What did you want to be when you grew up?
Well, when I was very young I quite fancied the idea of running a newsagent. I think it was mostly to do with the vast selection of sweets and other treats that I would then have access to. In fact, I often used to marvel at the self-restraint of any shopkeeper who wasn't sitting there munching their way through a bar of chocolate...
Then from about the age of 10, after my Grandad gave me a portable radio, I simply fell in love with it. I wanted to be on the radio and that dream carried on all the way through my teenage years.
What do you now and how did you get there?
I'm now the Communications Officer for the Contextual Theology Centre. I've recently started here and it's great. Basically, we provide resources and reasons for Christians to get stuck into community organising and involvement in their local area. I stared working here on a freelance basis and have since gone full-time. Prior to that I spent eight years working in radio. I was in local commercial stations, reading news bulletins and reporting. I then spent five years at Premier Christian Radio reading news and presenting the Sunday Breakfast programme. I had a great time in radio, but it was time for a change and my new role allows me to get stuck in to my local community, work closely with some amazing church leaders and find out much more about those in other faiths who have common ground with us. I continue to do some freelance writing, mainly for Christianity Magazine.
Who's the most exciting person you've met?
One of my personal heroes is Tony Campolo. I've learned so much from his books, podcasts and sermons over the years. I've been fortunate enough to meet him a couple of times. We spent two hours broadcasting one Sunday morning. Listeners fired questions at him and we just chatted. It's so great to be able to sit at the feet of someone who's so inspirational, and at the same time points to Jesus.
When you're not working, where would we find you?
I can usually be found watching my football team - Bolton Wanderers. I support them because that's where I grew up. Anyone who doesn't support their local team is worse than Judas. Ok, maybe not that bad. But it's still a sin ;-) Other than that, I'm a massive music fan, so you may find me at a gig - I love stuff like The Shins, Decemberists, Death Cab For Cutie and The Hold Steady.
Who's your favourite superhero and why?
I hate most of these new superhero films. They're so boring and one-dimensional. The exception was probably the Dark Knight, which had a bit of humour and pathos. So I guess I'll say Batman. But give me a good book any day.
What advice would you give to a young person starting out in media?
Oh boy, am I the guy answering this question now? I still feel like the kid reading the interviews where this question always got asked. I suppose my answer would be similar to many of those I read growing up. Be prepared to work hard, get up at stupid times and do some seemingly ridiculous things to get a job. But stick with it, because it is a great field to work in. Oh, and if in doubt - put the kettle on. People always appreciate that, and you're never too talented to be the tea-boy.
Tell us a Joke...
It's always tempting to steal one of Milton Jones' when asked to do this, but I won't...
A young boy and his family are on a plane over the sea when the captain comes on the PA to announce that one of the four engines has shut down and this will add an hour to their journey. Aside from a few nervous glances, they get on with the flight. A few minutes later, the captain is back on the speakers saying that one of the other engines has packed in and they're going to be delayed by a further hour. There are now more nervous passengers and some nervous-looking crew. A few minutes later, the captain speaks again. He gives them the bad news they were half-expecting - the third engine has stopped working and the plane is now running on only one. Yet another hour will be added to their journey. The young boy, who is oblivious to the panic surrounding him, finally breaks the tension when he turns to his Mum and Dad and says, "Let's hope the fourth engine doesn't give up. Otherwise we'll be up here all day!"