Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Salfen
Paul, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started doing interviews with well-known artists in high school – by mistake. I was in a broadcasting class and the teacher dismissively said, “You like music…go talk to some bands” – so I did. We took the cameras downtown to the big clubs and interviewed the people we saw on MTV like they did there. We brought back the footage and the teacher smacked his head and said, “I meant bands in the school” – but that was the catalyst to doing what I do. I couldn’t get the Penn State newspaper to agree to let me interviews bands there so I started my own online music magazine with a record store I worked for and then just kept going. When I graduated, I moved on to newspapers then print magazines then radio then TV. It’s been quite a journey!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There has been a lot of trial and error – with certainly a lot of error, but all of it led to here, which I suppose is ok. I certainly wish it had been smoother at times but I’m very happy with where I am today. The struggle is always to make a good living doing what you love and the arts are often up and down so most of the struggles have been with stability but generally every year gets a little better and I achieve more and more so I’m happy. I certainly should be – I chose this path myself.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For the past twenty-plus years, I’ve been interviewing the biggest actors, directors, writers, athletes, astronauts, CEOs, and everyone in between. I’ve served as Editor In Chief of ENVY and Dallas Music Guide, Managing Editor for 944 and Flavorpill, and I started two shows, Inside Entertinment and Let’s Go DFW! (CBS). I’ve been a co-host with Hall of Famer and Dallas Cowboys legend Drew Pearson for the last 12 yearfs on FOX Sports, KTXD, and ABC, I’m a writer and editor for AMFM Magazine, and now I just released my first book called GOING FOR IT! It’s a compilation of advice, wisdom, and Hail Mary Moments from hundreds of stars and I’m very proud of it. The general thing that sets these big people apart from everyone else is they tried harder and hung in there longer, which is exactly what I’ve done. I’m also very proud to be a part of the Critics Choice Awards and be on the board of Charity Road.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Yes, so much. Luckily being a writer is a very solitary thing, so I was pretty used to being alone but what it really taught me was to buckle down and keep working even harder during an uncertain future, so I started reaching out to a bunch of celebrities and people I’ve never interviewed before and asked them for a few minutes since I knew they were at home not working and it worked out so well – I got some amazing material for this book – and the next two.
Pricing:
- $24.99 for the book on Amazon
- $1.99 ebook on Amazon
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.PaulSalfen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulsalfen/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/OfficialPaulSalfen/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulsalfen
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/paulsalfen
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/c/PaulSalfen
- Other: http://www.GoingForItBook.com
Image Credits
Pool jump (book cover) by Bryan Anderson
Pool jump (closer) by Adrian Lopez
