Sam Maggs: Today’s Notable Young Professional

Today’s Notable Young Professional is a trailblazer within the geeky pop culture scene, and currently hosts one of the most-watched entertainment shows in the country. We caught up with Sam Maggs to find out what inspired her career and what advice she would share with other young professionals…

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WORK

1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
Cineplex Pre-Show Host, Author, On-Air Personality, and Professional Fangirl.

2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
Geeky pop culture has always been the thing I’ve been most passionate, but it’s traditionally felt like a male-dominated space. I wanted to help make that world feel more accessible to women, and like they weren’t alone in love the things that they love. It’s okay to be a lady and be into sci-fi TV or games; there’s a huge and supportive community just waiting to embrace you both online and IRL.

3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
There are two, and they happened within a week of each other. The first was finishing my debut book, The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy, and the second was winning the contest to be one of the first hosts of the Cineplex Pre-Show. I was already a huge movie fan, and now I was going to be on the big screen on one of the most-watched entertainment shows in the country! It was wild.

4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
Hopefully I’ll still be writing books and talking pop culture. Honestly, I barely know where I’m going to be in six months, but that’s part of what I love about the industry I’m in.

5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
With the internet and social media, there are so few barriers to entry now for creative careers. If you have something to say, write it, film it, do it, promote yourself online. Just go for it! Audiences will find you and your unique voice.

6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
Plan Canada’s Because I Am A Girl has always resonated with me for their support of women worldwide.

7. What does the word notable mean to you?
Interesting! I love people who are really invested in something; your passions make you interesting.

PLAY

1. Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
Not to be a gigantic Torontonian lady cliché, but I’m such a brunch person. I love to have weekend brunch at the Rebel House and then head to the Varsity for a matinée. I always show up super early, though, so I can watch the Pre-Show and play TimePlay, because I’m obsessed with collecting SCENE points.

2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser?
TheMarySue.com, for all my geek culture news.

3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
Writer Gail Simone, who is a hilarious troll but also drops truth bombs about women in comics all the time.

4. What’s your favourite cocktail?
Can I say raspberry iced tea? I’m going to say it anyways.

5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
Not being at a comic convention like SDCC and seeing everyone post about it online.

6. What would be your last meal? And don’t hold back…
Pasta. Every pasta ever.

7. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Comic books and video games seem like the obvious answer, but I don’t feel guilty about those. Honestly, it’s probably Survivor.

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