The Random Reporter

My friend Chris Epting, an AOL News contributor, author, and ultimate pop culture historian, just released his latest book, Hello, It’s Me Dispatches From A Pop Culture Junkie (Santa Monica Press).

The book charts all of Chris’ crazy celebrity run-ins over the years, including the time he got drunk in a closet with Rod Stewart and The Rolling Stones’ Ron Wood at the very first ever MTV Video Music Awards in 1984.

There’s also the time he ran into Michael Jordan and, scrambling to find something for the basketball legend to sign, ended up handing Jordan his son’s birth announcement from his wallet. To this day, Chris says his son cherishes the signed announcement and the cool story that goes with it.

Another time, Chris figured out a way to nonchalantly run into Mick Jagger on the street by timing out his paces to the rock icon.

Chris’ says he officially got hooked on pop culture, entertainment, and celebrities back in the ’70s when he was visiting Los Angeles with his family. He accidentally ran into director Alfred Hitchcock’s stomach on the street, and the famed filmmaker marched Chris over to his parents, scolding him the entire time.

That’s when Chris realized that celebrities are normal people that anyone could literally run into at any given time. And he has — over and over again for the past 40 years.

For more info on Chris and his books and adventures, visit www.chrisepting.com.