Tim Golden is managing editor for investigations and news of the nonprofit news organization The Marshall Project, which covers the U.S. criminal justice system. Previously he was an investigative reporter at The New York Times. Before moderating a panel on why there are so many people in prison in America and California today, he talked about his many childhood heroes, why he may go back to Honduras but probably not Albania, and the biggest difference between nonprofit and for-profit journalism.
What’s the last habit you tried to kick?
I’m not a good habit-kicker. I think I’m mostly stuck in all my old habits. I can’t remember the last time I came up with one of those.
Where do you write best?
Someplace quiet.
Who was your childhood hero?
God I had a lot of them. Roman Gabriel, Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King.
What’s hanging on your refrigerator door?
Pictures of my little girls.
What country have you reported from are you least likely to return to?
Honduras. Actually, probably Albania. Honduras, who knows? I might take up diving or something.
How did you get into trouble as a kid?
All sorts of ways. It’s really too long of a list.
What profession would you practice in your next life?
Maybe law.
What’s your drink of choice?
Rum. Actually, tequila.
What’s the biggest difference between working in nonprofit and for-profit journalism?
Autonomy.
What’s your favorite thing about Southern California?
The beach.