Meet Matt Johnson: Host of True Crime DEADLINE podcast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matt Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matt, what role has risk played in your life or career?

When I was a teenager I adopted that mantra; “What do you have to lose?” and never looked back. As a Sophomore in college I was selected for a paid internship with ‘Rolling Stone’ Magazine. I was one of only four students chosen in an international contest that centered around unique MILK marketing campaign ideas. My winning idea focused on the retro dance craze at the time, swing dancing.

As a winner I was flown to New York City, received a stipend, housing on the Upper West Side and was featured in the magazine. That experience showed me that dreams do come true with determination, hard work and support from your loved ones.

Since then, I have been a voice on national TV, won two Emmy awards, produced a pilot for the Oxygen Network and produced my own True Crime Podcast called ‘True Crime DEADLINE’.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

My podcast and storytelling keeps me busy. As the host of ‘True Crime DEADLINE’ I dust off my reporter notebooks full of true crime cases to share what happened after the cameras stopped rolling. This project has allowed me to revisit cases that still haunt me today and re-interview the victim’s or their families who are still seeking justice.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite places in Los Angeles are in three groups: Malibu for the unmatched beauty of the Pacific Ocean. Downtown Los Angeles for it’s restaurants and busy streets and tall buildings. Hollywood for it’s sound stages and history.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

My mother Georgie is my biggest fan and always has been. After high school she took college classes on the same days I studied television production just so that I didn’t have to take the bus.

Georgie always encouraged me to ask questions, stay informed and watch local news. She nurtured my dream of one day working as a crime reporter in Los Angeles and helping others.

Georgie has been a part of my dream and journey as a journalist every step of the way. From the first U-Haul truck headed to Roswell, New Mexico to the latest stint in Los Angeles (Nielsen DMA #2). My mother has always been there which is why I was thrilled to bring her as my date the night I won my second EMMY award for crime journalism in Los Angeles. My mother has always told me to follow my heart, my dreams and be a voice for ‘the people’. She is beyond special and deserves a Shoutout.

Website: http://www.truecrimedeadline.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truecrimedeadline/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CrimeDeadline
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrueCrimeDEADLINE/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TrueCrimeDEADLINE