Interviews

Talking to Jodi Picoult, #1 NYT bestselling author

Jodi Picoult's latest novel, Nineteen Minutes, hit the stores on March 6, and on March 25 was #1 on the New York Times bestseller list for Fiction.

This interview appeared in Go English magazine, which is distributed in North America, Europe and North Africa.

Talking to John Baldacci, governor of Maine

John Baldacci was re-elected in November 2006 for a second term. He talks in this interview about his state and his rols as governor.

This interview appeared in Go English magazine, which is distributed in North America, Europe and North Africa.

Talking to Guillaume Cote, National Ballet of Canada dancer

Guillaume Cote is a principal dancer with the National Ballet of Canada. Her recently returned from Italy where he danced the role of Franz in Coppelia.

This interview appeared in Go English magazine, which is distributed in North America, Europe and North Africa.

Meet Jayson Frederick, a film actor

English Now: What is your day like when filming?

Jayson Frederick: On a typical film shoot I do what I call, “Hurry up and wait.” I arrive on set by 6 a.m., eat breakfast, go to wardrobe where I am given clothes for the upcoming scene, then go to make-up to become good looking. Then I wait until it is time to film my scene. Filming can take up to 12 to 16 hours. At night, I go home and study the script so that I’ll be ready for the next day. But at the end of the day I can say, “I’m living my dream. I’m really doing it.”

Meet Todd Carlton, a pilot

English Now: What is the best part about flying?
Todd Carlton: I love experiencing something different every day, whether it’s a new destination or encountering weather hazards. It’s great to witness the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets imaginable. The only drawbacks to the job are the long days and the time spent away from home. But we are compensated with time off, so in the end it works out well.

Meet Nicole Barry, a political consultant

English Now: Hi, Nicole. Tell us about your job as a senior account executive and political consultant.
Nicole Barry: Everyday is completely different here at the office. Our company does public relations work for political and corporate clients. During political campaigns we work with many candidates. Some of them are running for office for the first time and others are trying to stay in office. Basically, we tell them what they should to do in order to win the election.

Meet Jared Bradshaw, a musical theatre performer

English Now: Hi, Jared. You are an actor, singer, and dancer in New York City. What are you thinking as the curtain goes down?
Jared Bradshaw: Thank you that this is my job! The curtain call is why I am an actor. I am not rich, but I make a living acting. The applause is my real payment. It really is the moment I enjoy most, when you get to be yourself in front of the audience, without acting.

Meet Keely Warren, a real estate agent

English Now: Hi Keely. How did you become a real estate broker?
Keely Warren: Honestly, I fell into the career. After having my first child I decided not to return to my full time job. I missed the income and I like to keep busy, but I wanted a job that I could do from home. I began as a part-time unlicensed real estate assistant. It was a great way for me to be exposed to real estate and learn the basics.

Meet Seth Callaway, an artist

English Now: Today we’re talking with Seth Callaway, an artist in Atlanta, Georgia. Which art mediums do you prefer?
Seth Callaway: Recently I have been working with wood because it contributes as much to the result as I do. The way wood behaves is determined by the life it has lived. This means that I can only work with it, but not fully change it. For me, this is an enjoyable dialogue. It takes me out of my own being for a while, the same way an engaging conversation with a friend might do for you. However, when I have specific points to make or moods to express, I still love oil painting and clay.

Meet Joshua Pell, a shipboard engineer

English Now: What is it like in the middle of the ocean?
Joshua Pell: There are amazing things to see on the open ocean, things that most of the world has not seen. Sometimes it's a raging storm or water that is smoother than glass. Sometimes the sunrise is brilliant with indescribable colors or storm clouds on the horizon are darker than ink. The fish of the sea can be big and bumpy, or sometimes tiny and torpedo-like, going faster than the very ship you are on.

Meet Amy Gabriel, a nurse

English Now: Amy, you worked as a nurse during Hurricane Katrina. Tell us about your experience.
Amy Gabriel: I was called in to work at the Children’s Hospital in New Orleans the day before Hurricane Katrina hit. In the end, I worked through the entire hurricane, until all patients were evacuated to safety. We lost power, but thankfully had a generator. Two days later, patients in critical condition were airlifted by helicopter to various other hospital facilities. Acutely ill patients were transported by personal vehicles to the airport, and then taken to another hospital. The Children’s Hospital administration was very well-prepared for emergency situations. We never ran out of drinking water or generator electricity. It was an amazing experience, and one that I will never forget.

Meet Travis Gower, a coach and teacher

English Now: Travis, as a high school social studies teacher and cross country/track coach, do you think there are lessons students can learn from running?
Travis Gower: Running is a perfect metaphor for life. You get out of it what you put into it. It is a sport that teaches discipline, patience, and responsibility. It is a sport that, when it comes down to it, you do completely on your own. Coaches and teammates offer support, but just like anything important in life, you have to do it yourself. You know if you are doing your best or not, and can track your own progress.

Meet Meaghan Marr, an editor

English Now: Hi Meaghan. There are not many 25-year-old women editors at daily newspapers. How did you get this position?
Meaghan Marr: While in college I began working for the Rome News-Tribune, a 20,000 circulation daily newspaper in Georgia. I then became a city reporter after I graduated. When the position for lifestyles editor opened up, I filled in until they found someone. A few weeks later, my bosses offered me the position. A raise and better hours sounded great to me, so I happily accepted.

Meet Kathryn Zmistowki, a lifeguard

English Now: Would you recommend lifeguarding to others?
Kathryn Zmistowski: I would recommend it to anyone who is serious about it. It is a great job, but it is not all about getting a good tan. The patrons are counting on you and your quick response in any situation, whether it is a leg cramp or a life-threatening situation.