I struggle to talk about myself sometimes, I think out of the awareness that I’m always changing as an individual and the person I was 5 years ago has evolved into someone drastically different. I also don’t want to simply be known for my career or accomplishments, even though I’m incredibly proud of them, and in some ways believe they are genuinely an extension of who I am.
But I’ll tell you what I am happiest with in my life. I’m proud of the fact that, through every challenge, I’ve maintained a resilient spirit to continue on and try to succeed in new, interesting and unique ways. From being a filmmaker to a comedian to a non-profit director (and all the other lives I’ve led), it has never been boring or unfulfilling. My main hope in life is to leave the world a little better than it was when I entered it.
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I love my family. We’re a lot alike, but also somehow very different. My parents have always been supportive of me and the random things I’m doing, which has helped give me the support to try things and feel like I’m going to be okay either way. My mom is probably the person I lean on the most in the world. My dad is kind, giving and has an incredibly dry and funny sense of humor. My sister April is sweet, bubbly and in love with candy. And my youngest sister, Kristy, is stubborn, loyal and has great taste in movies and tv. They’re all much more conservative than I am, which can create tension, but they reassure me, in the midst of any disagreements, that they love me just as I am.
Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
In the past I’ve been in a terrible punk rock band called Show Me Up (we weren’t great but we had fun up there!). Then I tried my hand at being a filmmaker and struggled. Then I went to college for English Literature and loved it, but ultimately ended up becoming a pastor once I realized I loved working with people and building community. In 2017, my pastoral journey halted when the church I was pastoring had some dramatic struggles and I no longer had a spiritual home. That affected my faith, my mental health, and my understanding of the world, but I had already begun, with one of my best friends, a non-profit called Cincy Stories that allowed me to do exactly what I wanted to do through pastoring. So even though my beliefs and faith might be evolving, I get to help people connect to one another, build empathy across our region and hear stories from all walks of life. I love when I see the finished product of someones story edited beautifully by Chris and I get to revel in the fact that we are helping amplify stories to folks who might not ever hear from some of these communities otherwise.
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I am a big fan of Fireside Pizza, Gomez Salsa, Drunken Bento, Taste of Belgium, and of course, Skyline. Though I’m also fond of Camp Washington Chili. And I can’t forget about Maya India in West Price Hill.
How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived in the Cincinnati region my whole life. I started pastoring in the suburbs around 2011, started a church in OTR in 2014, and co-founded Cincy Stories in 2015.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Probably Marquicia Jones-Woods, the founder of Q-Kidz. She’s inspiring because she did her work quietly for 37 years without any support except her neighbors. It wasn’t until some people started to take notice and helped her form a 501c3 that she even saw any compensation for the hard work she’s done. She runs a dance troupe in the West End and has seen so many girls find strength, resilience and even a future through her believing in them.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
I want to take a train ride across India.
What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie is The Graduate. I love the filmmaking of it, but also deeply relate to the themes of feeling hopeless, meaningless and taking a leap to find meaning and then realizing maybe it wasn’t what you wanted. It can be seen as cynical but I take it as relatable.
What advice would you give to people?
Always tip more than you think you should. Even if the service wasn’t great.
What is something on your bucket list?
To write and perform a one-man storytelling show.
What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Pedro the Lion
What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Cincy Stories
If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? And where?
Probably Barack Obama and we’d do it at BlaCk Coffee Lounge.
What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Bock Fest Parade (I typically hate parades, but this one is just weird enough for me)
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Living in a tiny home at the foot of a mountain, near a beach, on the West Coast.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
For folks who are more recent friends it is surprising to them that I was captain of my basketball team in high school… we were 2-14. It was a tiny Christian school.
What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Yosemite
Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I love October because the weather is perfect for me. My favorite holiday is Christmas and I feel so cliche saying that. The best day is January 30th because that’s my birthday (I’m taking gifts whenever though, so send some my way and you’ll have my eternal gratitude).
What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Rosebud Baker’s comedy.
Who inspires you to be better?
Sharee Allen.
What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh Sweet Potato Pie being cooked in the oven and freshly cut grass… but I barely have a sense of smell, so thanks for reminding me! ha
Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace. Comfort. Connected.
