At just 33 years of age, Mike Berman landed his dream job in Chicago.
The Northbrook-raised lifelong sports fan nabbed the gig as a sports reporter for NBC Chicago in 2016 and has since interviewed some of the biggest names in the industry, including retired Chicago Cubs' slugger Sammy Sosa, Blackhawks Coach Jeff Blashill, and Chicago Sky phenom Angel Reese.
Before returning home, Mike worked for almost two years as the main sports anchor at WTTV in Indianapolis and more than six years as a sports anchor and reporter at Time Warner Cable News in Austin, Texas. He began his career in Springfield, Ill., where he served as a sports anchor and reporter at WICS.
Following his graduation from Glenbrook North High School (GBN), Berman studied broadcast journalism at the University of Missouri. Although Mizzou's journalism school is renowned as one of the best in the country, he believes GBN's program "was so instrumental in getting me started. Using cameras, editing, on-air performance-it was really an incredibly comprehensive program."
"I remember thinking when I got to Missouri, 'I already know all this stuff,'" he told the
Chicago Tribune
.
Throughout his career, Bermans has had the opportunity to witness some of the biggest sporting events in the U.S. He's covered the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals, Indy 500, Men's and Women's Final Four, College World Series, and many college bowl games.
When he isn't reporting on the latest Chicago sports game, Berman enjoys fishing, playing basketball, golfing, and spending time with friends and family.
What was the last book you read?
Three Nights in August
, by Buzz Bissinger. Sports guy reading a sports book…shocking, I know!
What's your all-time favorite movie?
The Big Lebowski, with many other Coen brothers' movies not far behind.
What's your favorite Jewish food?
Kugel, brisket, and matzo ball soup, best when home cooked by my mom and mother-in-law.
What are you listening to these days?
Oasis (I'm excited for their August show at Soldier Field!) and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. I'm also listening to
SmartLess
and
The Rewatchables
podcasts.
Who was the last person you texted on your phone?
My wife, Ashley.
If you could invite three people to a Shabbat dinner, who would they be?
Theo Epstein, Oprah Winfrey, and Pope Leo XIV. We'd have some fun talking about Chicago sports.
If you could have any other occupation, what would it be?
Veterinarian. I love animals and everyone knows my dog, Stanley, is my best friend!
Who are two of your biggest role models?
My mom and dad. Their hard work, success, kindness, and love for family have created a wonderful roadmap for my life.
What are you currently binging on TV?
Adolescence
.
If you could offer the teen version of yourself one piece of wisdom, what would it be?
It'll all work out, so embrace the journey.
