Media Darling: Greg Hudson

Born and raised in Edmonton, AB, where he made his mother
proud by singing and acting in many high school musicals, Greg Hudson is now
the associate editor of Sharp, Canada’s men’s magazine. He talks to starlets and
authors, and is the one you would pitch to if you want a story in the magazine. He’s also written for Toronto Life, Elle Canada
and Canadian Business. He has a wife and an incredibly cute dog named
Saunders. 

Twitter: @gregwillread, @sharpmagazine

Website: sharpformen.com

Did you always want to be in the media? If not, what other
careers were on the horizon? 

I always wanted to be in the media, but in high school that
meant being a subject of media. I wanted to be the first Canadian prime
minister who got his start as a world-renowned pop star. My heroes were Pierre
Trudeau and Robbie Williams.

Where would you like to be five years from now?

A place where I can look back and say, “You know, I am now in
a completely appropriate place career-wise vis-a-vis where I was five years
ago. I am therefore content.” I will say this from a bigger apartment.

Any advice for people getting started in your industry?

Work hard. Editors—and hopefully readers, too—can tell when
you phone something in.

What are your favourite media outlets, not including your
own? 

Of course, all the other men’s magazines, but also: Slate.com, TheAtlanticWire.com (I have a crush on Richard Lawson. You can tell
him I said that.), The A.V. Club.

These are shocking, considering my demographic.  

Best interview you’ve ever had?

Brooklyn Decker was surprisingly candid, when she really
didn’t have to be. George Saunders and Michael Chabon were dreams that came
true.

Worst?

Probably Amber Heard. She didn’t walk out or anything, she was
just too pretty to be at all enthused.

Best advice you’ve ever been given?

I think I’ve forgotten all the advice I’ve ever been given.

What rule(s) do you live your life by?

I try to treat others as though they are, in fact, real
humans. Although, I probably fall short of the Golden Rule more often than I
allow myself to admit.

What’s the most important tip you can give PR pros?

If something is personalized to me, and backed up by a sense
that they know my publication, I’m going to look for ways to help them.

Best experience you’ve had with a PR pro? We love to hear
about #wins.

When I feel like I’ve made an honest connection with a PR
person, whether it’s through hilarious email banter, or the reciprocated use of
ironic exclamation marks, it’s a win. Oh, and when people can hook me up with
books, gift ideas, or samples at the last minute for silly television
appearances? To them, I silently sing Bette Midler’s Wind Beneath My Wings.

I hate?

The word natch. I hate the word natch.

I love?

Validation.

Reading?

Everyone’s life would be improved by reading George
Saunders’ new book The Tenth of December. (I named my dog after the guy. He’s
like my new Pierre Trudeau and Robbie Williams).

Best place on earth?
Shuswap Lake in British Colombia. 

Dinner guest?

Ugh. I have to make dinner now? No. No.

Hero?

See answer above, under READING.

Favourite app (or whatever you are downloading these days)?

These are all words I don’t understand. Like favourite appetizer? I’m a fan of
various dips, I think. Or, you know, a plate of wings. Pan bread and parm dip
at Earl’s is pretty great, too.

Pool or ocean?

Neither. Lake. But, you know, a clean one.

Voicemail or email?

Email.