What was your first job as a journalist?
Technically, an unpaid internship for The Brooklyn Reporter (at the time The Home Reporter/Brooklyn Spectator) based out of Bay Ridge, BK.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Old-school? Yes, when I was like 5 years old.
How is social media changing news?
Makes it easier to find stories, but you have to sift through a lot of trash to find gold sometimes.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
That's a stumper. None come to mind.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Take others' lives into your own words. Elegantly organize information and present it with the utmost truth.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
By email. Random phone calls won't usually get answered by me unless a voicemail is left.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Mac, Voice Recorder, Pencil, Looseleaf Paper, Notepad, Voice Memo App. These are all a journalist's best friends in 2019!
What's your favorite social network?
Probably Facebook. Helps me track down sources and is usually a great resource of news for future stories.
Who do you wish followed you?
More celebrities, but you have to work your way from the bottom to get noticed. I'm fine with that.
Why did you become a journalist?
Writing is my passion and I love to be able to find things out before they happen. There's a rush in it.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Not high school. College is when I developed my passion for journalism and writing.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Typically profiles of musicians. Their feedback of appreciation makes it all worth it.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Learn how to do it on your own so you can bring everyone else in.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime, really. I do work at a restaurant Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM, but I check my emails whenever possible.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
None really come to mind. I usually chase down my stories and pitch from my end.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Again, same deal with the best pitch. None come to mind.
What's your favorite drink?
Without alcohol - strawberry lemonade. With alcohol- whiskey sour. It's a vague question.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
At my restaurant job, hustling to get people's takeout orders out in time.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Daily News just to stay on top of current events. I also dig Uproxx's "With Spandex" reviews.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Wrestling is fake. Hands down.
