What was your first job as a journalist?
I wrote about eSports for various publications no longer in existence when I was about 15.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No, that was before my time.
How is social media changing news?
More people have the ability to spread it, be that a good thing or a bad thing. Those with bad intentions can have a field day on social media
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Danny Concannon
What does it mean to be a journalist?
“Journalism is printing what someone else does not want published; everything else is public relations.” -- George Orwell.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
A text or email is fine. I really have no preference.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Evernote for long stories. Short stories are usually put together in Word or Google Docs. Feedly as an RSS reader for press releases.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter
Who do you wish followed you?
SpaceX
Why did you become a journalist?
I read All the Presidents Men and said to myself I have to do this.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
We didn't have a newspaper but we did have a bi-weekly TV news show. I was the anchor and editor.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
"Monterey County Sham" on RACER.com. Written by myself and Marshall Pruett. The investigative work that went into it was unlike any other.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
When interviewing, let your questioning be fluid. Let their answers bring you to your next question. Don't be afraid to ask basic questions.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Late at night is when I'm most productive. I can really hunker down and get things done when it's dark out.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Irregularities that occurred during the change of control of the Laguna Seca racetrack in Monterey, Calif.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Nothing comes to mind. A few boring stories but that's just part of the job.
What's your favorite drink?
Water
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Golf Course/Driving Range
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The Athletic
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That we are busiest when the race starts. When the race starts is actually when we catch our breath.
