Yours truly was born in Des Moines, Iowa sometime in the 70s. And no, I did not grow up on or near a farm. Yes, we had electricity. Yes, we had running water. And to date, I’ve never worn overalls. But I’m sure I’d look amazing in them.

I’m a proud Midwesterner. And even though I travel a lot for a living, I always look forward to coming home. Home is now just outside of Kansas City where I’m nestled in the sprawling Mecca of Johnson County, Kansas.

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be in TV. Or on TV. Or watching TV. I’m not picky. I even got my degree in Broadcasting from the University of Iowa to prove to the world I was not only educated, but well-versed in sitcoms, game shows, and Oprah. (I got minors in French and acting as well. Someday, that will enable me to write, produce, direct and star in a straight-to-video project in Quebec.)

I’ve worked and freelanced for a variety of local television affiliates in Des Moines, Orlando, and Kansas City. Up until a few years ago, I was the co-host of a local, daily entertainment show, KC Live.

I’m an Aries with a Pisces rising. I had my astrological chart done once. Didn’t understand it then, don’t understand it now.

I like to write. Good thing because that’s what I do for a living. My parents never could comprehend how I earned my keep stringing words together for the universe to appreciate. Frankly, that makes three of us. But I feel like it’s what I was put on this earth to do. I was born to tell people’s stories. Whether you read it—hell, that’s up to you.

Other insipid things that make me a well-rounded individual:

• I’ve won eight Emmys. In 2000, 2009, 2010 (two of ’em!), 2011, 2012 and 2014 (two more!). They were weird categories, so don’t ask. But I consider myself the reverse Susan Lucci. The first thing I was ever nominated for freakin’ WON! And I was nominated seven times after that without a win until many, many years later.
• I’ve never seen “The Wizard Of Oz.” By choice. Although, I do know all the pop culture references. It’s mandatory because I live in Kansas.
• I’m a certified (and certifiable) fitness instructor on the side.
• I’ve never been arrested. (That anyone knows of.)
• I’m obsessed with The B-52s.
• I tried to get “Tin Roof Rusted” on my license plate. It came out TNRFSTD. People think I’m from rural Tennessee and have a scorching case of herpes.
• I’m not famous, but think I am.

Yearning for more? Check out the MM Interview with M2 »