Samantha Max covers criminal justice for WPLN. Get a more personal look at our Report for America corps member.
Q. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A. Ever since I wrote my first short story when I was 9 years old, I’ve known I wanted to be a writer. Since elementary school, I’ve written dozens of stories, novellas, songs, poems and even a musical! I also had a brief phase when I wanted to be a veterinarian (I love animals). But once I started writing for my high school newspaper, I knew journalism was the only job for me.
Q. What made you decide to consider a move to Nashville and to work for Nashville Public Radio?
A. I was born and bred on public radio. My family listened to
Morning Edition while we munched on Eggo Waffles before school and
All Things Considered as we did our homework at the kitchen counter every afternoon. And every Saturday, we’d all listen to
This American Life and
Wait Wait, Don’t Tell Me together. When the opportunity arose to try my hand at radio and move to Nashville, I couldn’t resist! I’m still getting used to hearing my voice on the radio, though … not sure when it will stop feeling so strange.
Q. What can listeners expect you to cover at WPLN in the next year?
A. As WPLN’s Report for America corps member, I’ll be reporting on the criminal justice system. In the next year, I’ll cover daily developments in the courts and at the police department. But I’ll also be looking into deeper, systemic issues, like community-police relations, former inmates’ barriers to reentry, and the state’s plans for criminal justice reform. If you have other story ideas,
send them my way!
Q. a) Do you consider yourself to be a foodie? b) Any favorite Nashville restaurants so far? c) Any places on your “must try” list?
A. I love Indian food and had an incredible meal at Chauhan Ale & Masala House in The Gulch when my parents moved me in last month. We also ate our weight in pancakes at the Pancake Pantry. Still dreaming about their fluffy perfection.
Q. What do you like to do for fun outside of the office?
A. On a typical night after work, you can find me lounging in my apartment with my kitten, reading
The New Yorker and watching
Real Housewives or
Gilmore Girls. I also love to and am hoping to check out all the different greenway paths! I’m always looking for book and podcast recommendations, so feel free to share your favorites with me!
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On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM