The Reach Out: Brian Karem
The journalist and author explains why he prefers to get outside for exercise, and reveals what his biggest motivation is for keeping active.
Brian J. Karem is a journalist, author and speaker who has worked in both print and television news. He currently writes a weekly column for Salon, having previously served as senior White House correspondent for Playboy.
On his podcast, Just Ask the Question, Karem has conversations with prominent newsmakers about the issues making headlines.
In his recent book, Free the Press: The Death of American Journalism and How to Revive It, Karem discusses how journalism — and the free speech it relies on — has become endangered, and offers a plan for rescuing it.
Karem has testified in support of a federal shield law to protect reporters, and is the founder of the “First Jailbird’s Club,” a group of 13 reporters who went to jail to defend the identity of a confidential source.
I spoke with Brian Karem about why he makes time for exercise (and Bourbon).
How are you keeping active these days?
How do I keep active? Usually by running my mouth. No, I do a lot of walking, running, and calisthenics. I do a lot of jumping jacks and work out with small weights.
Do you have a specific routine, or do exercise when you can?
Every morning at 5am, I take two shots of bourbon whether I need to or not. That’s the best way to keep fit.
I wasn't expecting that answer! So has this routine changed at all since the pandemic began?
Now I limit myself to five shots of bourbon. No, seriously, during the pandemic, I haven’t been out and about as much. I’ve been more bound to a chair, not moving around. I get restless and bored and don't feel right if I don’t get up and move. So my wife and I got this 150 pound dog, and he takes me for a walk every day.
Do you wear a fitness monitor to remind you to walk and move?
A stethoscope and a catheter. No, I do have a monitor, but to be honest with you, I don't pay much attention to it. I was an athlete in high school and college, so I’ve always tried to stay active. So I know what I have to do in terms of breaking a sweat and being active.
I think people forget that when we were kids, being active came more naturally to us. As adults, we sometimes feel like we’re being forced to do exercise. We need to remember the enjoyment that we got out of it as kids. Fortunately, people say I've never grown up, so I still have the mind of a child when it comes to exercise, which means I try to have fun while doing it.
Is there something or somebody that motivates you to exercise?
Yeah, my wife won’t want anything to do with me if I turn into a fat couch potato. It’s pure vanity!
When you work out, do you listen to podcasts or music, or do you prefer to tune out?
I think I’m Simon and Garfunkel — “The sounds of silence.”
A big part of the joy of taking a walk in nature is listening to the birds, crickets, bees, deer, squirrels, dogs, and cats, and not having to listen to any news.
If I’m walking with someone, talking is fine — that's all I need. But at some point I need to unplug a little bit! So I think the perfect time to get away from everything is when you're putting your body through its paces.
Listening to podcasts and news while you're exercising is the same as watching a movie on television while you're making love.
Is there a sport or a fitness activity that you would like to try one day?
Well, I love cardio, so maybe sex while skydiving.
No, I have no desire to try something that might kill me.
What about something like Peloton?
I’ve seen those Peloton commercials. They're sitting on a stationary bike pretending like you're going to a cliff. Why not go to an actual cliff? There are plenty of rock climbing places in the U.S, and many of them are within an easy two or three hour drive. Just drive there and do it once in a while. Instead of an online countryside, go to the countryside! So no, I'm not drawn to any of that garbage at all.
What I enjoy most about exercise is that it’s an alternative to the mechanized world in which I live. One of my favorite things to do is bike right here in Montgomery county. I get to see the river and interact with nature, and for me, that’s what exercise is all about.
Do you think there is a way to encourage kids to get more exercise?
I coached youth sports for years and found that most kids do want to be active, but too often, they're spoiled by their parents and often just become lazy. Once they get in front of the TV or PlayStation, it’s hard to get them away. So parents need to get out there and play with their children more.
Remember at the end of Field of Dreams, Kevin Costner looks at his dad and says, “Wanna have a catch?” There's nothing more endearing than playing with your kid in the backyard. Throw the ball with them, go swimming, go hiking, teach them about the outdoors. If parents did this, kids would be much better off because they’d be more active in the long run.
Brian Karem’s perspective on exercise and fitness was honest and practical (and made me laugh out loud).😀
Thank you, @BrianKarem
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