Paul Milliken: Enthusiastic Storyteller and Human Encyclopedia
Paul Milliken is one of the most-watched men in Atlanta. A feature reporter on Good Day Atlanta at FOX 5, Milliken spends his days exploring new restaurants, interviewing actors and showcasing staycation spots. With an encyclopedic knowledge of topics like Diana Ross, Clue and 80s horror movies, there’s never a dull moment. As a celebrity host for charity events, Milliken has worked with nonprofits like the Georgia Aquarium and Chattahoochee Nature Center, finding fulfillment in giving back to the community and getting involved in local theatre. When not on-air or on-stage, Milliken stays unplugged on weekends, finding solace in writing and exploring vintage books.
Can you recall a significant challenge you’ve overcome?
The very first job offer I received was from a television station in Idaho Falls. Accepting the job meant leaving my family and friends behind on the other side of the country. But I wanted to work in television news, so I took the job and boarded a plane to Idaho. It was terrifying. Now, I can safely say it was the best professional move I could have ever made. Going way outside my comfort zone paved the way for the rest of my career.
Tell us about an experience that changed the way you look at life.
The most memorable adventure I’ve gone on was my honeymoon with my husband and best friend Steven to Kenya. I’ll never forget being in a tiny plane descending toward a small landing strip in the middle of the Masai Mara and seeing elephants and giraffes walking freely below. I don’t know how you can’t be changed by that. It awakened a love of wildlife in me, and now we plan most of our trips around wildlife we’ll be able to see and photograph.
You’ve interviewed many people over the years. What do you think someone interesting?
Enthusiasm is what makes a person interesting to me. If someone really loves what they’re doing and is enthusiastic about it, then I get excited about it, and I want to learn more. It doesn’t matter what I’m interviewing someone about—it can be baking cookies or building LEGO sculptures—if they’re excited about it, then I am, too.
How do you balance your commitment to your career and your family life?
It’s not easy. I’m a workaholic. That said, I try to unplug as much as I can on the weekends. For me, self-care is sitting at a coffee shop with my laptop, writing something non-work-related. Or rummaging through a Goodwill for cool vintage books.
