I’ve avoided podcast and radio appearances over the past year or so, largely because it’s just difficult to fit them in with a shift-driven work schedule. And honestly, I don’t get asked that much anymore.

However, when Angela Tuell invited me to chat on her Media in Minutes podcast, I couldn’t refuse. She talks to a variety of journalists covering travel, outdoors, finance, food and sports, in addition to people working in the broadcast fields and leadership roles. I’m flattered to be included among that collection of reporters, editors, broadcasters and producers.

I still think of myself as “new” in media, spending so many years grinding in freelance and contract work. (Those jobs didn’t pay well, but no one should expect to make great money in journalism unless you’re on TV.) Yet that struggle has paid off in recent years with jobs at larger platforms like Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. It was fun to recount that 20 (!) year journey

Our conversation was limited to 30 minutes and included several other fun topics, but there were a few stops along that twisty path that weren’t mentioned.

My first professional job at the defunct Motor City Sports magazine taught me how to work as credentialed media (along with the kindness of people like Matt Dery and Albert Dale, then of WDFN, who generously provided help). During my first stint at Yahoo Sports with Big League Stew, Kevin Kaduk and David Brown were excellent editors whose guidance I follow to this day. And Awful Announcing allowed me to write virtually anything I wanted within the sports media space. That was important in realizing how to be creative in finding stories and information.

Naturally, there have been some bad experiences too. And I’ve learned from those, notably to be more cognizant of what a position actually is rather than what you hope it will be. Staying firm on what you want and need is important, as well. Yet sometimes, what the job was supposed to be and what you’re asked to do are very different. It’s probably best not to name those outlets. however.

I just appreciate the opportunity to share my experiences and look back at what got me to where I am now. I was also gratified that Angela was so encouraging of writing a memoir about my mother, something I’ve thought about doing for years. If you listen, I hope you enjoy the conversation we had.