J.C. Monahan is an anchor WCVB-TV in Boston, co-anchoring the weekday 5pm & 5:30pm broadcasts as well as nightly news magazine Chronicle.
J.C. joined WCVB in 2001 as a meteorologist, and made the switch to news when she joined Chronicle in 2013. In addition to her role on Chronicle, she was named 5pm & 5:30pm co-anchor in 2014. J.C. joined WCVB from New England Cable News where she was the weekend meteorologist. She has also worked as the weekend meteorologist and entertainment reporter at WPXT-TV in Portland, ME. She started her career at WZON-AM in Bangor, ME as their news director.
A native of Newton, MA, J.C. is a graduate of the University of Maine where she studied broadcast journalism. She is also a graduate of Mississippi State University's broadcast meteorology program, and was awarded the American Meteorological Society Seal of Approval in 2004.
1. What kind of phone do you have, and what are your favorite apps?
I just got the iPhone 6 (and already cracked the screen). [Editor's note: yes, she has already had it fixed! 
]
My co-anchor, Phil Lipof, introduced me to Trivia Crack. We play against each other and every time I win (which is often) he accuses me of cheating. We’re both pretty fierce competitors. I love it!
2. Favorite and least favorite news topics to cover (besides violent crime)?
I love to profile people and just tell their story. Everyone has something interesting to teach us all.
My least favorite stories are anything to do with kids and disease. Although, the stories often show amazing courage and strength, it breaks me to think any child should have to face death.
3. If you weren't working in TV news, what would you be doing?
So many dreams, so little time. I have a long list of things I would be doing... I was originally planning on being a psychologist. I would love to get back to teaching kids ballet and someday I will own a paper store where I can spend my days wrapping gifts and writing on beautiful stationary, rather than email. I’ll let you know when it opens, you’re invited!
4. What was your favorite cartoon growing up?
I can only pick one? I grew up in the days of Saturday morning cartoons. There was nothing better than sitting with my favorite bowl of sugary cereal and settling in for Looney Toons. Unless my brother changed the channel to Creature Double Feature. Then there was war.
5. When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time?
Hugging my kids. If they’re busy, then sleeping.
6. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
Thailand. I want to see an Elephant sanctuary, where elephants are, hopefully, treated with the love and respect they deserve.
7. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?
The Dalai Lama and I would make sure he knew I wouldn’t be cooking. I wouldn’t want to scare him off.
8. Do you collect anything?
Pashminas. I love wraps in all colors and sizes.
9. What are the top 3 played songs on your iPod?
1. Let It Go, from Frozen
2. Shake It Off, Taylor Swift
3. Best Song Ever, One Direction.
Obviously, my playlist isn’t my own. My 8 and almost 3 year old daughters are in control.
10. What is one of your favorite quotes?
“When someone shows you who they are believe them; the first time.” - Maya Angelou
11. What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?
Taking care of my dad while he went through open-heart surgery. I was seven months pregnant with my second child and working full-time. Watching him make a full-recovery and then bringing my beautiful Victoria Rose into the world made me feel like anything is possible.
More about J.C. Monahan
No endorsement between WCVB-TV and New England One is implied or intended by J.C. Monahan's participation in "11 Questions"
