#MediaMonday – Jamie Faye Killin

A few weeks back, I wrote a post about “The Side Hustle,” noting that PR folks all seem to have one (or more). Such is the case for our PR friend Jamie Faye Killin, who also happens to be both the web editor for Frontdoors and a writer for Thrillist.

So Jamie, what do you want to tell the blogosphere today?

Tell us how you came to edit for Frontdoors Media?

I started as a contributing writer when I joined the magazine’s sister company, Evans Communications, about a year ago. After the loss of our editor, the incredible Mike Saucier who I was lucky enough to work with, I stepped into the role to help out and once we adjusted our team with the addition of our new editor Karen Werner, my title changed to reflect the new responsibilities I had taken on over the past few months.

And what’s the story behind your start at Thrillist?

Thrillist was one of the companies I’d applied to in a bit of a frantic search for employment when I was about to graduate from Arizona State University’s Cronkite School back in 2014. At the time, I didn’t really know what I’d applied for as I’d only done a small amount of freelancing and Thrillist hadn’t even launched in Phoenix yet, but I did a video chat interview with my then-editor who was  based in London and the rest is history!

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Mesa, which I loved! I’m a rare native and I’ve never lived more than a 45-minute drive away from the house I grew up in.

Favorite type of music?

I like everything! I have loved electronic music since the mid-late 2000s before it became popular and I previously did public relations for nightlife and music venues where I was always surrounded by DJs and electronic music so I have a deep appreciation for the genre but I also love 90s alt-rock, pop and classic rock. The Rolling Stones, Lorde and Blink-182 are my favorite artists.

Favorite color?

Purple! It has been for as long as I can remember.

Favorite local haunts? 

I have so many! Mora Italian is my favorite new-ish spot, Tomaso’s is one of my all-time favorite restaurants (I’m a sucker for Italian food, clearly), Hash Kitchen is my go-to brunch spot, I love the tacos at CRUjiente Tacos and you can also probably find a group of my friends and me at a Postino at least once a week. When it comes to grabbing a drink or a fun night out, I love Cobra Arcade Bar in Phoenix and Dakota in Old Town Scottsdale.

Favorite places to visit? 

I find myself traveling to New York and San Francisco most often but I’d love to go back to visit Paris soon.

Favorite food?

Pizza! For a food writer my food preferences are embarrassingly simple.

Least favorite food? 

I don’t have one — I was a really picky eater when I first started writing for Thrillist but over the years I’ve learned to appreciate all kinds of food and am willing to try everything at least once!

Three things readers would be surprised to know about you?

1. I was a vegetarian for 12 years and still don’t eat much meat outside of media events.
2. At some point or another I’ve been published by most major Arizona media outlets including the Arizona Republic, Phoenix Magazine, Arizona Capitol Times and So Scottsdale!
3. I go to spin or yoga class at The Madison almost every day and always encourage my media and PR friends to come with me!

What sorts of stories are you looking for – for each outlet?

For Thrillist, most of what we do is event and “best of” roundups, so any pitch that works well in that format is super helpful to me! We mostly cover restaurants and bars but I’ve also done articles on top Instagrammers, street art and illegal date ideas so to some extent anything goes!
For Frontdoors, I also look for lifestyle content as far as food and events, but our main focus is giving back and the nonprofit community. I love pitches on wonderful people in the Phoenix area who are making a positive impact in a unique way!
Contact email:  jamiefayekillin@gmail.com