Our Wripple marketplace is made up of talented professionals from all different backgrounds. Their shared dedication and passion make all the difference. This month, we are very excited to spotlight Steve Calechman, Content Writer & Editor.

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Tell us a little bit about your background.

I grew up just outside of Boston and now live a little north of the city. I started as a local newspaper reporter, transitioned to magazines, and still write for some surviving ones. I was a longtime contributing editor for Men’s Health, and now mostly write for online publications, universities, and hospitals. I can edit and proofread, but I’m fundamentally a writer, coming up with ideas and making them into stories.  

What makes you such an awesome writer? 

I do a few things really well. I can write funny and make you laugh out loud, but I only do that if it works for the piece. I love my words, and I pick pretty good ones, but if something doesn’t work, I’m great at revising. I can take a lot of information and crystallize it. I’m also curious. I ask lots of questions of myself and others and if it leads to someone thinking or saying something unexpected,  that makes for a good read.  

How do you think being a stand-up comedian makes you a better writer? 

I know about rhythm, not just how words are read, but also spoken and heard. You also don’t have a lot of time on stage to get an audience  on your side. You have to get to the point, so you need to give the most information with the fewest words.

Also, when you’re doing a show with eight other people, topics are going to repeat themselves. I never wanted to hear a joke that sounded like mine. That forced me to dig a little more and get to the third or fourth idea so my stuff was original. I also realized that people have choices on how to spend their time and money. If they’re in the audience, I want them to have an experience they wouldn’t get anywhere else and walk away feeling it was totally worth it. Same thing applies to something I write.  

What do you love most about your work?   

I love the challenge of taking a well-covered topic and finding something new. It often comes down to finding a different source, and I really enjoy trying to track that person down. I’ve written a lot about stress, and a psychologist is fine for advice, but an Alaska bush pilot or a Stanley Cup-winning goalie gives it a little more juice.  

What are some of your top professional accomplishments?  

In 2023, I won the award for Best Column Writing from the City and Regional Magazine Association. In 2024, I was nominated for the award again, along with Writer of the Year. I didn’t win either, but I still feel relatively pretty.  

I also was the announcer for a professional tennis team for eight seasons. I worked the crowd, interviewed players, and was part of making a three-hour live event run smoothly, even when the power went out in the stadium. I made Serena Williams laugh on court. Anna Kournikova might have sworn at me, and I discovered the first concert Billie Jean King ever went to.  

Anything else you'd like to share? Special recognition, awards, hobbies?

Is playing Wordle in my car while picking up my kids and trying to get the answer in less than four so I can throw it in my wife’s face a hobby? Yes? Cool. I’ll go with that one.

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If you are interested in working with Steve or another amazing Wripple talent member, here’s how to get started:

• Wripple clients: Contact your Wripple Client Lead; their contact information is on your Wripple homepage.
• Not a client? Schedule a demo to learn more.