Mike Boehm has been a daily newspaper reporter since 1978 and currently writes about the arts for the Los Angeles Times. Before moderating a discussion about whether artistic greatness comes with age, he talked about what he hopes to find at the bottom of the ocean, his first job, and what beat he wouldn’t want to cover.
What music have you listened to today?
Social Distortion’s most recent album, driving up here. It was terrific. I can’t remember the name of it.
What’s your drink of choice?
Water. Or iced tea. In a bar, club soda with some cranberry juice and a twist of lime.
Deep sea exploration or journey into outer space?
Deep sea exploration. My son just loves any kind of creatures, and if you go to outer space changes are you won’t meet any wildlife, but if you do deep space exploration you’re bound to stumble on something interesting.
What’s the last live performance or event you attended?
The problem is, I’m a reporter, and you’re always thinking about the next thing you have to do. This is the hardest question there is—what did you do last week, so it all fades away. I’m going to have to think about this: Henry IV, Part One, at Antaeus Theater.
What’s your favorite thing about covering the arts in L.A.?
The creativity is so astonishingly high and people are so generous in educating me about it so I can write something halfway intelligent.
What animal fills you with terror?
Oh, I can’t be honest about that—it’s too scary. (Laughs.) Lyme ticks. I’ve learned a lot about Lyme disease, and Lyme ticks are a nasty thing.
If you didn’t cover the arts, what would your beat be?
Whatever they told me to do. I’m a career reporter, and if they want me to cover the school board, I’ll cover the school board. If they want me to cover sports—well, that’s a hard life. I’m very happy covering the arts. I luckily had a grounding earlier in my career with all kinds of news stories. It’s a good education.
What’s the last thing to expire in your fridge?
I think a few pieces of fruit went bad. You know, those little tangerines that you get by the sackful. I got a good deal on them, and I think the deal was because they were toward the end of their shelf life.
What was your first job?
Working at Sherwood Pharmacy in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Sherwood E. Boehm, proprietor—he was my father, he was a pharmacist, and I grew up working in the drugstore. Pretty good boss.
Who was your childhood hero?
I would have to say it would be a tough call between Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Tom Seaver.
Who was the last person to leave you a voicemail?
There was one just today, but who was that from? Someone calling wanting me to do a story that I wasn’t interested in doing.