‘I don’t separate them’: How Will Leitch Separates Work and Fun

Earlier this month, nationally recognized University of Illinois journalism alum Will Leitch visited the Urbana campus for an interview in front of a class of current journalism students. Leitch (BS ‘98, journalism) is the author of several books, including How Lucky.

Leitch is also a contributor to a number of publications, including The New York Times, GQ, New York Magazine, Sports Illustrated and MLB.com.

His work isn’t restricted to just written journalism. He is also the founder of the sports blog Deadspin, host and co-host of multiple podcasts including Seeing Red and Grierson & Leitch, and was a part of the Illini Media Hall of Fame Class of 2022.

When asked about his wide range of writing and production, Leitch responded, “I just like making things! I can’t put it any more simpler than that.”

During his interview, he was asked how he keeps work and fun separated when he enjoys his work as much as he does, and he answered: “I don’t separate them.”

“One of the things I’m very fortunate and even privileged to be able to do, is I can kind of write about the stuff that I care about,” Leitch said.t

While a student at the U of I, the Mattoon native worked for the Daily Illini as a reporter, columnist and editorLeitch will soon be hitting the road to tour for his upcoming book The Time Has Come, which will hit the shelves this May. To keep up with Will Leitch’s stories and podcasts, visit his Tumblr blog, The Will Leitch Experience.