Spotlight COlorado  

Have You Met?

National Emmy award-winning journalist Jodi Brook’s dream has come true!  After four remarkable jobs as a reporter in Wausau, Wisconsin; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Mobile, Alabama; and Cleveland Ohio, Jodi is back – and better than ever - in her home town of Denver with the News 4 team at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.

As a young talented professional, Jodi has already accomplished some remarkable things. While in Mobile, Jodi gained national attention for her efforts to help mothers who were not able to take care of their new babies. Sickened by a story about a mother who drowned her baby in a toilet, Jodi wanted to make a difference so something like this didn't happen again. She worked with local leaders convincing them to allow mothers to drop off their unwanted infants at hospital emergency rooms without fear of prosecution – with a “no questions asked” guarantee.

Alabama lawmakers eventually passed a law known as the “Jodi Brooks Law,” which is now established in nearly every state in the country including Colorado. This is what brought Jodi her National Emmy award, and she was honored for her efforts on the Oprah Winfrey show - as well as the Rosie O’Donnell Show. She has also been written up in several magazines such as People, Time, Newsweek, and Redbook.

Jodi is so glad she is back in Denver enjoying her family and friends who were dearly missed while she was concentrating on her career. Knowing well that Denver is considered a very desirable city for news reporters, Jodi is grateful that working hard has brought her back to the place of her original roots. In a world where “you can be hot chocolate one day, and chopped liver the next,” Jodi is happy to say, “The train stops here! There’s simply no place like home and working for News 4!”  We say, “Thank you Jodi for making Denver proud!”

What was your first job? “My Favorite Yogurt” across the street from my school - Cherry Creek H.S.

What is your favorite place in your home? Living Room

What three things are always in your refrigerator? Oranges, Turkey and Water

Where can you be found at midnight? Working on the computer.

What type of social event is your favorite? Bronco Games and CU Football Games.

Who is your hero, and why? My parents because of their courage, drive and moral fiber.

Who is your mentor? Professor James Hoyt from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He always told me 'You can do it!'

What is a favorite childhood memory? Participating in soccer games at the designated soccer fields on Arapahoe Road - which ended up being an all day affair. I learned how to be a part of a team by playing soccer.

Who is your favorite author? Dr. Seuss. I also read a lot of non-fiction books.

What are your favorite magazines? People and Runners’ World

What do you most value in your friends? Honesty. I like hearing a difference of opinion, since we are not all alike. Being able to “dip” into their lives and vice versa.

What is one thing nobody knows about you? I am a “Klutz.”

What would you do it you were queen of the world? Everyone would have everything they needed. I would share the good stuff, and spread the wealth.

Who is the most interesting celebrity you’ve ever met? Oprah Winfrey. She has a way of validating you; she can just rip the worlds out of your mouth. She is so classy and puts out so much warmth.

What are your hobbies or other interests? Working out. Right now I just love Bikram Yoga.

What is your pet peeve? People that chew with their mouths open.

What is your favorite clothing store? Nordstrom. I also like discovering a small boutique where I find something wonderful - especially when you weren’t necessarily looking for something.

If your life were a movie, who would play your part? Drew Barrymore or Ashley Judd.

If there were one thing you would change about yourself, what would it be? Stop looking ahead so much.

Which one word describes you best? Energetic.

What one word would others use to describe you? Organized.

What makes you laugh? My singing.

What is your most treasured possession? My family.

What are your personal mottos or favorite quotes? Celebrate Life! There’s always tomorrow. It is what it is….

What do you consider your proudest achievement? Making it back to Denver through my journeys.

What is your greatest indulgence? Snacks from 7-11

What is the best advice your Mom/Dad ever gave you? It always works out! When has it not?

What or who is the greatest love of your life? My family and friends

What do you think is the secret to success? Good listening, and believing in yourself.

What is your current state of mind? I’m in a good place right now; everything has come together. I’m enjoying professional success and comfortable with who I am. I just need my personal life to catch up with my professional life! I know there is still much more to experience.

What might your epitaph read? It’s been one hell of a life!