Julia Ritchey is the newest member of WPLN News. As the station’s first-ever Afternoon News Editor, Julia is actively involved in daily news coverage, editing stories and boosting general morale during a global pandemic. Get to know her.
1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“A beauty parlor.” I used to say this to the bemusement of my childhood hairdresser who was too nice to correct me. Becoming an acrobat/gymnast was a close second after watching Dominique Dawes and Kerri Strug crushing it at the ’96 Olympics.
2. a) Do you consider yourself to be a foodie? b) Any favorite Nashville restaurants so far? c) Any places on your “must try” list?
Some people eat to live, but I live to eat. I’ve helped launch two artisan bakeries in the last decade and am all about discovering the best bread and pastries in whatever city I am visiting (#queenofcarbs). I have started keeping a list of places my WPLN colleagues have recommended I try. But I’m most excited to hit up all the international joints in South Nashville around Plaza Mariachi.
3. What do you like to do for fun outside the office?
Before COVID, I was all about live music. I am hoping to get back to more and more concerts in 2022 and looking forward to checking out the Ryman, Grand Ole Opry and other iconic venues here. As my unwind time away from phones/computer screens, I also go for hikes most Sundays on whatever new trail I find on the AllTrails app. I always bring my 11-year-old beagle Bodhi, named after Patrick Swayze’s character in “Point Break.”
4. Where else have you lived besides Middle Tennessee?
All over. After graduating college, I moved to D.C.; then Dakar, Senegal, to freelance; then back to Asheville, NC for a bit. Then I went from Savannah, GA; to Reno, NV; to Salt Lake City, UT; to Potsdam, NY; then home again for a spell — and now Nashville! It’s been a fun and peripatetic life.
5. Where is your dream vacation?
Space! I watched the Apollo 11 documentary recently, and I think viewing our swirling blue-green marble from that distance would be the most humbling and mind-blowing experience. Just need to save up a few million in cash and send some friend requests to Bezos or Musk.
Bonus 1. A fun fact about Julia:
I like my toast at F7 and my coffee around E4.
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