John Herring

I became a journalist late in my life, finding the path only after over 25 years of woodworking. I was an apprentice at 16, started boatbuilding at 18, and from there my career that became increasingly distant from the wood itself as I rose to management and later ownership of a custom furniture shop. After a decade of the shop moving toward factory production to compete with furniture conglomerates I became burned out. I got to the point where every day at 6 PM my hand would curl into a sort of alcoholic claw that fit perfectly around a rocks glass.

Then I did two hard things: I got sober and started a career in journalism. I attended Pepperdine University in my late 40s followed by training with the National Journalism Center, which boasts alumni such as Cliff Kincaid, Rachel Marsden, and Malcom Gladwell. I was drawn to the center because I believed in their values: responsible, accurate and balanced reporting.

My upcoming book, “Going Rogue, Slipping Under The Digital Curtains” (to be published by Harper Collins) is a deep dive, gonzo-style investigation and implementation of my journey to remove myself from the internet. As someone who is untethered to social media you can rely on my independent, thorough reporting.