Hello, World!

Mark Ricker
Owner, Host, Jedi Master

I started Beat the Geek Trivia in 2009 when I was recently divorced, unemployed, and a little drunk. I had always had a head full of trivial knowledge, but just knowing things like Albert Einstein’s middle name wasn’t getting me very far in life. So I put that useless knowledge to use and started a pub trivia show. Since then, Beat the Geek Trivia has grown beyond my expectations and is now a full time job for me.

Before Beat the Geek, I worked in IT, sales and business development, and mortgage lending. I shaved my head in 2001 and never looked back. I don’t have any kids or pets, but I’ve kept a houseplant alive for over 10 years (I think I might be ready for a goldfish now). I was born in New York, but I’m a Chargers fan. In my spare time, I invent new ways to insult Ariana Grande and trash the movie Armageddon. My go-to drink is the legendary Marktini.

Mike Faris
Host, Manager, protocol droid fluent in over 6 million forms of communication

I gave the worst performance of my life as an 18-year-old at summer camp while emceeing a talent show. After that night I may have never picked up a microphone again except that later that year my college dorm wanted me to host the school-wide lip-syncing contest. Not bad, but not all that good either. These days I’m pretty comfortable behind the microphone whether it’s as the public address announcer for high school basketball games, the master of ceremonies for more wedding receptions than I recall, or hosting trivia for years now.

Highlights in my life up to this point are riding the bike from the ET movie at Universal Studios, winning the grand prize in a radio station giveaway for a Felix Hernandez signed baseball and discovering I don’t like Waldorf salad. My geek credentials include that I’ve willingly been to a Star Trek convention, I read tech blogs every day, and that my mother-in-law says that I’m “good with the computers”. Next time you’re at trivia, fill me in on some of your geek cred.

David Zazzo
Host, Marksman Stormtrooper

Hi there, I’m David – but most people call me Zazzo.

My best friend and I stumbled across Beat the Geek Trivia in 2016 at one of our guys’ nights and have loved it ever since. After playing for several months, I thought to myself, “it would be really fun to be a trivia host.” I talked to Mark, gave it a shot and auditioned, and here we are!

By day, I work at a local software company doing cloud-y things. By night, though, I indulge my strong passion for technical arts and production – lighting design, audio engineering, video engineering, etc. When I’m not geeking out on that stuff, you can find me at Sounders FC home games cheering on the boys in Rave Green.

I’m excited to be your Beat the Geek Trivia host!

Clint Cheves
Host, C-3P0’s Psychotherapist

Hey!

I’m Clint and I am one of those stupid millennials. I have a fear of change. I still live 15 minutes from where I was born, and I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon. Pop culture, movies, music, technology, ancient history, and general nerdom have always been a big part of my life; just ask the people that cheated off me in high school.

While the rest of my friends were scoring touchdowns, I spent my nights reading an episode-by-episode synopsis of Scrubs. It took until the seventh grade for me to get out of my pre-pubescent cocoon and, despite my Coke machine-like physique, I started playing sports. I never forgot my first love of knowing things that probably won’t matter, though, but it now included athletics.

I love sports, technology, religion, the Lakers, and [censored]. My other loves are Jameson, a good light beer, and [censored]. I’m super stoked to be doing trivia for you guys. Let’s get drinks and talk pop culture!

Jax Alspaugh
Host, Palpatine’s Cosmetician

I’ve worked in a variety of industries and positions – marketing, customer correspondent for a prostate supplement company, barista, birthday party hostess at a bowling alley, apartment complex manager, CNA, laser hair removal technician, snowboard instructor, and car saleswoman.

At my audition, I bragged about being the MC in 5th grade for my elementary school’s talent show. I love entertaining, having done both stand up comedy and performed with a band playing a mean cowbell. I also currently host karaoke on the weekends.

Besides trivia, I LOVE cheese, wine tasting, breweries, dancing, gaming, brunch, a GOOD bloody Mary, a well crafted/ironic mustache, live music, roller skating, vintage style/thrift store clothes shopping, supporting my community, and time with my family. Seeing my only son graduate from WSU in 2020 with his Bachelor’s in Social Sciences will be my proudest moment.

It should go without saying, but I’ll say it again, GO COUGS!

Ben Brockman
Host, Ordained Ewok Funeral Officiant

I am proud to be known as the first ever inductee to the “Beat the Geek Trivia Host Hall Of Fame,” an honor I bestowed upon myself without the knowledge or approval of anyone else.

When not memorizing release dates and chart/sales performance of every popular movie and album released since the 1970’s, I can be found crashing neighborhood parties throughout the Puget Sound region, where I serenade confused attendees with “Wonderwall,” the most under-performed guy-with-a-guitar song of all time. I avoid being depressed during the wet and dreary months by cheering on our local sports teams live and in person as they inevitably fail in the biggest moments.

I can also beat the original Super Mario Bros on NES in 8 minutes and 30 seconds; it’s not a record time or anything, but I think it’s a pretty decent effort.

Krystie Ritchey
Host, Bassist for Figrin Dan and the Modal Nodes

I’m Krystie Ritchey, and I approve this message.

I’m originally from Detroit, but grew up all over the world while my dad served in the military, and I just can’t help myself but continue moving every so often as an adult. I’ve loved performing ever since I embarrassed my parents in a cafeteria, belting out Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All”, when I was 3 years old. I’ve continued being an absolute ham on stage/behind a microphone ever since, including a stint in community theater, playing bass guitar and singing in a few bands, and now hosting trivia. I was a regular Beat the Geek player–and frequent winner–until I decided to take a Ken Jennings turn and apply to host. Previously, I’ve worked in retail, mortgage sales, customer service, and teaching English as a Second Language.

I’ve always loved music, and my superpower is being able to identify songs and artists within seconds of hearing them. I’m a language geek and I’ve got a linguistics degree to prove it; I’ve studied 6 languages (English, German, Spanish, Latin, Swedish, Icelandic) to lend me additional geek street cred. Also, I’m obsessed with Iceland, and I can tell you anything about RuPaul’s Drag Race, both the US and all international versions. My go-to drinks are vodka pineapple, amaretto sour, and non-IPA beers. Cheers!

Kelsey Yost
Host, Rancor Veterinarian

When I started playing Beat The Geek Trivia in early 2021, I thought to myself “I could do that!”, and look at me now! While my trivia team never had much success, we always had a blast and I knew I wanted to be a part of the world of trivia hosts.

When I’m not hosting Beat the Geek Trivia shows, I’m a school psychologist wrangling middle school students. Dealing with rowdy children and endless questions is something I’m very used to, so ask me anything! I have two dogs and a cat whom I will happily show you too many pictures of if you ask (or don’t ask, I show them to everyone).

My nerdom knows no bounds, but I’m particularly fond of anything in book form. I’m always looking for recommendations, so let me know what you’ve recently read that I should add to my ever-growing TBR.

Virginia Bacon
Host, Chewbacca’s Speech Therapist

Hey y’all!

In 2016, I started playing Beat The Geek solo to kill some time while waiting on my daughter. Over the weeks, I invited my friends to play and built up a pretty successful team. We always had a great time! The kiddo is now in college, so now I’m ready to host some of that trivia fun with all of you.

In the real world, I take care of buildings. It’s not as much fun as it sounds. I grew up in Issaquah and Bellevue with a recent, brief hiatus in LA. In my previous life (before daughter), I was a singer and actress, performing in local theaters since the age of 6. I have a degree in Hospitality Management, and love playing host in all aspects of life.

I love to cook, to read, and I’m a certified word nerd. I have a dog and a cat and we all love bingeing Friends, The Office, and Parks and Recreation and anything Disney. My favorite movie is The Princess Bride. Let’s chat about it all!

Abby Coe
Host, Mos Eisley Cantina’s Booking Agent and Promoter

I was a regular Beat the Geek Trivia player when my friend mentioned that I should try my hand at hosting. I thought it might be fun. A few weeks later, here I am – a real Beat the Geek Trivia host!

I grew up on a stage in one form or another for most of my life. I performed onstage and have worked behind the scenes in community theatres around Seattle for several years. I also worked on a cruise ship as a performer and trainer for six years.

Other than trivia hosting, I spend my days on a computer teaching people how to use their new software.

I love music – largely for the way it connects to our soul and our memories. It is such a vital part of our being. Music can set the tone for a great road trip and help us unwind at the end of the day. For me, songs and memories make up the soundtrack of our lives. I enjoy how so many songs instantly take me back to ‘that moment when’… That’s probably why the Music Round is my favorite trivia round! Also, I love my Seattle sports teams, a good book recommendation, a great cup of coffee, and I am sucker for all things Disney.

Rey Perez
Host, Dance Choreographer for the 1978 Life Day Festival

You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain. After my trivia teams earned villain status at multiple locations and years of being told I should host, I finally gave it a shot. One week while checking BeatTheGeekTrivia.com for the categories, I spotted a convenient “Now Hiring” message at the top. So far, it’s been the perfect opportunity to be unconditionally right about things that don’t matter, and talk to people through a microphone; two of my greatest passions. Though I just realized I could’ve started a podcast…

I come from the world of video games. I spent most of my childhood playing them and most of my adulthood making sure they work right, helping bring them over from Japan, maintaining brand standards, bridging the player/developer gap, and shaping their marketing. I’ve even been fortunate enough to contribute original music to a few small projects.

My trivia wheelhouse is video games, with music and movies from the 90s through the 2010s close behind. I have a soft spot for one-hit-wonder musicians and dumb movies, and I will defend them passionately.

Gillian St. Germain
Host, Jedi Council Fashion Consultant

Hey everyone! I’m Gillian.

I’m originally from Arizona but have lived in the Seattle area for about 10 years. I am known for my sarcasm, and hopefully you aren’t at the end of my famous roasts. I’m a huge Swiftie, but don’t hold that against me.

When I’m not entertaining bar patrons, you can find me working in hospitality finance/operations and blasting Taylor Swift, and fueled by an iced coffee. I’m known for always having a pair of sunglasses on my head no matter the weather, and carrying my Kindle wherever I go (just please don’t ask me what I’m reading).

My favorite trivia categories are anything related to travel, pop culture, Disney, literature, and music.

You?
Host

Beat the Geek Trivia is always looking for energetic and funny trivia hosts. If you think you sound good on a microphone, you like talking in front of a crowd, and you’re not a moron, you should audition.

email Mark if you’re interested.