Frequently asked questions.

what do you think about journalism today?

The principles of The Fourth Estate (journalism) aren’t talked about much, making them more precious in their scarcity. Underscoring it all, is the idea that we need to hold people accountable. That’s the foundation.

A journalist's job is to educate the public. So, I don't understand those who fail to think long-term and put out there what is bound to be proven wrong by time. We all make mistakes but we have a responsibility to get things right and that's what should guide us, even if we don't always succeed. It shouldn’t be more about clicks, likes and shares.

Movies I've listed below portray journalists as people who pay a price or take risks for the truth. But, that's our job. There are people invested in the status quo of a false narrative and they’re not going to make things easy for us.

Did working as a journalist help you discover your voice?

Our voice is always evolving, if we’re lucky. And it’s by facing challenges that we find who we are. As a reporter, I came upon a lot of obstacles and hard decisions.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

what do you think of environmentalism today?

The best thing about being an environmentalist right now is that there are so many ways to make a difference - and you don’t need a prestigious degree. With the Internet and other accessible ways to have a platform and your own business, all you need is a fire in your heart sparked by a love of nature.

Don’t get me wrong, it takes a lot of work to start a business or an environmental initiative and has its ups and downs. But, if you find something you’re passionate about, pursuing that is how your dreams could become reality - and you can make a real, positive difference.

Below are my nine favorite films about journalism….

  • It was a woman who ran the Washington Post and made the ultimate decision - risking everything - to publish The Pentagon Papers, revealing that the White House kept secrets about the Vietnam War. The true story happens just prior to when Watergate broke. My favorite lines - “The only way to protect the right to publish is to publish.” “If we don’t hold them accountable, who will?” Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks. Directed by Steven Spielberg.

  • A film that is seared into your memory with the story and images of a NY Times reporter and his interpreter who stake their lives to bring the situation in Cambodia’s killing fields to life. Their dedication, heroism, and friendship are captivating. Favorite line - “Why didn’t you get him out when you had the chance? You had no right to keep him here.” Starring Sam Waterston, Dr. Haing S. Ngor. Diected by Roland Joffe.

  • This movie is as relevant today (sadly) as it was back then, and a spooky presage to the Three-mile Island nuclear disaster. It’s about the face-off of people who lie to the detriment of the public and those charged with telling the truth, at any cost - to educate the public. Favorite line - “’Accident’ is the right word.” Starring Jane Fonda, Jack Lemmon, Michael Douglas. Directed by James Bridges.

  • It wasn’t politicians or lawyers who brought down the Nixon presidency, it was a couple of young, underpaid journalists. The story of Woodwood and Bernstein exposing the Watergate coverup. A classic. Favorite line: “This whole thing is a cover-up. It’s right under our nose.” Starring Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford. Directed by Alan J. Pakula.

  • So intense, suspenseful and well made. Clint Eastwood plays a washed-up reporter who is sent to cover a man on the verge of being executed. Did he do it? Is he innocent? Time is ticking away. One of the most surprising movies in its excellence I can remember. Did I mention Clint Eastwood’s in it? Favorite line: “Frankly, I don’t give a rat’s a** about Jesus Christ and I don’t care about justice in this world or the next. So, I’m gonna ask you, did you kill that woman or not?” Starring Clint Eastwood, Isaiah Washington. Directed by Clint Eastwood. Did I mention him?

  • What can I say about this movie - it’s one of my all-time favorites. It’s about war, accountability, duty and honor. And one of the hero’s allies turns out to be a reporter for the Washington Post. Both the reporter and Denzel Washington’s character reflect the idea of courage under fire as they expose some truths about events during the Gulf War. Favorite line: “… in order to honor a soldier like Karen Walden, we have to tell the truth, General, about what happened over there. The whole, hard... cold truth.” Starring Denzel Washington, Meg Ryan, Scott Glenn. Directed by Ed Zwick.

  • This movie takes place in the heart of Washington, DC. Two broadcast journalists vie for the anchor position and a producer. It’s a great commentary on fairness in the real world and journalistic ethics. Favorite line: “What I don’t know, I can learn. What I do know, nobody can teach.” Starring William Hurt, Albert Brooks, Holly Hunter. Directed by James L. Brooks.

  • The true story of a reporter for the New Republic magazine made up a story - well, several - and got caught. Hey, journalists aren’t always good guys. But, he wasn’t really a journalist. More like a fiction writer. The editor who exposed his own writer - despite pressure from the other writers - is my hero. We have to oversee from within. Great casting. Favorite line: “But, there is one thing in the story that checks out []… There does appear to be a state in the union named, Nevada.” Starring Hayden Christensen, Peter Sarsgaard. Directed by Billy Ray.

  • She’s writing a story for a magazine on how to lose a guy in 10 days. He’s an advertising exec betting - to win a big contract - that he can get a woman to fall in love with him in that same time. They’re thrown together. What could go wrong? Favorite line: “I want to write about things that matter!” Starring Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey. Directed by Adam Goldberg.