In this Ambassador Spotlight we focus on the multi-talented Neil Cole. Neil uses Snugs with his MEE M6 IEM’s in his job as reporter and Broadcaster. He has met and interviewed a number of interesting people throughout his career, including Actor Idris Elba OBE and heavy metal band Metallica.
Name: Neil Cole
Age: Fortysomething…
Profession: Motor/Adventure Sports Presenter/Creative; Actor; Comedian; Producer/Director/Writer
Snugs: SnugsPro for IEM’s & Snugs Work Protection
Career Highlights:
Broadcaster
- 3 years as pan-European MTV presenter
- Host of Shakedown for Sony Pictures Television
- Presenter of Man Vs Ride for National Geographic
- Anchor for Eurosport’s global flagship live show “Le Mans Coach” alongside legendary racing driver Tom Kristensen (2017)
- Sports broadcaster across a spectrum of disciplines including: football, handball, endurance racing, skateboarding, weightlifting, rallying, wakeboarding, cycling, rugby, table tennis and more.
Other career highlights
- Actor in Amazon Prime Series ‘Dark Ditties Presents…’ 2019
- Actor in Commercial – Domino’s Winter Survival Deal
- Host of comedy Improv show Slattery Night Fever (2018)
- Series Writer for Red Bull’s prestigious Ultimate Rush adventure sports documentary series (Season 4, 2015)
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What inspired you to become a Sports Journalist?
The smart-ass answer would be that I love sports… the truth is I took a VERY roundabout route to this career – starting as an actor, then a comedian, then a youth TV presenter, then an MTV VJ, then motorsport…
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What is a typical day for you?
Ask me in January and it would be flying across a fresh chunk of desert, no sleep, no shower, to chase the stories on the Dakar Rally; ask me in in the summer and it means up at dawn to get to a circuit somewhere in the world, plug in my snugs and get to work hosting and reporting the news from paddocks and service parks and pitlanes.
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What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given/would give to someone looking to get into the profession?
The best advice was “DO YOUR JOB!” Regardless of how difficult the circumstances, if things are unfair etc etc, everyone else is doing their job, so just do yours to the best of your ability. It gets noticed.
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What would you describe as your greatest achievement?
I hope I haven’t got there yet.
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Favourite interview and why?
Metallica. Just because… Metallica.
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If you weren’t a Sports Journalist, what would be your ideal job?
I also still have an acting career bubbling away parallel to this (2 films coming out this year) and that is definitely my ideal job. That, or pro-skateboarder.
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What do you like to do in your spare time?
Sleep, skate, read, draw.
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What’s a goal you have for yourself that you want to accomplish in the next year?
Survive Covid-19
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You have to pick a restaurant to eat out. What type of cuisine would you pick?
SUSHI or pizza. Or a sushi pizza?
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Have you ever had an amusing blooper/faux pas that you would like to share?
TOO MANY!
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Go to song choice/inspirational song
Depending on what’s required: ‘Anthem’ by Leonard Cohen or LL Cool J ‘Mama Said Knock You Out’
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How many countries have you visited and which is the craziest location/destination?
I average over 50 flights per year. The Altiplano in the Bolivian Andes was incredible
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You’re packing your suitcase for your next trip, what are the essential items that you have to take?
Flip flops for after work!
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Favourite movie recommendation
Best movie of recent years was ‘Us’