The Great Portland Interview Experiment: Steph Stricklen
I was shamed by Rick Turoczy’s mention of Chris O’Rourke’s Great Portland Interview Experiment, of which I am a part. I finally managed to answer Dawn Foster’s excellent questions last night, but I had done nothing with Steph Stricklen’s responses to my questions. UNTIL NOW.
In what is either a clear violation of the rules (if you go by the first paragraph of the blockquote on Chris’ blog) or totally in the spirit of the project (if you choose to believe the second paragraph instead), I’m posting my interview with Steph here on my blog. You’ll probably soon be able to also see it over at her blog as well.
1. Name your favorite disease or malady from your time on the health beat at KGW.
I like your use of the word “favorite”.
I pushed a lot for stories on obesity and heart disease. A lot of people don’t pay enough attention to those two big killers. Of course, I was handed the occasional “fat burning pantyhose; do they work?” type stories, too. But overall, I preferred to focus on stories that impacted a lot of people.
2. The Square has taken an active interest in engaging with the Portland tech crowd. What are some lessons that you learned that other traditional media outlets should know about?
Um, don’t copy us? No, seriously, that’s hard to answer because producer Aaron and my interest in technology, social media, blogging, etc comes organically. I’m a nerd. Aaron is a nerd, too. Well, he’s cool, clever, hip, and well-balanced, but a nerd. He just read that over my shoulder and says he prefers to be called a geek.
3. You’re featured on HOT TV LADIES: http://hottvladies.blogspot.com/2008/04/stephanie-stricklen-kgw.html – Creepy factor?
No.. Not creepy. Creepy is the letters I get from guys in prison. Creepy is the mother’s day card I got from this relative stranger who knew I was in a relationship but wanted me to know I’d make a good mother someday. Creepy is the person who smooshed a mosquito onto a piece of paper and mailed it to me with a cryptic doomsday note (see attached pic. Yes, it is also creepy that I kept it.). Why are men dumb? They’re really not. Besides, I suspect that site is actually run by a woman. Did you ever have a crush on a TV personality? Does Bo Duke count? I was like 5.
4. If you weren’t inspired by the aforementioned TV crush, what brought you to journalism?
I attended the University of Oregon to get into print journalism but couldn’t afford the out of state tuition. I transferred to the UW and fell, quite by accident, into TV news.
5. Give us the story around meeting the Dalai Lama. That must’ve been awesome.
It was. I mean, who gets that opportunity? He was humble and gracious and totally intrigued by the raffia I used to tie a bow on the book of Oregon photography I got him. It’s not everyday you can impress a spiritual leader with gift wrap.
6. So, Twitter: What’s the most valuable thing you’ve gotten out of your network?
New connections. Unlike some of the other social media/networking sites I use.. my Twitter account is chock full of people I only know on-line. That’s fun for me.
7. What’s your favorite recipe?
You had to ask. I am TERRIBLE about following a recipe. Which makes me either a genius or a disaster in the kitchen. I’m chalking more up in the success column, so that’s nice. I positively love strolling through the aisles of the grocery story and just winging it with whatever looks good. Two secret ingredients that work in a shocking number of dishes: fresh squeezed lime (often added during cooking) and fresh grated nutmeg (popcorn, broccoli, stews, chicken, etc. etc.)
8. What’s the one thing you would tell a middle schooler about getting a job in media one day?
I’d rather have “that talk” with college students. I love speaking at schools– all ages– and middle schoolers tend to want to know what it’s like to fly in Sky8 and if I’ve ever seen a dead body. High school seniors and college students see more of the big picture: is the lifestyle something you like? Are you willing to work holidays, mornings, nights, and odd hours? Are you aggressive enough for it? Thick-skinned enough? But most importantly, do you see yourself having such a passion for the job that all of the above don’t matter because you can’t see yourself doing anything else?
9. What didn’t I ask that you’re dying to tell the community about?
I have a blog. And I’d love it if folks would consider checking it out. Hearing from people who read it and comment makes my day. The URL is misleading. It’s not a health blog, anymore. (Visit Steph’s blog!)