Off the Wall
with Dustin Carpenter
If you could be anyone else, who would it be?
A war refugee. It would be a humbling experience, realizing how good I really have it in the USA. I am not sure it is possible to have true compassion for others unless you truly walk in their shoes. That’s why I loved the TV show “The World of Jenks” because the director and main person (Andrew Jenks) literally immerses himself in the subject’s world and becomes one of them to get a grasp on their daily lives.
How lucky are you and why?
I’m a walking rabbit’s foot. I tend to have really good luck with things, whether it is falling into this profession and the passion I have for it now or growing up in such a great family that offered me opportunities that impacted the rest of my life. Most situations work out for the best for me, though I’m not sure if it’s pure luck, good choices, hard work or a combo of all three.
What song best describes your work ethic?
“Work Hard, Play Hard” by Wiz Khalifa. Although I’m not a fan of Wiz, or rap music in general really, ”work hard, play hard” has always been how I feel about the way I live life. Once I earn the right to play, I take full advantage of it!
How does the internet work?
I am not Al Gore. Maybe I should have said I’d be him in the first question and then I could answer this question properly
What’s something you’re shamelessly proud of?
Finishing two marathons. And not just finishing them; but getting to the start line, and crossing the finish, with members of my family. My race memories and experiences are something that words cannot describe, and that will always live in my heart as my proudest moments.
If you were on an island, and could only bring three things, what would you bring?
Wireless internet access, an iPad and a solar charging cable for the iPad. I am part of a hyper-connected generation, even though I’m not a fan of it sometimes. I’m actually notorious for starting the “phone game” when out with friends. That is where we all have to stack our phones in the middle of the table, and the first person to touch their phone pays the tab for everyone.
How would people communicate in a perfect world?
Honestly and openly. Sometimes so much energy is exhausted trying to figure out what people meant by saying one thing, that if we were all just open with one another it would save a lot of time.
What’s one shocking thing about you that no one could guess?
I ran over 134 miles on a broken femur. During training for an ultramarathon, I stress fractured my femur and continued to run on it until the pain was unbearable. Needless to say, I was on crutches for six weeks and couldn’t complete the race. An ultramarathon is still at the top of my bucket list!