Christian Casale joined the Nonahood News team a few months ago as a staff writer, and his sarcasm and witty personality really shine through in his writing!

Rapid Fire Questions:

Extrovert or Introvert? “I try to be an extrovert as much as possible, but some nights you just want to sit on the couch.”

Indoors or Outdoors? “Outdoors, but only on the seven or so total hours a year that Florida’s weather is pleasant.”

Sun or Snow? “I’ve dealt with the wind blisters and slick sidewalks of a Chicago winter, and I think I’d rather live on the surface of the sun.”

Dogs or Cats? “Cats. I love dogs, but cats are so low maintenance that they get the edge.”

Vans or Converse? “Converse. My Chuck Taylors are probably the most used in my shoe rotation.”

Coffee or Tea? “Coffee, but mostly for the aesthetic.”

Adventurous or Laid Back? “I’d like to think a little of both. I’m definitely always down to try anything, but it’s usually in a pretty calm demeanor.”

Canon, Nikon or Sony? “I’ve never met a Canon that didn’t give me exactly what I wanted.”

Books or TV? “Books, but only because I feel like that’s what I’m supposed to say. There’s also nothing quite like getting absorbed in a good book.”

What brought you to the Nonahood?

“I wanted a job doing what I loved: journalism. And I saw on the Nonahood‘s website that they were looking for writers. A few emails, some resume fixes, and an interview later, I was writing stories for Lake Nona.”

What’s your favorite hobby? 

“It’s extremely nerdy to say, but I just love learning. Every day I try to take in something, whether it be history, philosophy, car maintenance, languages. I just like being stimulated and knowing how to do more things.”

What’s your biggest dream? 

“I’d love to have a really comfortable hoodie.”

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 

“I’d like to be writing books and magazine features. If that fails, bartending in Key West.”

Who’s your biggest inspiration? 

“Martha Gelhorn – the legendary war correspondent (and wife to Ernest Hemingway), who basically finessed her way into being the only woman on the beaches during D-Day.”

What’s your favorite book? 

“I have a lot, but Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng is a beautiful meditation on family dynamics, race in America, and our fear to communicate with our loved ones.”

What’s something you’ve done that scared you the most or brought you out of your comfort zone? 

“Every time I have to approach somebody while doing a news story, I still feel a jitter of nervousness.”

Describe one of your most memorable experiences. 

“When I was 16, I was on NFL Network to try and win a toaster as part of a game show. I got three of five answers right, while my opponent got all five, and I lost. But it was a ton of fun, and they even joked that they’d make me a part of the show.”

“They did not.”

Check back next month to get to know another nona.media staff member/partner!