The Insider is very sad to move on from the legendary Keith Testa – as are all of you, we’re sure – but excited to welcome Jon Bodell, the newest member of the team striving for that legendary status.
Jon is from the South Shore of Massachusetts but has made numerous spots in New Hampshire his home since graduating from UNH in 2010. He started as a copy editor at the Monitor just days after graduation, worked the night desk and wrote random stories for five years before entering the coveted Insider pod.
The Concord resident has been busy lately hanging out with his first child, Julia, who was born in April.
We asked him a few questions to break the ice and give Insider fans across the city a look at the real Jon Bodell.
What are you looking forward to most about being part of the “Insider”?
Being able to wear stylish high heels at my desk every day, as is common practice at the Insider, apparently. That and going out and meeting all the big players in Concord – and Bow.
Where are some of your favorite places to visit in Concord?
I really love anywhere along the Merrimack, particularly the Sewalls Falls access area, which is a great spot for fishing. I also enjoy taking scenic drives along Mountain, Fisk and Long Pond roads, among others. White Park is cool too.
What’s your go-to snack/beverage when working on deadline?
That would have to be Dunkin’ Donuts iced coffee. And I’m counting that as both snack and beverage. (Who needs food when you have caffeine?)
You recently became a parent. How many diapers do you change each day? How much sleep do you get each night?
I can usually get away with only changing two or three, but sometimes I just have to bite the bullet and do all 67 some days. And I don’t sleep.
Any chance little Julia will make an appearance in the paper?
That will be tricky. She insists on being paid for any appearance in print, so I’ll have to work on her a little bit.
What do you like to do after a long day on the job?
Cruise home with the sunroof open and the radio turned up. Stop at the store to grab some steaks and corn on the cob, then go home and grill up dinner to have with the fam. If I’m in the mood for a good laugh (or cry), I’ll throw the Sox game on.
The “Insider” is a pretty big deal around these parts, do you think you’re ready to live a life filled with paparazzi and autograph seekers?
Been doing it my whole life. Much like Britney Spears was “Born to Make You Happy,” I was born to be an Insider.
If you weren’t in the newspaper business, what would you be doing?
Playing third base and batting in the two-hole for the Sox, no question. I just prefer to do this instead. Not as much travel and stuff.
What made you want to join the “Insider”? Are you ready to make readers forget about the beloved Keith?
I’ve always been envious of the amount of fun the Insiders get to have every day. I also wanted to get the chance to get out there and engage with the community more. And who is this Keith guy everyone keeps talking about? Never heard of him.
Any hidden talents?
Some say I have the best blue-footed booby call east of the Mississippi. I can burp the alphabet – in pig latin. I also shift from third to fourth gear with more authority than Vin Diesel and the late, great Paul Walker combined. My guitar playing is all right, too.
Guilty pleasure?
Boy, where to begin? I guess the one most suitable for a family-friendly publication would be watching Teen Mom (original run or OG, not 2). That and reading trashy celebrity “news” magazines while I wait in line at the grocery store. Can you believe Obama is actually the illegitimate son of the Loch Ness Monster? Who knew?
