Mike

I grew up in Hannibal, Mo., and was inspired to be a writer by some good teachers, an active imagination and, of course, Mark Twain. I made my way to Springfield in 1997 to attend Missouri State University. I figured I could either be a journalist, an English teacher or a starving novelist eating ramen noodles every night. Being the practical guy I am, I chose journalism. I studied print journalism and got a job out of college at the Springfield News-Leader, where I covered music and entertainment. I became disillusioned with journalism and went to work for the City of Springfield’s public information department in late 2007. Within a few months of leaving the paper I lost 20 pounds, saw my stress melt away and generally began enjoying getting up in the mornings.

I’m happily married. I’m a news junkie. I’m a lifelong music fan who digs jazz, indie rock, pop, hip-hop, bluegrass, blues, country and just about anything that’s honest and not pre-packaged. I played the saxophone back in the day, but don’t pull it out much these days. I love pale ales and red wine. I know way too much about videogames for my own good. I’m blessed to have a lot of great friends, including some lifelong friends who live here in Springfield, too. I have two awesome families that I don’t get to see enough of. I still wear a pair of maroon Converse All-Stars I bought in the tenth grade. I love the St. Louis Cardinals and like watching the NFL. I’ll fire up the coals any time of day or night and any time of year. I like making my own barbecue sauce, and I grill the best burgers you’ll ever taste in your life. I am a nice guy who generally gets along with everybody. If you can’t get along with me, you are probably an asshat.