Episode 81: Charlie Lapastora: Lessons as a Multimedia Journalist Reporting Stories for the Largest Media Networks
Today Brad speaks with Charlie LaPastora, a sports multimedia journalist, podcaster, and . In his relatively young career, he has had the opportunity to work for media giants such NBC News, Sinclair Broadcast Group and, most recently, Fox Television Stations.
Listen in as Charlie discusses how his strong faith in God led him to become a “soldier” in the media with a goal to bring light to an industry rife with conflict and controversy.
He laments how mainstream media is contributing heavily to the divisiveness currently plaguing America, and why he believes authenticity and a willingness to talk to folks on both sides of the aisle is the key to true, respectable journalism.
Finally, Charlie shares his personal ventures, including how he built his personal brand on social media, why he began his podcast, and his exciting upcoming adventures with his wife Amber J.
Bio:
Charlie Lapastora is a sports/news multimedia journalist who’s reported, written, produced, anchored, shot video/edited on different NBC, ABC, and FOX shows in multiple TV markets, along with digital & new media companies. Stories he's covered have been featured on CNN, ABC's Good Morning America, & NBC's The Today Show. Charlie was also a host in a digital sports network started by Ryan Seacrest and Wanda Syke's producer...he also has traveled the country telling national sports, news, feature, and original stories on a cable news network, airing on top 10 TV markets, Sirius XM satellite radio, and digital platforms.
Charlie is passionate about his faith, family—being a husband to whom he calls the G.O.A.T. of women—about reppin’ his home state of Michigan and Detroit teams (yes, including the Lions), good coffee, and loves how sports brings people together. He’s traveled the world leading and coaching sports camps and has also worked at the Detroit Pistons and LA Clippers’ NBA teams.
Charlie is also the host of the authentically podcast where he features guests of diverse backgrounds and vocations to share their stories, all the while keeping it real in a world of 'highlight reels' when you scroll on social media, telling stories with integrity and passion.
Topics Discussed:
[00:38] Why Charlie decided to pursue a career in journalism
[03:53] Charlie on the current state of the U.S. news media
[10:50] How Charlie is able to report authentic stories working for big media companies
[16:04] How Charlie stays neutral as a journalist when reporting on contentious stories
[26:50] How Charlie builds trust and a relationship with the people he interviews
[30:14] How social media has impacted Charlie’s brand and career
[33:41] How Charlie became so confident as a speaker at a young age
[37:47] Why Charlie started his podcast
[42:35] How Charlie built relationships with sports giants throughout his career
[44:14] Charlie’s upcoming missionary work with his wife around the world
[46:21] How building up his personal brand over the years prepared Charlie for his future
Key Quotes from Episode:
I love the capability of telling stories for a living.
I love people. People are amazing. People are crucial for our society to continue to grow and to become better, and we need to understand each other more to make that happen.
Trust is everything; integrity is everything; character is everything—when it comes to relationships.
Nerves are good. It means you care and you want to put out a good product. You want to make sure that you’re connecting with people and you want to do it the right way.
