It’s funny to me now but the first time I met Dan Reynolds I was, for lack of a better term, sizing him up. There are a lot of people who talk about kindness and love who are more interested in being divisive. There is a place for anger. I firmly believe in that. But if we are truly interested in building bridges and saving lives, a platform of positivity, hope, compassion, and acceptance is necessary. Dan embodies those qualities.

I’ve been fortunate enough to interview Dan a few times, bumped into him at a couple events. He’s always good for a smile and a hug. Sometimes we talk about family, or how difficult it has been to work in a newsroom during the pandemic. We always talk about the young people that he is trying to save.

I often have to remind myself that he’s one of the most famous musicians on the planet. I’ve met a few, Dan is one of the good ones.