What was your first job as a journalist?
Working at the Downeast Times in Calais, Maine
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes
How is social media changing news?
People only read headlines.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Peter Parker
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means to provide a valuable service to the reader
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Via email.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Many cameras, lights, voice recorder, laptop, tablet, smartphone
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram, substack
Who do you wish followed you?
Eli Saslow
Why did you become a journalist?
Because I love writing and shooting photos, and I'm passionate about food and beverages.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Nope.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
The Machetes piece I wrote recently for Willamette Week.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
No I, no you, don't tell me what to do!
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Anything involving beverage samples
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
No bad pitches, some are just better than others. Shoot your shot!
What's your favorite drink?
Hazy IPA
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Playing with my kids or eating/drinking something
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
New Yorker
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That it pays well
