Buffalo Grove native Josh Frydman is living out his childhood dream: He's a sports reporter for WGN-TV and co-anchor of GN Sports, the network's nightly sports show.
Prior to returning to his sweet home Chicago, he cut his teeth as sports director of the University of Missouri's campus television station MUTV; served as sports anchor and reporter at KFVS-TV in Cape Girardeau, Mo.; and worked at the NBC affiliate stations in Memphis.
Frydman's work has been honored by the Illinois Broadcasters Association, Tennessee Associated Press Broadcasters, and Society of Professional Journalists.
When he isn't in the newsroom, Frydman volunteers through Big Brothers Big Sisters, Junior Achievement, and the Boys and Girls Club.
For Frydman, Judaism plays a vital role in his life--on and off camera. In 2018, he was one of 10 journalists in the world to travel to Israel to cover a summit on the ways Israeli tech companies are innovating sports technology. He's also a 2019 honoree of 36 Under 36!
What was the last book you read?
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow
by Gabrielle Zevin. I'm currently
reading Bringing up Bebe
since we recently had our first child!
What's your all-time favorite movie?
It's a tie between
The Shawkshank Redemption
and
Good Will Hunting
.
What's your favorite Jewish food?
My mom's noodle kugel with Frosted Flakes on top.
What are you listening to these days?
The Bill Simmons
and
The Rewatchables
podcasts, plus several fantasy sports and Chicago sports-focused pods.
Who was the last person you texted?
My wife (who is pretty much only texting me pictures of our seven-month-old baby haha).
If you could invite 3 people to a Shabbat dinner, who would they be?
John Mulaney, Taylor Swift, and Sandy Koufax.
If you could have any other occupation, what would it be?
Pro pickleball player. I've been playing since 2017, so I'm not quite there yet.
Who are your biggest role models?
My parents are huge role models in my life. A role model in my industry is Dan Roan, a retired WGN sportscaster whom I got to learn under for nearly a decade. He's a true pro.
What are you currently binge-watching on TV?
I just finished binging
Curb Your Enthusiasm
to catch up to the current season.
If you could offer the teen version of yourself one piece of wisdom, what would it be?
Learn to code.
