Jay Bildstein

Chris Yandek was the Miami correspondent for our radio show, "Let's Talk". In 2002, prior to that show, I was doing a series of online radio programs, as well as developing programming with other hosts. Chris, who was then only 16, contacted me and asked to do a program about professional wrestling. Though young, he was so articulate that I decided to give him an opportunity.

Chris's show, "New Era of Wrestling", became the top offering that we had.Yandek brought in some of the biggest names in the business, like Jake "The Snake" Roberts and "Macho Man" Randy Savage, interviewing them with the aplomb of a veteran.

A bit later, Chris -who maintains one of the best interview sites on the Internet at www.TheSportsInterview.com- ventured beyond pro-wrestling and began covering mainstream sports figures like Cal Ripken Jr., Randy Moss, Evander Holyfield, Dan Marino, and Keith Jackson. Once again, he met with great success. Propelled by his continuing achievements, he began interviewing entertainment figures as well.

Today, at 21, Yandek is developing into one of the most compelling sports and entertainment interviewers in journalism. And it's not just me saying it. Websites like www.tmz.com in addition to many well regarded newspapers in the United States are covering his interviews. To hear him, you get the sense of being in the presence of a young Larry King. This must be how greatness unfolds.

I caught up with Chris and he was kind enough to answer some questions. Here is his take on getting started as a journalist and on the future of the news media.

On getting started-

"I think the story starts like everyone who wants to achieve a goal. You try something out and you aren't sure how it's going to stick, but you give it your best. I was a fan of professional wrestling and wanted to be part of the industry. I was part of one of the first podcasts, or online radio networks, back in 2000.

I sent a bunch of interview requests out and got one reply back from an agent of a female wrestling talent. I learned how to get stories and showed them to an editor for the Miami Herald wrestling section. He told me I should start writing my stories out, so I did. I had a freelance credential with a credible outlet and learned how to work with all types of entertainment people and I moved out later into sports and mainstream entertainment.

Nobody is going to do anything for you in life. You have to go after it yourself. Everyone says you have your whole life to accomplish what you want, but we are only always living in the present moment. Why not now, just because of my age, which is a usual topic?

We have teenage entertainers in movies, TV shows, and music, so why not in journalism? Though, you have to be professional and mature working in an adult environment. As the years go on, my work has spoken for myself, over my age. I enjoy giving something to society to enjoy. I have lived a lot of my dreams already. I didn't have to wait till I finished college to go after what I want.

You have to love what you do to be a success in anything. Nothing is impossible, but hard work pays off. I don't think I ever worried what fellow teenagers thought of me. I was never trying to impress my friends. I wanted to live my dreams and not wait. Look at Lindsay Lohan, she's 20 and has everyone paying attention.

The youth has more choice than they think, but I am not the ordinary 21 year old. I work with people two to three times my age. You have to personalize your life as Robin Roberts, co-host of ABC's Good Morning America, told me recently. She has been so encouraging and thinks I am really talented, but we can't ask someone else to tell us what we should be."

On the future of media-

"The technology is changing journalism every day. Sites like my website, www.thesportsinterview.com, are bringing real news to the industry and are not owned by a corporate banner. I think there will be a day when all newspapers are exclusively online and you will pay to read, possibly. I think there will be a day when we watch all our TV channels on the Internet. The only thing that is for sure is constant change that is coming, but many websites like mine are becoming real news outlets that people trust."

Many thanks to Chris for his time. At the present, I am not hosting a radio show. When I do, however, I hope that Chris can join us once again. He is destined for greatness.

As always, you can reach us with your questions and comments at bothsidesdx@hotmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.