Get to know Joshua Rapoport—our coconut cake loving, Astrophile and screenwriter-at-heart, Software Developer—through our latest Coffee & Conversation feature!
Q. Describe your “perfect” meal, complete with dessert.
A. It may not be very fancy, but I love me some calzones so I would go with that. Perfect dessert would be a coconut cake. It might not mix well with a calzone but a good coconut cake is impossible for me to turn down.
Q. What’s something about you that might surprise people?
A. I think some people can be surprised that I have a soft side under all the sarcastic comments and rants that I make.
Q. What’s something you know more about than most people?
A. I probably know more Seinfeld and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia quotes than most people. And I guess on a more serious note I’d like to think I know a lot about astronomy from back when I used to want to be an astrophysicist.
Q. What is one of your favorite places that you’ve traveled to? Why?
A. I don’t travel much, but my favorite place I went to was Arizona when I was in High School. Arizona is a beautiful state and I have always loved deserts so it was amazing to be able to travel there. I have fond memories of being in Sedona and being surrounded by the beautiful red rocks and the serene stillness that permeated the town at sunset.
Q. What’s your favorite movie? Favorite book? Favorite Artist / Band?
A. I’ve seen Inception probably like 20 times so I’d go with that for my movie. Favorite book is Harry Potter (original I know), specifically the Half Blood Prince. My music is very eclectic and I can never decide on a favorite artist, but I’d probably go with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Q. If you could have dinner with one person (living or dead) who would it be?
A. Christopher Nolan so I could ask him to explain his movie directing process and then so I could beg him to direct one of the ones I’ve written.
Q. What’s something you’re passionate about?
A. I’m passionate about learning. Ever since I was a kid I have had a strong desire to learn about the universe and I’d like to think that sense of curiosity is still alive in me today.
Q. What’s something you would tell yourself 10 years ago?
A. I would tell my past self to cherish not having responsibilities.
Q. If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be?
A. Photography/film making. It’s one of those things that looks a lot easier than it actually is.
Q. What are your personal hobbies?
A. I’ve written a mobile android application for working out. I wish I could say I actually use said app to workout as a hobby but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. I also write in my free time. I have a handful of movie scripts that I have written and hope to one day direct. I would say half of them are short films and the rest are normal movies. The normal movies ones are still works in progress.
Q. Who inspires you?
A. Any scientist or engineer. I am always extremely humbled to read about what other humans have accomplished and try to look at their hard work and intelligence as something to emulate.
Joshua, it’s an absolute honor and joy to have you at EB!