Coffee with a Journalist

In this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, we chat with Shoshi Parks, the newly promoted Executive Editor at 7x7, a beloved Bay Area lifestyle magazine. Broadcasting from San Jose, Shoshi shares her path from earning a PhD in anthropology to leading an iconic regional publication. She dives into her editorial process, what makes a pitch stand out (and what doesn't), and why personalized outreach matters. Packed with insider tips and candid advice, this episode is a must-listen for freelancers, publicists, and curious storytellers alike.

Welcome to Season 3 of Coffee with a Journalist! In this episode, we're joined by Nancy Scola, contributing writer at POLITICO Magazine, known for her deep reporting on Washington, D.C., tech, and policy. We dig into the ever-evolving dynamic between journalists and publicists—debunking common myths, sharing best practices, and offering real-world advice for stronger relationships. Nancy walks us through how she manages her overflowing inbox (spoiler: the Pomodoro technique and Superhuman play key roles), how publicist pitches—especially the ones she doesn't get—shape her stories, and what truly grabs her attention. Plus, she shares insights on sourcing, setting boundaries, and what makes a pitch stand out in the D.C. media grind.

On this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, we chat with David Oliver, Deputy Wellness Editor at USA Today, about what it takes to cover wellness at a national outlet. From trending TikTok health hacks to powerful stories on grief and rare diseases, David shares how he approaches his wide-ranging beat, what makes a pitch stand out, and how publicists can build better relationships with journalists. He also weighs in on the role of AI in media, sourcing strategies, and the future of journalism.

On this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, we sit down with Gabriella Ulloa, a freelance journalist whose work has graced the pages of Architectural Digest, New York Magazine, The New York Times, and Refinery29, among others. Gabriella opens up about her evolving approach to managing a bustling inbox, how she stays (mostly) organized with her colorful system of labels, and the challenges—and perks—of juggling multiple roles, including hosting her own YouTube show. She shares what kind of pitches catch her eye, especially when it comes to home design, cultural stories, and topics that move the needle in the Latino community. Plus, you'll hear her candid thoughts on relationship-building with publicists, what makes a pitch stand out (or flop), and her passion for exploring the human stories behind the headlines. If you want the inside scoop on pitching to freelancers and keeping up in today's fast-paced media landscape, this is one conversation you won't want to miss!

Welcome back to Coffee with a Journalist! Today, we're joined by Chandler Plante, Assistant Editor of Health and Fitness at PopSugar, for a caffeine-fueled chat on media pitches, wellness trends, and how she manages a packed inbox. Chandler shares PopSugar's new editorial focus on women's wellness, what makes a pitch stand out (hint: be specific and authentic), and how social media shapes her content planning. Whether you're a publicist or just curious about life behind the scenes at a major digital outlet, this episode is full of sharp insights and practical tips. Pour a cup and tune in!

On this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, we sit down with Tania Mitra, Senior Reporter at Citywire USA, for a candid conversation about the ins and outs of reporting on the asset and wealth management industry. From navigating a PR-heavy, compliance-driven world to building authentic relationships with both sources and publicists, Tania shares invaluable insights on what captures her attention—and what doesn't—in her inbox. The episode dives into her journey from general news to finance journalism, how she organizes pitches, and why a direct, informed approach from publicists goes a long way. Whether you're a PR professional looking to land in Citywire's pages or simply curious about the world behind financial news, this episode is packed with real-world takeaways, a few laughs, and the story of someone who unexpectedly learned to love ETFs. Grab your coffee and join us for a peek behind the curtain of financial reporting.

On this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, we're welcoming Allison Murray, newly promoted Senior Editor at ZDNET. Allison shares her journey from staff writer to editor, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how ZDNet has shifted from a B2B focus to covering the latest in consumer technology and disruptive innovation. Listen in as Allison discusses her approach to reviewing quirky, niche tech products—from sunrise alarm clocks to robot litter boxes—and gives publicists insider tips on how to pitch her effectively (spoiler: clear subject lines and bullet points win her over). She also gets candid about inbox management, her pet peeves with off-target pitches, and what it's like balancing a remote journalism career in Chicago. Whether you're a PR pro hoping to land coverage or just curious about life at the forefront of tech journalism, you'll find plenty of practical insights and a few laughs (including the story of a Black Friday casket pitch you won't want to miss). Grab your coffee and enjoy!

On this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, we're joined by Donna Francis, the award-winning beauty editor and contributing writer at HELLO! Magazine. Broadcasting from sunny Florida, Donna sits down with host Beck Bamberger to discuss the evolving beauty industry, her journey from the UK to the US, and her passion for stories that go beyond the surface—focusing on emotional well-being and positive aging. With over 25 years of experience, Donna opens up about how beauty journalism has transformed, what really catches her eye in a pitch, and why building genuine relationships with publicists still matters in a digital age. Grab your favorite cup of coffee and get ready for an insider's look into the world of beauty journalism, the power of a strong subject line, and tips for pitching stories that truly resonate.

On this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, comedy columnist and writer Sean Malin of Vulture, New York Magazine's renowned culture vertical, sits down to share the secrets behind his multifaceted career in journalism. Sean gives listeners an insider's look at his upcoming book, "The Podcast Pantheon," the first-ever definitive guide to the most influential podcasts of our time—complete with exclusive stories and behind-the-scenes details. Tune in as Sean opens up about the essential, sometimes underestimated, role publicists play in the media industry, why he's grateful for most of them (and candid about the ones on his blacklist), and the elements that make a pitch truly stand out in a crowded inbox. He also delves into the importance of boundaries, building authentic relationships, and the joy of finding eccentric stories in unexpected places. Whether you're a fellow journalist, a publicist, or just love sharp, funny conversation about culture, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss!

Welcome to this week's episode of Coffee with a Journalist, where we bring you inside the world of healthcare journalism with our guest, Cassie McGrath, a healthcare reporter from Morning Brew. Join us as we delve into the fast-paced realm of health news reporting, revealing how Cassie navigates a bustling inbox, cultivates strong relationships with publicists, and selects the right experts to weave compelling narratives. Discover what it's like working within Morning Brew's professional division and the intricate process of transforming a pitch into an engaging story. Whether you're a curious publicist or simply intrigued by the dynamic world of healthcare journalism, this episode is brimming with insightful tips and stories. So grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let's dive into it with Cassie McGrath.

On this episode of Coffee with a Journalist from the OnePitch team, we're joined by Rachel Curry — a sharp, insightful freelance journalist who regularly contributes to CNBC. Rachel has a talent for breaking down complex topics in finance, tech, and local affairs with both clarity and a touch of humor. We talk about the real-life ups and downs of freelancing, how the media world is shifting, and her latest project, Acronym — a newsletter that cuts through corporate-speak to get to the heart of the story. Whether you're in PR, journalism, or just love a good behind-the-scenes peek into the news world, this convo is full of takeaways. Grab your coffee and tune in for a refreshingly real chat.

Welcome to this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, where we dive into the fascinating world of tech journalism with Connie Guglielmo, the editor at large at CNET. Based in the bustling hub of Silicon Valley, Connie brings her extensive experience in tech reporting and editorial leadership to the table. In this episode, she gives us the inside scoop on what makes a pitch truly stand out in her inbox and what tends to fall flat. Publicists aiming to upgrade their pitching strategies will find Connie's insights and advice invaluable. Plus, she's sharing some engaging stories and practical tips that you can start using right away. So, grab your coffee and get ready for a conversation filled with sharp insights and a touch of humor, right here on Coffee with a Journalist.

In this week's episode of "Coffee with a Journalist," we chat with Steve Gelsi, a senior reporter at MarketWatch, and explore how the landscape of financial journalism is evolving, especially as newsrooms adapt to the capabilities of AI. Steve shares insights into his work covering banking and, occasionally, the cannabis industry, while also delving into how he manages his inbox and navigates pitches. Learn about the hectic early mornings in financial journalism, the shifting role of journalists as AI takes over routine reporting, and get tips on crafting the perfect pitch subject line. Whether you're an aspiring journalist, a PR professional, or just someone intrigued by the inner workings of newsrooms, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the fast-paced world of financial reporting. Grab your coffee and tune in for a conversation that's as enlightening as it is engaging.

Welcome to another insightful episode of Coffee with a Journalist, brought to you by the team at One Pitch. This week, we're excited to have Kia Kokalitcheva, the Senior Editor of VC News at PitchBook, join us from San Francisco. Kia dives into PitchBook's editorial focus on the deal-making world, shares her approach to managing an influx of press releases, and offers advice for publicists looking to effectively engage with her team. With her extensive background at Axios and Fortune, Kia also highlights the critical elements she considers when covering funding announcements. So grab your coffee and get ready to learn about the power of data-driven journalism and how to navigate the fast-paced media landscape. Enjoy the episode!

In this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, we sit down with Irving Mejia Alaro, the agency's labor and general assignment reporter at Sports Business Journal. Broadcasting live from Dallas, Irving shares his captivating journey covering the intricate world of sports businesses. We delve into the crucial role of relationships in journalism and uncover valuable pitching insights. Irving also offers a compelling discussion on how Texas gambling laws could potentially reshape the sports industry. Join us as we explore the fascinating realm where sports and business intersect, and learn how journalists and publicists can effectively work together. Grab your favorite brew and tune in for an enlightening conversation.

In this episode of "Coffee with a Journalist," we are joined by David Gilbert, a reporter from Wired, live from Ireland. David specializes in covering the intricate world of online extremism and disinformation, focusing on how political movements utilize these tactics to influence society. Throughout the conversation, David offers an insider's perspective on the challenges journalists face when reporting on these critical issues, the evolving relationship between publicists and reporters, and how his unique position in Ireland provides both advantages and challenges in covering American politics. Tune in as David shares his insights on navigating the complex realities of modern news reporting and the significance of technology in political discourse.

In this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, host Beck Bamberger sits down with Jared Newman, a seasoned freelance technology journalist known for his work on consumer tech for Fast Company and his popular Cord Cutter Weekly column. Jared also pens a tech advice newsletter called Advisorator. Together, Beck and Jared explore the intricacies of managing cluttered inboxes and the heightened expectations freelancers face when pitching stories to multiple editors. Jared shares insights on what makes a pitch stand out in today's fast-paced media landscape and discusses the influential roles LinkedIn and Slack play in his work process. Tune in to discover valuable tips for publicists looking to better collaborate with journalists and gain deeper insights into the media world.

Our guest on today's Coffee with a Journalist episode is Miranda Nazzaro, the Technology Reporter at The Hill. In this episode Miranda shares her journey as a tech reporter in Washington, D.C., from her start in breaking news to navigating the intricacies of her beat, which spans everything from Elon Musk to AI policy. Listen in as Miranda offers a behind-the-scenes look at her chaotic but organized inbox and exactly what she's looking for in a pitch. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Coffee with a Journalist," where we delve into the intricate world of journalism and public relations. Our host, Beck Bamberger is here to bridge the gap and decode the often complex relationships between reporters and publicists. Today, we're thrilled to feature Monica Sager, an accomplished reporter at Newsweek, who joins us to share her unique insights into the field. Monica will talk about her experiences covering major political events, the do's and don'ts of pitching stories, and the evolving landscape of AI and tech reporting. Get ready for a deep dive into the mind of a national journalist—grab your coffee and let's get started!

Welcome to this week's episode of Coffee with a Journalist, brought to you by the team at One Pitch. In today's episode, host Beck Bamberger sits down with Lizzy Lawrence, the newly appointed FDA reporter at STAT, to delve into her transition from covering medical devices to focusing exclusively on the FDA. Lizzy shares her insights into what makes a compelling pitch, her investigative experiences with the FDA, and the significance of expert sources for her stories. Additionally, she offers valuable advice on how publicists can better tailor their pitches to meet reporters' needs. Tune in for an engaging conversation that highlights the inner workings of health journalism and the ever-evolving landscape of FDA coverage.

Welcome back to another episode of "Coffee with a Journalist." Today, we have a special guest who will transport us to the world of luxury travel: Jennifer Kester, the Vice President and Executive Editor at Forbes Travel Guide. Jennifer brings a wealth of experience and insights into what makes a travel destination truly exceptional. From her recent adventures in Santa Monica to the intricate process of hotel, restaurant, and spa ratings, Jennifer's journey is one of passion and meticulous attention to detail. We'll explore her take on effective pitching, the importance of strong publicist relationships, and even delve into some of her pet peeves. Plus, we'll get a sneak peek into Forbes Travel Guide's newest Verified Air Travel Awards. Grab your coffee and join us as we uncover the luxurious side of travel journalism with Jennifer Kester.

In this week's episode of Coffee with a Journalist, we're thrilled to be joined by Nicole Ortiz, the healthcare editor at Morning Brew. Nicole reveals her love for well-researched and creatively pitched stories, shares her preference for email communication, and emphasizes the importance of understanding her current role. She also touches on the dynamic nature of Morning Brew's coverage and her journey with sustainability topics. Listen along as Nicole offers valuable insights into her editorial world, discusses the intricacies of managing her inbox, and provides tips on how publicists can craft pitches that truly stand out!

Joining us from San Francisco is Shwanika Narayan, who has transitioned from being a business journalist to the assistant arts and entertainment editor at The San Francisco Chronicle. In this episode, Shwanika shares her journey, the intricacies of her role, and provides invaluable insights on effective pitching and relationship-building with journalists. Whether you're a publicist, journalist, or just a media enthusiast, stay tuned for tips, trends, and a peek into the dynamic world of arts journalism. Grab your coffee, and let's get started!

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Coffee with a Journalist. Today we're thrilled to be joined by  Andrew Couts, Senior Editor for Security and Investigations at WIRED. We'll dive deep into the complexities of his role, which spans everything from national security to cybersecurity, privacy, surveillance, and much more. Andrew also shares pearls of wisdom on what makes a great pitch stand out in his inbox, how his team approaches investigative work, and the importance of building trustworthy relationships between journalists and publicists. So grab your favorite cup of joe, sit back, and let's get into it!

Welcome to another episode of "Coffee with a Journalist," featuring a special conversation with Jabari Young, senior writer and editor at ForbesBLK. In this episode, Jabari shares his preferences for well-crafted pitches, stressing the value of paragraphs over bullet points, direct email communication, and the significance of exclusive, newsworthy content. As we explore his transition from sports journalism to broader news coverage, Jabari reveals the fast-paced nature of his work, his enthusiasm for championing African American and Black community stories, and his dedication to impactful storytelling. Whether you're a PR professional, a journalist, or just passionate about powerful narratives, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of high-stakes journalism and the ethos of one of Forbes' most dynamic sections. Grab your coffee and join us for this engaging conversation!

Welcome to another exciting episode of Coffee with a Journalist! Today we're diving into the fast-paced world of AI reporting with our distinguished guest, Emilia David. Emilia is the Senior AI Reporter at Venture Beat, where she's been navigating the complexities and rapid developments in the AI space, especially focusing on enterprise applications. In this episode, recorded live from a bustling coffee shop in New York City, we chat about Emilia's hectic schedule covering AI at major events like the UNGA, tips for staying on top of the latest AI trends, and her strategies for managing an inbox that sees up to 80 new messages a day. Emilia also shares insights into Venture Beat's unique coverage area and how she utilizes AI tools in her own reporting work.

In this episode, we're joined by Susannah Snider, the managing editor of the money section at U.S. News. Susannah offers a wealth of knowledge in consumer advice, spanning financial choices, real estate, health, and more. Not only is she a seasoned journalist, but she's also a certified financial planner. In this episode, we dive into everything from how she manages her inbox and selects pitches, to the nuances of maintaining and updating evergreen content. Plus, Susannah shares invaluable tips for publicists and recounts her experience covering the meme stock craze. Join us for an insightful conversation that will help you better navigate the world of journalism and media relations. 

Welcome to another episode of Coffee with a Journalist, brought to you by the team at One Pitch. Today, we have an exciting guest joining us—Alan Neuhauser, the climate deals reporter at Axios Pro. In this episode, Alan shares his insights on what makes a successful pitch, his methods for managing a packed inbox, and the significance of developing strong relationships with publicists, especially those who manage multiple climate-focused clients. Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of climate deals and media insights with Alan Neuhauser. 

In this week's Coffee with a Journalist episode, host Beck Bamberger sits down with Katie Atkinson, the Executive Digital Director of the West Coast for Billboard. Katie provides an inside look into her role at Billboard, where she navigates a hectic inbox and covers high-profile events. She shares valuable insights on how publicists can effectively pitch and connect with her, offering tips on crafting timely and concise pitches. Tune in to hear about Katie's favorite interviews, her collaboration with publicists, and how she balances the demands of her multifaceted job. 

Welcome to this episode of "Coffee with a Journalist," brought to you by the team at OnePitch! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Anya Meyerowitz, a seasoned freelance editor and journalist whose impressive portfolio includes Glamour, Conde Nast Traveler, Tatler, and many more. In this engaging conversation, Anya shares her insights on what PR professionals should avoid in subject lines, her interest in meeting publicists in person (but not after hours), and her unique process of making pitches work within the constantly evolving news cycle. Tune in as they dive into the world of media collaboration and learn valuable tips directly from Anya's extensive experience. Stay tuned for a fascinating episode!

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Coffee with a Journalist, brought to you by the team at Onepitch. In today's episode, we're joined bt Maxwell Millington, the entertainment reporter for Axios. Max takes us behind the scenes of his role at Axios, sharing how he navigates his inbox, prioritizes pitches, and the importance of understanding coverage. He also provides insights into merging the realms of entertainment and sports, and tips for PR pros to catch his attention. If you've been curious about the dynamic intersection of entertainment reporting and local news, this episode is for you. So, grab your cup of coffee and join us for a conversation with Maxwell Millington on this episode of Coffee with a Journalist.  

Welcome back to another episode of Coffee with a Journalist, brought to you by the team at Onepitch. In this episode, Beck Bamberger chats with the esteemed Pilar Guzmán, Editorial Director at Oprah Daily. Pilar shares her valuable insights on creating compelling subject lines, the evolution of pitch language, and how to effectively showcase assets and sources in your pitches. Whether you're a publicist looking to improve your pitch game or simply curious about the inner workings of top-tier journalism, you won't want to miss this conversation. Stay tuned as we dive into the ever-evolving world of media and storytelling with Pilar Guzman.

This week on Coffee with a Journalist, we sit down with Nicole Schuman, the managing editor at PRNEWS. Nicole gives us an inside look at her approach to managing emails, shares what makes a pitch stand out, and discusses the importance of building genuine relationships in the PR industry. With over 200 episodes under her belt, Beck navigates this conversation to uncover practical tips and behind-the-scenes insights from Nicole's experience at the helm of a leading PR publication. Don't miss this episode if you want to learn how to effectively pitch to editors and improve your PR game. Grab your coffee and join us for this engaging discussion!

Mikhaila Friel is a seasoned journalist and senior reporter currently working at Business Insider. Known for her evolving roles within the publication, Mikhaila has honed her expertise in identifying unique stories and effectively pitching them. She actively shares her insights on the importance of thorough research in pitching and navigating the story approval process. Mikhaila's experience and dedication make her a valuable resource for aspiring journalists and PR professionals alike.

In this week's episode of "Coffee with a Journalist," Aaron Monk, a freelance writer and AI contributor at Observer, joins as a guest. Aaron delves into how ChatGPT ignited his passion for artificial intelligence writing. He shares insights on the types of pitches and sources he prefers, offering valuable advice for PR professionals from AI startups on how to effectively engage with him. 

Claire Stern Milch is digital director at ELLE. During the episode, Claire discusses why she appreciates in person pitch meetings, subject lines that piqued her interest, tips for follow up etiquette, and more.

Todd Plummer is a freelance writer with bylines in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and more. During today's episode, Todd discusses his career background as an attorney and writer, what he wants PR people to understand when pitching him, and his own process for pitching stories and staying organized.

Jillian Quint is the editor-in-chief at PureWow, which covers all things regarding women's lifestyle. During the episode, Jillian discusses PureWow's coverage and mission to empower women, how she organizes her inbox as an editor-in-chief, effective pitching strategies, the value of expert opinions and more.

Radhika Seth is British Vogue's film and culture editor. During the episode, Radhika discusses the beauty of advocacy through fashion journalism, why simplicity is an underrated PR strategy, her dream sources, and more!

Nathan Burrow is the senior deals editor at Wirecutter, the product reviews and recommendations department of The New York Times. During the episode, Nathan discusses how Wirecutter identifies and recommends the best products on the market, his goal to always serve his readers in his coverage, ways to craft a winning subject line, and more.

Our guest on today's episode of Coffee with a Journalist is Tanner Saunders. Tanner is the senior hotels reporter at The Points Guy, and covers how to redeem travel points for maximum value, the latest and greatest in credit cards and perks, and scenic stays around the globe to check out. During the episode, Tanner discusses his history in travel reporting and what TPG's beat reporters cover, how he builds a symbiotic relationship with publicists, and what travel story angles and trends are most compelling right now. Let's dive in!

Our guest on today's episode of Coffee with a Journalist is Sam Cole, journalist and cofounder at 404 Media. During the episode, Sam discusses 404 Media, its coverage, and its founding in 2023, what makes a great PR relationship for her, and pointers for email and pitch etiquette.

Our guest on today's episode of Coffee with a Journalist is Cloey Callahan, Senior Reporter at WorkLife, part of Digiday. Cloey covers how modern workplaces and workforces are changing across culture, technology, talent, leadership, spaces, diversity, equity & inclusion. During the episode, Cloey discusses how to get front of the line status in her email inbox, the power of data in storytelling, how to optimize pitches for SEO, and so much more.

Our guest on today's episode of Coffee with a Journalist is Rebecca Pifer, Senior Reporter at Healthcare Dive. Rebecca covers the business of healthcare with a focus on health insurers and public policy. During the episode, Rebecca discusses the nuances of healthcare journalsm, the instances where it's ok to ping her multiple times with an idea, and the ideal elements of a standout subject line. Hint, it's all about short, sweet, direct, and relevant.

Elisabeth Sherman is this week's guest on the show, and she's an associate editor at Parents whose expertise focuses on family, parenting, internet culture, food and drink, and entertainment. During the episode, Elisabeth walks us through what she recommends PRos do before pitching her, the nuances of pitching a product versus expert commentary, how she keeps her inbox organized in her new role, and more.

Stephanie Palazzolo is an AI reporter at The Information covering artificial intelligence startups, VCs, tech giants and research. Stephanie also writes AI Agenda, The Information's daily newsletter. During today's episode, Stephanie walks us through her background in tech investment banking, the sources and stories she's currently most interested in, and her favorite resources and reading material for staying up to date on AI. Let's get after it!

This week on the show, we welcome Iris Goldsztajn morning editor at Marie Claire. During the episode, Iris discusses her role in celebrity news and women's lifestyle coverage, the intricacies of managing a high volume of PR pitches, her preferences for specific types of pitches, and the nuances of working independently in a demanding field. 

Sarah Allard is a digital director at Conde Nast Traveller. During the episode, Sarah discusses how her role has shifted from writing to strategy and planning, what catches her eye in a travel pitch, the types of stories she helps Condé Nast Traveller tell, and what it's like working with a global journalism team. Let's get into it!

We sat down with Taylor Crumpton, freelance writer with bylines in TIME, Essence, Grammy.com, Pitchfork, Marie Claire, and more for today's Coffee with a Journalist episode. During the episode, Taylor discusses her take on going viral, her collaborative approach to working with publicists,  strategies for networking and building relationships with purpose, and what she's currently focused on in coverage.

This week on the podcast, we sit down with Kelsey Ramirez, an associate, strategic initiatives, at Fox Business, where she edits the team's coverage about personal finance. During the episode, Kelsey discusses her strategy for managing and prioritizing emails using color-coded tags, what she likes to see in a subject line, timing preferences for exclusives, and her favorite newsletters for staying inspired and on top of the latest headlines.