Meet Indianapolis Star digital operations manager Joe Mutascio
It takes a staff of dedicated journalists to bring you the news from around Central Indiana. In this feature, the Indianapolis Star introduces readers to our newsroom staff — or, rather, we let them introduce themselves. Up this week is Joe Mutascio.
What’s your job title?
Digital Operations Manager
When did you join IndyStar?
It’s complicated, but I’ve worked with Star editors, reporters and photographers on and off since 2016.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Being involved in almost every piece of content we produce. As a reporter you only work on a few stories each week, but we have so many great stories. I love being able to help on and improve the reach of dozens of stories every week.
Why journalism?
Since growing up with the Boston Globe on the table every morning, I’ve been interested in the crazy/emotional/inspiring stories happening all around us. Without journalism so many of them would go untold and unnoticed.
What’s your favorite Indy area restaurant or hidden gem?
Tinker Street! I’ve never had a bad meal there, service is always amazing and it’s just a great time.
What do you do to unwind from a job that can be stressful?
I train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu a few times a week. Nothing like having someone try to choke you unconscious to make you realize work isn’t really as stressful as it feels in the moment.
What are you reading or streaming?
“Them” on Netflix. I can’t in good conscience recommend it; it’s brutal and pretty disturbing.
What song do you shamelessly jam out to in the car?
“Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. It’s a great song but probably shows my ever-increasing old-man status.
Do you prefer dogs or cats?
This is a tough one for me. My whole life I’ve said dogs (for all the obvious reasons), but we found a cat in the gutter a few years ago and he is adorable and incredibly easy to take care of. I’m going cats, but I don’t feel great about it.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I went to the oldest public high school in America, and it’s one of the hardest high schools in the country. It placed third in the US News rankings while I attended. One of the first things they told us our first year during a big assembly was,“Look to the left, look to the right. One of them won’t be at graduation.” They were right.
What’s your bucket-list vacation destination?
Switzerland. My mom always wanted to go and never made it, and for the past few years every video or photo that makes me do a double take on social media has been from there.
What’s your favorite comfort food?
Homemade chicken noodle soup. Mom made it growing up every winter, so it smells and tastes like home.
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