and get behind the scenes.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, I find it so much fun to type on.
How is social media changing news?
It's less about the social aspect and more about the algorithm behind it. It's creating echo chambers of misinformation that trap people.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Penelope Featherington, aka Mrs Whistledown. She managed to create a thriving business and hide it from the world, all while being a woman.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To ask the questions no one else is asking.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
Haha, I actually don't follow hashtags much.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email is best.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
My phone - great for notes on the go and photos. Word and grammar tools. And of course the library. So many great tools at my disposal.
What's your favorite social network?
Social network, what is that? I actually don't like spending much time in them.
Who do you wish followed you?
Chris Hemsworth because, why not!
Why did you become a journalist?
To show people that there are so many cool things around.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, I didn't get involved in the news until college when I did video production.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I love my article about visiting the White House. So many people think it's out of reach.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Just go for it. Don't be afraid to start, ask questions and put your work out there.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Morning
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Getting to explore St. Paul like a tourist. When you live in the cities, you don't cross the river. It was full of amazing things.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Most are asking for me to cover locations, and giving away rights to all my work without paying me for it.
What's your favorite drink?
Caribou Coffee. I'm a Minnesotan true and true, and it's all I think about when I go out of state.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
When I'm not at my computer, I'm with my family. I take my kids on all kinds of adventures, seeing new and fun things.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I love to read them all. I have my own RSS feeds to give me a bit of everything.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That I must be rich to do this all. My adventures are all budget friendly and don't need an overnight stay.
