chris rodell - author, speaker & golf fanatic still finding humor - connections

I had a chance to chat with Chris Rodell, the Author behind the bestselling book of stories of what he calls the "Golf King."  

First, I must share our connection together.  If you recall back in 2010, TSA became a nightmare and pat-downs became more invasive in airports across the country.  It was on the nightly news night after night.   I shared this on my Facebook Page:  "I am Pat Downs and I do not appreciate people not wanting me in their airports!" 

Some people who I had known for years didn't make the connection with my name until I posted that.   Of course, we all laughed and people would get bring up the "patdowns" when I would be asked for my name on occasion.

I was contacted on Facebook Messenger from a guy that wanted to write an article about pat downs and put a little humor to it.  The guy was Chris Rodell.  Chris decided to pitch the idea to NBCNEWS.com.   NBCNEWS.com accepted the pitch and he began seeking out individuals with the name of Pat Downs for his story.   Chris came across my Facebook Post and contacted me.   At first, I thought this has to be a joke.  I went to my co-worker's and told them and they thought I was losing it more than normal.  Of course, my family thought as much.

Chris and I spoke.  He asked for more details about what I thought about the latest TSA tactics.  I remember sitting at the hospital waiting on my brother to get out of surgery when Alyssa from my office messaged me.   She said your story is on the web everywhere.  I couldn't believe it.   "It is your Facebook Picture" she said in the article.   Alyssa sent me the link and there I was in print with my photo.   My family happened to be around me at the hospital and we all began to read it and laugh.  Friends were contacting me and sending me the link and we all were laughing.   The article was titled: Real 'Pat Downs' Finding Humor In Pat-Downs.  This article is still available on-line in the Travel Section of MSNBC.com.

The story didn't stop there.   A week later I received a call at my office that said "please hold for Jay Thomas."   I held on the line and sure enough, it was the late Jay Thomas from the popular show Cheers.  Jay went on to tell me that he had a radio show in New York.   He was on the Subway heading into New York City when he picked up a newspaper and there my photo was with the story from Chris Rodell.   He asked for me to be a part of his radio show on-air.  After, that our local Channel 11 News came to our office as part of their segment.     Who would have thought your name would get so much attention.   

I contacted Chris and told him about all the attention I was getting over his article.  We laughed and he thanked me.  Chris went on to tell me that was his first story for MSNBC.com.  He was delighted that the story stayed alive a little longer.    

We kept our connection up via Facebook from time to time since 2010.  I followed his Blog and what he was involved with etc.  I decided to send Chris a message and ask him if I could turn the table and interview him for my Blog.   Of course, he was delighted.   It was fun speaking with him again and laughing about this ongoing story of "pat downs."    Actually having a person from one of his stories now interviewing him for their story.

MEET CHRIS RODELL

Chris Rodell, is a golf fanatic as much as I am a tea fanatic.  Chris started out his early career writing for various newspapers.  He went on to write sports articles for Golf Magazine, Maxim, The National Enquirer and Maximum Golf.  A monthly columnist for Links magazine, one of the game's premier travel publications.  Chris is the author of Andrews McMeel Publishing's Manly Golf: 50 Ways to Muscle Your Way to Victory and coauthor of When Bad Things Happen to Good Golfers.

My husband Greg is obsessed with watching Golf.   When we first got married I watched it with him (even though I knew nothing about it) and I watched Arnold Palmer on many occasion.

I asked Chris about Arnold Palmer and his relationship with the late golfer.  "I have covered so many stories on Arnold Palmer" that when suggested I write a book about the King, I couldn't resist."  Chris went on to say that he had over 100 interviews with the Golf Legend covering a span of over 20 years.  It helps that Chris and his wife live on Arnold Palmer Drive, a half mile from the Latrobe Country Club.  Arnold Palmer's home was located at the club.

Today, Chris enjoys writing books, along with various speaking engagements across the Country.  Chris has over 23 books on Goodreads.  His most popular book Use All The Crayons, is a colorful guide to find human happiness.  "Like a box of crayons, we are all born with an astounding range of color options."

Congratulations Chris!  I am so glad that we have kept up the connection and I will continue to follow.  Be sure and check out chrisroddel.com

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