What was your first job as a journalist?
Interviewing my parents about the circumstances of my own birth.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Howard Beale.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
You put yourself first, and democracy second.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I’m not picky. Got a good idea you’re passionate about? Send it to me!
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Wordpress, Asana, Pars.ly, Photoshop.
What's your favorite social network?
Venmo.
Why did you become a journalist?
Because I like the sound of my own voice, and the sight of my own writing.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I did not.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Don’t let pessimistic professors dissuade you; do what you like.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Every pitch has an element of greatness, but you must find it.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
None, but I’ve given plenty of bad pitches.
What's your favorite drink?
Cranberry juice.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Aeon.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That I’m a DJ.
