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Posted by on Mar 24, 2015 in Blog, Facing the Firing Squad, General Poker | 0 comments

Facing the Firing Squad: Chris Hanson (Host of Poker Night in America)

 

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Chris Hanson is an inspiration.  He’s genuine.  He’s the real deal.

 

MEET CHRIS HANSON

I thought I knew Chris Hanson.

Then, I read his responses to the most recent “Facing the Firing Squad” series (which are posted below).  That’s when I realized how much I didn’t know about this remarkable man who always seems to be the most popular person in any room, wherever he’s present.  From his answers, both honest and revealing, I came to realize what an uncommonly positive person Hanson is, and why he’s such a joy to be around and work with.  In short, to all who are privileged to know him, Hanson is an inspiration.  He’s genuine.  He’s the real deal.

Hanson is probably best known to the general public for two roles in media.  First, he’s one of the on-air personalities of the top-ranked morning radio show in Fargo, North Dakota– called “Chris, John, and Jane in the Morning.”  Second, he’s the host of the nationally-televised weekly program that airs primarily on CBS Sports, called “Poker Night in America.”  Hanson has also done lots of other work in radio and television over the past decade, mostly in sports.

Chris Hanson grew up in Minnesota and South Dakota.  But his heart really lies in North Dakota, where he now both lives and works.  He’s one of the biggest boosters of North Dakota State University (Go Bison!), which just so happens to be one of the most overachieving colleges in the nation for its size.  Both athletically and academically, NDSU has made great strides way beyond merely what’s expected.  That sounds a lot like Hanson himself — the quintessential overachiever and loyal family man — and the ultimate teammate.

Two words that best describe Hanson would be always humble and eternally optimistic.  He’s achieved remarkable career success but remains steadily anchored to much simpler things in life like his family and community.  Hanson gets just as much satisfaction from seeing others succeed, as himself.  He loves to help others.

Hanson majored in mass communications in college.  His big break in poker came several years ago when he was picked to be the host of the “Heartland Poker Tour” television show.  When “Poker Night in America” was created, Hanson was the natural choice for a new show about the game and its diverse array of personalities.  Always adaptable to any situation, check out some of the footage from the first few seasons which reveal Hanson not just as a knowledgeable on-air host who can talk about any subject, but also a comedian perfectly willing to make fun of himself.

Speaking of making fun, one bit of confusion that annoys Hanson is occasionally being confused with the “other” Chris Hansen on television, who hosts NBC’s “To Catch a Predator.”  Although they share similar names, the only predator this Chris Hanson is likely to catch is a televised interview with a world-class poker player.

When he’s not appearing on radio or television, Hanson can frequently be found out on the golf course.  He once played in a late November snowstorm when it was 23 degrees.  Hanson finally had to quit the round after losing all his golf balls.

Hanson also admits to a few guilty pleasures — including listening to NSYNC, going to Spas, and watching “The Walking Dead.”

We thank him for agreeing to Face the Firing Squad.

Follow Chris Hanson on Twitter at @thechrishanson

 

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Chris Hanson (right) with the KBVB-FM radio show crew (“Chris, John, and Jane in the Morning”) in Fargo, ND

 

First things first.  Fargo?

You betcha!  I’ve been here since 1995 when I came to college at North Dakota State University.  I was Fargo before Fargo was cool.  It is cool?  Right?

 

What thing do you love most?

Broad question.  Well…my family OBV.  Golf, poker, cooking, golf, NDSU football, good jeans, and golf.

 

Best meal you’ve ever had?

I’m a steak and potatoes man.  So, no surprise my favorite meal is a dead animal.  I love Rube’s Grill Your Own in Montour, Iowa.  The atmosphere, the grills, the steaks, the beer, the Texas toast…it’s where I would go for my last meal on earth.

 

What are some of the things you stand for?

I stand for things that make the world a better place.   Smiles, charity and kindness.   I’m also a big supporter of blood donations.   It’s a way you can give of yourself and it’s totally anonymous.  That’s how charity should be.

 

What are some of the things you stand against?

Just had this discussion with Todd Anderson (creator of “Poker Night in America”).  It bugs me when people try so hard to be something they are not.  You’re not young any more…accept it and be the best you.  You’re not rich…stop trying to pretend you are and love where you are in life.

 

What living person do you admire the most, and why?

Anyone who works hard for a living.  We all say we work hard, but some people really have to work HARD in their lives.  Those people have my respect.

 

What historical figure do you admire the most, and why?

Superman.  Does that count?  He didn’t ask for the gifts he had and he just wanted to blend in and not be known for what he could do.  He could have ruled the world…but he just wanted Lois to love him.

 

What living person do you despise?

Should I list them alphabetically?

 

If money were not an object, what profession would you chose?

Are you kidding?  I’m doing it!  I love my radio show and I love meeting the people involved with “Poker Night in America.”

 

What is it about yourself that you are most proud of?

I don’t burn bridges.  Todd Anderson makes fun of me on the fact that I don’t say or do anything too controversial.  I always try to leave everyone with a great impression of me.

 

What is it about yourself that you’d like to change?

The fact that I don’t listen enough.  I’m getting better at it, but I think this world needs more listeners.

 

What’s the most exciting thing you’ve ever done?

Having kids.  Nothing will put you in your place in so many ways, like having kids.  We have four (ages 12, 10, 8, 6) and they test you every day.  It’s terrifying and exciting and rewarding all at the same time.  Not many other things can say that.

 

What’s the most unusual time and place you’ve ever visited?

Weird one, but one I think of this all the time when I travel.  It was the weekend after 9/11 and I was on a flight to Pittsburgh for a wedding.  There was a pretty bad thunderstorm we had to fly though with lots of turbulence and couple that with nervous passengers, a woman screams “We’re All Gonna Die!!!” I will never forget that flight.  

 

Name a place you’ve never visited where you still want to go.

I’ve had this picture in my mind of a hut type of thing…on stilts…in crystal blue water.  With a long rickety walkway to get to it.  I don’t know where that is, but I want to spend two weeks there.

 

Favorite book, favorite movie, and favorite musician.

Book:  To be honest, I’m not a reader.  I just finished one of my first ever non-poker books, “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn.  So, I guess that’s my favorite.

Movie:  Toss up between “Fight Club” and “Dumb and Dumber.”

Musician:  Darius Rucker.  He is the nicest guy in person and I’ve been a fan since “back in the day” with Hootie.  Plus we both love golf.

 

What upsets you the most?

Not much.  I’d guess it’s when people ask me about “To Catch A Predator.”  I’m Chris Hanson, he’s Chris Hansen.

 

What bores you?

Pretty much anything on E!

 

Do you believe in an afterlife and why do you believe it so?

100 percent.    Everyone should have something to look forward to.

 

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The Hanson Family

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