I was raised in rural Missouri, educated in public schools, and graduated from Georgetown's School of Foreign Service with a bachelor's degree in international relations. I am currently finishing research for a master' degree in journalism from the Missouri School of Journalism. I am the son of veterans, patriots, and teachers. I was a 2018 candidate for the United States House of Representatives in Missouri's 7th Congressional District, the Ozarks region of the state. As a first time candidate, I raised the most money and many thousands of families entrusted their own families to my vision of leadership. I was and am still deeply humbled by their votes and confidence.

I am concerned about truth, macro and micro-level issues dealing with corporate governance, poverty, inequality, education, literacy, health care, quality of life, technology, science, the environment, sustainability, infrastructure, arts, arts programming, civil and human rights, and consumer affairs.

Prior to journalism, I worked on Wall Street and in Hollywood. I commented on politics on KSGF 104.1 FM, and previously reported at KBIA 91.3FM (NPR), and the Columbia Missourian. I have produced television episodes for national networks including National Geographic TV, Discovery Science, and other outlets. I have written editorial columns published in USA Today. I currently work as the Director of Communications at Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri, one of Missouri's largest charities devoted to serving the vulnerable.