Watch Michigan Native Compete on Jeopardy! Soon

There’s something so fun about catching a Michigan clue on Jeopardy!. But it’s even better when one of our own is actually standing at the podium.

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Soon, you’ll get to cheer for Pete Johnston — a Lansing resident and Alma College grad — as he takes his shot on the iconic game show.

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Johnston’s Michigan roots run deep. He graduated from Alma High School in 2003 and Alma College in 2007 with a degree in studio art. These days, he’s part of the film studies faculty at Michigan State University.

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Growing up in a big family, Jeopardy! was basically a nightly ritual. He even sharpened his trivia skills as a member of Alma High School’s quiz bowl team. And he says his time at Alma College helped prep him for a moment like this, telling his alma mater:

That broad background is really key. You take sociology, geography, history, communications, math — everything. It makes a huge difference.

Ever wonder how someone makes it on Jeopardy!? For Johnston, it started on a whim with the online test. From there, the process kept building — more tests, Zoom assessments, even a mock virtual game with other hopefuls. Then came the big moment: in March, he got the call.

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His episode was taped in May at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California. One of the highlights? Meeting host Ken Jennings.

(Jennings) came by before anything even started — before wardrobe or makeup — and just introduced himself to all of us. He said, ‘I’ve been in your shoes. I know what it’s like.’ He was so gracious. And once the cameras were on — total pro. Funny, smart, quick.

As for that photo of the two of them flashing finger guns? All Johnston’s idea. “Ken was totally game,” he said.

You can catch Johnston’s episode on Tuesday, July 15 at 7 p.m.