9 questions with Dominique Dawes

This week, Dominique Dawes — 10 year member of the U.S. gymnastics team, an Olympic gold medal winner, and advocate for the National Parks Foundation — answers our questions.

What’s the first piece of media you consume every day?

It would definitely have to be Good Morning America on in the background. I don't always hear it, but that’s where I first hear about the day's news.

Name a writer or publication you disagree with but still read.

I'm a stay at home mom, so reading today is strictly of children's books. My favorite is Nancy Tillman, and I agree with everything she writes.

Who is the person who has most influenced the way you think?

I would have to say that my husband influences the way that I think most today, but that of course wasn't always the case.

When was the last time you changed your mind about something?

Right now! I'm always changing my mind, because I overthink everything all the time.

What’s your worst intellectual habit?

My worst intellectual habit has to be overanalyzing everything. I do it all the time, because there are too many options in this world.

What inspires you to learn?

Today, my girls inspire me to learn. Knowing that I am my kids' first teacher in life, I do everything that I can do so they can enjoy all the knowledge that I provide to them.

What do you need to believe in order to get through the day?

What I need to get through the day is hope that there is another day, and that today I left something good in its wake.

What’s a view that you hold but can’t defend?

Washing dishes is a waste of time, which is why everyone should use paper plates; it saves times and arguments with your spouse.

What book have you recommended the most?

The Bible.

You can read last week’s edition of 9 questions with Bill Nye here.

Will you support Vox’s explanatory journalism?

Most news outlets make their money through advertising or subscriptions. But when it comes to what we’re trying to do at Vox, there are a couple of big issues with relying on ads and subscriptions to keep the lights on:

First, advertising dollars go up and down with the economy. We often only know a few months out what our advertising revenue will be, which makes it hard to plan ahead.

Second, we’re not in the subscriptions business. Vox is here to help everyone understand the complex issues shaping the world — not just the people who can afford to pay for a subscription. We believe that’s an important part of building a more equal society. And we can’t do that if we have a paywall.

So even though advertising is still our biggest source of revenue, we also seek grants and reader support. (And no matter how our work is funded, we have strict guidelines on editorial independence.)

If you also believe that everyone deserves access to trusted high-quality information, will you make a gift to Vox today? Any amount helps.

One-Time Monthly Annual

$5/month

$10/month

$25/month

$50/month

Other

$

Yes, I'll give $5/month

Yes, I'll give $5/month

We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You can also contribute via