1. What was your favorite course during your student days?
The course “Sociology of Media,” taught by Prof. Keith Roe, who would later also become the supervisor of my doctorate. That course discussed how our social position explains our media use and the impact of media use on individuals and society. Actually, you could say that I teach that course myself. It's just now called, “Media: Audiences and Effects”!
2. Have you ever failed an exam? If so, which subject?
No, never passed a tube at university. But one of my lesser subjects was “Public Law”. Had a lot of stress for it and cried tears because I thought I wasn't going to pass.
3. What is the strangest thing you've ever done to relieve study stress?
I don't know what I did preventively, but after the stress of cramming and taking an exam, I felt I was entitled to half a day of relaxation. Then, for example, I would go buy the Humo and get a pack of fries at “frituur Parkpoort” because I had “earned” it. Furthermore, I once reviewed the literature on stress and coping (in criminals), and learned that sometimes it is enough to just think or say “Fuck it” (I quote this verbatim). I apply that regularly myself.
4. What was your most memorable student experience?
I was a student during a period of important social events, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall. I followed those in my dorm on a small black-and-white teevee with only two posts. I also became addicted to The Bold and The Beautiful during that period. Other than that, I just thought it was cool to sit in the auditorium with the large group, or to commute to and from Leuven on Sunday and Friday nights with some fellow villagers. I also remember the long queues on Wednesday nights, when everyone was queuing up to call home at the one phone booth on the little square.
5. Have you ever had a student job? What was that?
I used to do vacation work: serving and washing up in catering and in a company restaurant. But I didn't really have much talent for that! ;)
6. If you could go back in time, what would you advise your younger self to do?
Since I would probably ignore that advice as a young person anyway: nothing really... I wouldn't want to give advice to avoid negative things either. Without “valleys,” no highs either!
7. If you hadn't become a professor, what would you be doing now?
I still hesitated to study medicine or Germanic studies. I chose Communication Studies because I wanted a creative job in advertising. That ended up turning out differently than I expected! ;) If I had to choose now: Coming up with TV formats seems like fun, as does presenting on the radio, making podcasts or announcing the weather forecast....
8. What was your first thought today?
What time is it?
9. What is your favorite book, and why?
“I am Pilgrim.” If I read for pleasure, preferably exciting books! I like to “sleuth along” and it has to progress. On the other hand, I also really like Herman Koch's novels, because of his (black) humor.
10. What music or artist do you like to listen to?
Michael Kiwanuka, Sylvie Kreusch, Eels, Brihang, Nick Cave, Gabriel Rios, The Weeknd, Florence + The Machine, Stromae ... Or my favorites from the past: Amy Winehouse, Joe Jackson, Robert Palmer, Roxy Music, Prince, Fleetwood Mac, Grace Jones. And to get into summer moods, I often put on Italian classics.
11. If you could meet one historical figure, who would it be and why?
If I had to choose, maybe Albert Einstein. Not for his theory of relativity, but for his ability to put things into perspective. And then we would take pictures together with wild hair and stick out our tongues! For the rest, I would especially like to see my forefathers and mothers (again).
12. What is a travel destination that is still on your bucket list?
Thanks to my job, I have been able to travel a lot: besides many European countries, I have also visited the USA, Australia, South Africa, Thailand, Japan, Canada, ..... I would still like to go to South America myself. Or what is actually my ultimate wish when I retire: to make a very long train trip (Orient-Express or Trans Siberia Express type).
13. What is your favorite way to spend a free Sunday?
Meeting up with family or friends, having something nice to eat, ..... As a true Limburger, I think that cake is part of that. I also like to play board games (Catan, Carcassonne, Werewolves, ....).
14. What is the most fun thing you've learned recently (outside of your field)?
I am a member of the Clouds Appreciation Society FB group. So now I already know what Asperitas clouds are (I even posted a photo of them in that group), and I hope to see Mammatus clouds someday. I continue to follow the IFL(IFuckingLove)Science account. Good for facts like, “Cats Know Their Height But Not Width When Confronted With Small Openings,” “Does Everyone Hear A Voice In Their Head When They Read?”
15. What's the most adventurous thing you've ever done?
I think my doctoral research is the most exciting thing I've ever done. I went to survey inmates in five Flemish prisons about their media use. So I did spend some time “in prison” after all....
16. What is your most precious possession?
Not so much “what”, but rather “who”: my family, family, friends... And of course they are not my “possession”, but I “have” them very much! ;)
17. How do you find peace of mind?
I can best put myself, my worries and stress into perspective by listening to “Ik heb een heel zwaar leven” by Brigitte Kaandorp. I love that song!
18. Do you have a hidden talent that your students don't know about?
Um... a very long time ago I played guitar, tap-danced, ..... And together with other PhD students - some of whom are now also prof at our faculty - as a young researcher I liked to go and sing karaoke. Furthermore, during games (such as werewolves) I am good at lying and turning others against each other.... ;)
19. When you look to the future, what do you see?
Hopefully many more fun research and classes, and then I will retire to a southern resort and learn to paint and bake pots.
20. What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Everything is relative.
