The FishbowlDC Interview With <em>Daily Caller's</em> Resident Daredevil Josh Peterson

Say hello to The Daily Caller's Tech Editor Josh Peterson. He has been with the publication since October, and before that worked at the Heritage Foundation for a month as an intern in their investigative reporting unit. Born in Honolulu, Peterson grew up in Forest Lake, Minn. with his mother and stepfather. Among Peterson's claims to fame is that he once gave himself a black eye in a skateboarding accident when his face scraped on the side of a concrete staircase. (He can barely tell the story he's laughing so hard.) The incident landed him in the ER and he awoke with his eye swollen shut. "I was definitely a klutz growing up," he said, explaining that he BMX biked and played hockey. "I played a lot of sports but I was always hurting myself. I will still graze the corner of a table now and then. My shoulder will hit a wall by accident." At 25 he broke a rib in a martial arts accident and a couple years ago he sprained an ankle. Putting it mildly, he said, "I'm an adventure seeker. I hope that I'm a fearless journalist." He plays guitar and sings and says D.C. isn't necessarily a perfect fit. Some people love Washington, he says, "I'm not that person. But I feel passionate about being involved in public discourse." If you were a carbonated beverage, which would you be? Cherry Coke. I’m addicted to the stuff. How often do you Google yourself? All the time. What’s the worst thing you’ve ever said to an editor/boss (or vice versa)? I haven’t gotten to that point, yet. I’m saving that for a rainy day and a different place of employment. I love my job. Who is your favorite working journalist and why? Jillian Melchior, a friend of mine from my alma mater, Hillsdale College. She’s fearless. Do you have a favorite word? Elegance. Who would you rather have dinner with – The Daily Caller’s David Martosko, Kim Kardashian or CNN’s Wolf Blitzer? Tell us why. Kim Kardashian. I have a feeling David and Wolf would understand. The Earth’s human population is dying out and you must save it. You will spend a romantic evening with either Gabby Sidibe (“Precious” etc..) or Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas). Who will it be? (Neither is not an option.) Gabby Sidibe. What swear word do you use most often? @#%#! You’ve just been told the big news: You get to have your own Sunday morning talk show. Who will be on your roundtable? (Pick four journalists or pundits types.) Tucker Carlson, Greg Gutfeld, Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart. It would probably be the funniest show on television. Sunday morning shows are so serious. I think it would help to lighten up the atmosphere if there were more comedy in politics. On a serious note for a moment, if you could have dinner with a person who has died, who would it be? Bruce Lee. I’m a mixed martial artist, and he has been a hero of mine since I was a boy. Who is your favorite Boybander and why? (Ezzy, Hazy, Weigel, Attackerman, Beutler) Definitely Attackerman. I’m a huge fan of Wired’s Danger Room blog. They cover some of the craziest technologies. Their coverage of national security issues overlaps with the things I cover, so I’m always trying to read what they have to say. When you pig out what do you eat? Chili and Rice. What is your absolute favorite item of clothing in your closet? We want the fabric, the brand, the store and the price if possible. If it’s a certain kind of underwear we don’t want to know about it. My yellow Google sunglasses. Pick one: Mad Men, Scandal or True Blood. Mad Men Have you ever had a tarot card reading? Yes. Having studied Religion and Philosophy in college, I am fascinated by belief systems that people use to ascribe meaning and significance to their lives, as well as psychological games that allow people to gain deeper insight into a person’s psyche. Tarot and astrology also have a fascinating history tied to the Church. Have you ever had a near-death experience? Once I fell asleep at the wheel while driving on the freeway during rush hour, only to wake up right before I sideswiped the wire guard rail. The car was totaled, and my little brother was in the passenger seat. We were both alright and no one was hurt, but my worst fear had been realized. Ever been arrested? Does being grounded count? What scares you? Nothing, anymore. What’s your most embarrassing career moment? When I told you that I gave myself a black eye. Have you ever been fired? No. When and why did you last laugh so hard you had tears in your eyes? Everyday at The Daily Caller office. We’re always trying to make each other laugh. It’s pretty great. When and why did you last lose your temper? Probably a couple of weeks ago - I don’t remember why. I think I was just tired and needed a break from the city. I’m not an angry person, though. I usually just let things go if they upset me. It’s not healthy to stay angry. It clouds your mind and impairs your judgement. Life is too short to be angry. Who would you want to play you in a movie? Wilmer Valderrama Do you have a me-wall? If so, who’s on it? A what? Who should just call it a day? Bob Dylan. When he plays live now it's terrible. It's hard to listen to, nonsensical. He's become a parody of himself. From TMZ Founder Harvey Levin: You are about to be served your last meal. What will it be? It would be a my favorite Hawaiian meal: Manapua, Lomi Lomi Salmon, Kalua Pig and Rice, Poi, Papaya, Char Siu and Hawaiian Sun Guava Nectar. Being Hawaiian is an important part my identity. I think it’d be a fitting last meal. What is your breakfast cereal of choice? Life Cereal. Finally, please come up for a question for our next FishbowlDC interviewee. This one may live on indefinitely. Make it good. Would you rather be an immovable object, or an unstoppable force, and why?

Fishbowl

The FishbowlDC Interview With Daily Caller's Resident Daredevil Josh Peterson

Betsy Rothstein

About

Subscriptions

Events

Publications

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

Betsy Rothstein