Jodie Valade Jodie Valade has been a journalist for more than two decades, specializing in sports features reporting. Previous experience includes work as a digital editor for WFAE, Charlotte's NPR station, and as a freelancer with work appearing in publications ranging from Charlotte magazine to The Athletic to The Washington Post and New York Times. Jodie now works for The Charlotte Observer as an enterprise and planning editor. About Southern Living Southern Living, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, celebrates the food, homes, places, and culture of the South. We reach 7.2 million readers a month. Our content is written by experienced journalists and fact checked for accuracy. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines.