Chris Yandek interview thread

quantumleap · Dec 7, 2005

Chris has given us the transcripts of his interviews with some of the leaders of the sports world. Doubtless there are some of you who would like to ask Chris questions of his interesting career. Chris has given me permission to start this thread.

First question, let's start from the beginning-

Chris, how did you happen to get interested in the career of sports journalism?

quantumleap · Dec 7, 2005

Here's another question so Chris will see this thread-

Of all the people you have NOT interviewed, who would you like to interview?

CY18 · Dec 7, 2005

It's a long story, but once more I will tell it again for all the RX people here.

I am currently 20 so lets go back in time. About six years ago before anyone could do internet radio shows there was a network called Give Me Talk. You could record a 30 minute program each week on any subject you wanted. At the time I was a professional wrestling reader, fan, and knew more than the average fan. I applied and got the job. I started working with shortly after World Championship Wrestling by October of 2000 and got a few of the bottom guys. I also worked a little with Extreme Championship Wrestling. Shortly after Jim Varsallone at the Miami Herald offered me a free lance job and I started working with World Wrestling Entertainment and got a job at 1wrestling.com, which use to be the biggest wrestling media web site. Over the next 3.5 to 4 years I would interview over 200 wrestling personalities past and present. Everyone from Steve Austin to Shawn Michaels to Triple H to Mick Foley to Trish Stratus to legends including Bruno Sammartino, Classy Freddie Blassie's last interview before he passed away, Tully Blanchard, Dusty Rhodes, Jake Roberts, Magnum TA, and the list goes on and on.

After four years and a live weekly wrestling radio show, writing for a few magazines, and then moving from the Miami Herald to the St Pete Times I had enough. I moved to pwinsider.com too after 1wrestling.com fell apart.

The wrestling media business is really a joke now. Anyone can start a media outlet and get interviews with the same 5 guys. No real exclusives anymore.

In the Fall of 2003 I decided to finally chase my sports dream. I opened my site thesportsinterview.com and used other conncections I had to start working with NFL teams, sports book publishers, and all that. It was pretty much the same system as professional wrestling accept the results are slower and you have to work harder. Football was my first love. Professional wrestling was my stepping stone.

It's a dirty, sad, and tough business. No appreciation to even the best journalists who give them all the publicity. I had enough, but World Wrestling Entertainment was always good to me.

I love the sports media world and have always had support. It took me at least a year to see results, but finally I am there after interviews with Evander Holyfield, numerous, football players etc.

Any follow ups to that answer are welcome.

CY18 · Dec 7, 2005

I would love to interview Steve Spurrier, Jimmy Johnson, Phil Mickelson, and there are about 10 others in and out of sports I always have thought about.

There are a few projects I am working on, but won't say who, but hopefully one or two will be brought to the list and to the rx forums soon.

Chris

wmublows · Dec 7, 2005

:monsters-

CY18 · Dec 7, 2005

Interesting responce.

quantumleap · Dec 7, 2005

Chris:

Out of all the people you have interviewed, which one was your favorite to interview and why?

quantumleap · Dec 7, 2005

Another question for Chris-

How do you validate your credentials so that big-name sports celebrities will give you the time for an interview? In other words, what do you say to the celebrity or their agent that lets them know you are a legitimate sports reporter?

CY18 · Dec 7, 2005

No favorite interview. I will name some favorites. Danny Wuerffel who I have interviewed three times. Childhood hero. Dan Marino on a few conference calls. Evander Holyfield was great and got so much traffic for that one. Those are a few. Too many to remember. John Starks answered everything I had to ask even about drugs and his hard childhood.

I just use my website for the most part. I really haven't ever had to validate my credentials.

Chris

Anyone else who has other questions feel free to ask.

WorldNumberOne · Dec 7, 2005

I have a question :

Who the hell is Chris Yandek ?

CY18 · Dec 7, 2005

Chris Yandek is a 20 year old college student and a Mass Communications and Journalism Major.

I have worked in the sports and entertainment media world for almost six years. I have interviewed everyone from Evander Holyfield to Dan Marino to LT, and hundreds of others.

Best answer I could give about myself.

WorldNumberOne · Dec 7, 2005

i was just kidding... i've enjoyed your stuff..

good luck .. wish i was 20 again..

CY18 · Dec 7, 2005

No problem. I am sure there are more people on the board that have something to ask. I may not be a full time gambler, but I have some interesting stories. Just depends what you ask.

quantumleap · Dec 7, 2005

Chris:

Q1.) Have you interviewed any celebrities outside the world of sports?

Q2.) What was the biggest surprise you've ever had at someone's answer to a question?

TTinCO · Dec 8, 2005

Don't sweat the abuse Chris-you've made it a long ways at a damn young age. You are WAY ahead of the game.

Keep at it, you seem to be good at what you do & you have a passion for it.

:toast: (oh wait, you're not old enough yet :drink9:

CY18 · Dec 8, 2005

I was working on some media projects with American Idol last year, but after a change in management just gave up. I have interviewed models, athletes that have been in movies like Bill Romanowski, HHH, and Steve Austin for example. I interviewed one of the Miller Lite Cat fight girls a few years ago. I have interviewed people with a combination of talents.

Chris

I guess I am just second rate to the great Illi and his interview thread. I would love if one guy wasn't asking all the questions, but I love being here. My favorite message board easily. I appreciate all the support though. You will find someone obnoxious on any thread I am involved in. I am use to either being really liked or disliked.

Railbird · Dec 8, 2005

Chris let us know next time you interview someone, would like to give you some tough questions, maybe you could even use one, thanks in advance.

For example

Karl Dorral- How come you wanted to kick on every 4th and short against USC? What kind of message were sending your kids?

Chris Simms- Do you think you would have had a scholarship offer to Texas if your daddy wasnt Phil Simms?

Andre Agassi- What kind of masking agents have you used over the years? Does Gil Reyes give you advice on what kind of formulas to use?

Tommy Lasorda- Did you ever actually use Slim fast or just promote it? Was that a belt around your waist or was it the equater?

GreenDoberman · Dec 8, 2005

I think he just gave himself up, sounds like Railbird is really Jim Rome?

"OK....chrissy."

CY18 · Dec 8, 2005

I usually don't tell anyone who I have coming up, but I have a selected few who help me with questions sometimes. It depends.

Chris

CY18 · Dec 10, 2005

Anyone else who has a question or two for me can feel free to add something this weekend.

Chris

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