Sword and Pen is a production of Military Veteran in Journalism, a professional association that builds community for vets, supports their career growth, and advocates for diversifying newsrooms through hiring and promoting more vets.
Military Veterans in Journalism
On this episode of the Sword and Pen, host Caron LeNoir-Kelly discusses women veterans issues and considerations with Ginger Baine Miller, the CEO of Women Veterans Interactive Foundation. Listen in as the two talk about WVIF's efforts to build community for women veterans.Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production.
On this episode of the Sword and Pen, MVJ Partnerships Director Devon Lancia sits down with Sara Samora, MVJ Advisory Board member, Manufacturing Dive journalist and Marine Corps veteran. Tune in to learn about Sara's journey to get to where she is today and her advice for fellow vets looking to get started in business coverage.Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production.
On this episode of the Sword and Pen, host Caron LeNoir-Kelly sits down with Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon, journalist, happiness scholar and co-chair of NABJ's Wellness Task Force, to discuss her efforts to support mental health in newsrooms. Listen in as the two discuss the value of journalists and newsrooms seeking ways to maintain stability and seek happiness in the churn of the news cycle.Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production.
On this episode of the Sword and Pen, host Caron LeNoir-Kelly honors Black history and Black military history while looking back at the Military Veterans in Journalism community in 2024. Listen in as LeNoir-Kelly and MVJ Board Member Zack Baddorf talk about what MVJ accomplished over the past year, what the future holds, and the importance of including veteran voices in journalism.Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production.
Military Veterans in Journalism board members Lucy Bustamante and Zack Baddorf start off the year talking about the value of vets in covering the new administration, plus some tips on how to jumpstart your career in media. Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production.
On this episode of the Sword and Pen, host Lori King speaks with navy veteran, MVJ member and NPR radio producer Jason Burrows. Burrows broke into radio onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln by volunteering for the ship's radio station, KRUZ-FM. After ETSing from the navy, he landed his first radio gig as the "Jack of all Trades" at 96.5 Jack-FM, where he served for 15 years. Burrows, a Seattle resident, is part of the production team for KUOW's Soundside. KUOW is an NPR affiliate. Listen as Burrows talks about: how he broke into radio on the USS Abraham Lincoln following his heart when he quit a secure job with a barge company with benefits for a less secure part-time radio job his roller blading podcast that lasted five years valuable tips, tricks and advice for anyone wanting to break into podcasting and radio Find Jason on his webiste and X Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production.
On this episode of Sword and Pen, host Lori King speaks with army broadcast journalist Lance Milsted, a former Defense Information School instructor. Milsted, the chief of production services at DoD's Defense Media Activity (DMA) talks about his belief that everyone has a story to tell, and an important part of journalism is to tell those stories, to make people feel something, to get to know the subjects of our stories and ensure we stay out of the way and let them tell stories. Listen as Milsted also talks about: how being a radio DJ in high school led him to join the army as a broadcast journalist the Defense Information School and the broadcast track he attended then taught how attending the National Press Photographers Association Workshop in Norman, Oklahoma changed his life the power of storytelling, and tips and tricks of the broadcast journalism trade Got an idea for a podcast guest or topic? Shoot Lori an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production.
On this episode of Sword and Pen, host Lori King speaks with investigative reporter and former marine infantryman James LaPorta, who, after exiting the military, broke into journalism by cold calling editors and agreeing to work for bylines. You are about to hear an inspiring story of how LaPorta, with no journalism experience or degree, tenaciously built a journalism career working for multiple mainstream news outlets, the first being the Washington Post. LaPorta, who was recently laid off from The Messenger, also shares his story about that sudden job loss. The Messenger was a startup nonpartisan news website that hired more than 300 journalists and, in less than a year, laid them all off with no warning. He was the national security and military affairs reporter. Listen as LaPorta talks about: how he became a contributing writer for Hollywood, including This is Us, FBI and Chicago P.D. how he covered his two award winning stories how he broke the story of contaminated water on the USS Boxer, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship of the United States Navy and what it's like to have a military reporting beat Find James LaPorta on his website | X Got an idea for a podcast guest or topic? Shoot Lori an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production.
On this episode of Sword and Pen, host Lori King speaks with journalism tool extraordinaire Mike Reilley, who just published his second book, The Journalist's Toolbox: A Guide to Digital Reporting and AI. Reilley has made it his mission since 1996 to continuously stock his trademarked online Journalism Toolbox with every kind of tool, resource and training you can imagine, including AI-driven tools, video training and links. If there's a tool out there, he's got it. Listen as Reilley talks about: how military journalists can benefit the origin of the Journalist's Toolbox how many new AI tools are available each month and how many tools he deletes because they're dead the history of online journalism and how news orgs were wrong to cannibalize their print product with a free version of a digital product The Journalism Toolbox.ai | Mike On X @itsmikereilley Got an idea for a podcast guest or topic? Shoot Lori an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production.
On this episode of Sword and Pen, host Lori King speaks with Air Force officer and filmmaker Allie Delury, who is celebrating her one-year anniversary of her production company, Work Our Way, on Dec. 30, 2023. Allie, who began her journalism and military career at the University of Minnesota, talks about her journey from tv reporter to business owner; what it was like going from social media manager to disconnecting from it; how a controversial documentary about abortion led her to start her LLC; why you should never let fear of failure or insecurity stop you from perusing anything you want to do; and how motherhood in April will compliment her business, not slow it down. To view Allie's work, go to Website To view Lori King's work, go to Website Got an idea for a podcast guest or topic? Shoot Lori an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production, brought to you monthly by host Lori King
On this special episode of Sword and Pen, host Lori King spoke with four attendees during the 2023 MVJ Convention held Oct. 5-7 in New York City. First up at the mic was Dan Clare, a Marine Corps and Air National Guard veteran. He was a military public affairs officer for 17 years, and is now the director of communications for DAV, Disabled American Veterans, who sponsored the MVJ Career Fair. Dan talked about his experience as the burn pit whistleblower, the value of having veteran voices in the media, and about his hope that veterans get hired in journalism at the career fair, where he operated a booth for DAV and sat on the Shaping News Coverage of Disabilities panel. Patrick Martin is an army airborne infantry veteran from Charlotte, North Carolina. He graduated from Columbia University - Graduate School of Journalism - and is now a producer for the NBC News Health and Medical Unit. Patrick came to the convention to give a tour of the NBCUniversal studio at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, and sat on the NBC panel. He talked about how important it is to get veterans into newsrooms, as well as his role as an NBC producer. Evgenia Vlasova is a Brooklyn-based video producer, editor and educator. She has been teaching at the New York Film Academy for eight years. Evgenia is not a veteran, but she is a member of MVJ. She spoke about the power of storytelling and how she helps her students adjust to the big city. She talked about how her veteran students have discipline, being a broadcast journalist in her homeland of Russia, and how the media there is government controlled. She is currently seeking her citizenship. Juan Carpanzano hails from Bogota, Colombia and lives in New York City. He is a marine veteran who spent five years with Combat Camera. He is an advance media studies major at Fordham University, concentrating in photojournalism. He talked about his belief that everyone has a voice, and offered this for advice: Push, push, push, and be confident in yourself! Connect with the guests! Dan Clare: X | DAV.org Patrick Martin: LinkedIn profile | NBC Health News Evgenia Vlasova: Instagram Juan Carpanzano: Instagram Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production, and is brought to you monthly by host Lori King Lori King: X @intro2pj | Instagram | Website Got an idea for a podcast guest? Shoot me an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com
On this episode of Sword and Pen, host Lori King speaks with army veteran and freelance journalist Cyrus Norcross, one of MVJ's 2023 Top 10 Journalists of the Year. Cyrus, who was an army ranger for six years before pursuing journalism, talks about his Navajo Nation heritage, his winning entry that earned him the journalist of the year award, and his passion for telling stories about the Indigenous community. Cyrus, who now freelances for Indian Country Today, has been published in the Native News Online and the Navajo Times. He is a member of MVJ and the Indigenous Journalist Association. Connect with Cyrus: LinkedIn | Website | Instagram Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production, and is brought to you monthly by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence Twitter | Lori King @intro2pj / Drew Lawrence @df_lawrence Got an idea for a podcast guest? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network
On this episode of Sword and Pen, we bring back MVJ president and co-founder Russell Midori to promote the MVJ 2023 Convention in New York City in October. We also chat with MVJ Mentorship Program manager Simone Doroski and mentorship alumni Jordan Sartor-Francis about a powerful program that pairs our members with journalism experts in the field. Listen as the guests > talk about the what's happening at the convention this year ... and there's a lot! tout the skills mentees learn from their mentors, and how it's landed them jobs and internships explain how to sign up to the mentorship program and the convention We also added a new feature to the Sword and Pen that highlights stories in the MVJ Newsletter, and stay for the end of the podcast because we go back into time and listen to memorable quotes from some of our esteemed past guests. This episode is hosted by Lori King Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production, and is brought to you monthly by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence Twitter | Lori King @intro2pj / Drew Lawrence @df_lawrence Got an idea for a podcast guest? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network
On this episode of Sword and Pen, we highlight the missions and roles of an Ohio Air National Guard public affairs office and its staff. The podcast was recorded out of 180th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office during their monthly drill in June 2023. Representing the wing's PA office: Public Affairs Officer Maj. Matt Eck; Senior Master Sgt. Beth Holliker; and two public affairs specialists, Staff Sgt. Kregg York and Airman First Class Sarah Stalder-Lundren. They are all Defense Information School (DINFOS) graduates. Listen as they > talk about the role and mission of an Air National Guard public affairs office tout the skills they learned while attending DINFOS review the social media policy of the PA office and its staff explain how they chose the public affairs field and the 180th Fighter Wing discuss the benefits the 180th offers the community and its airmen The 180th Fighter Wing, home of F-16 Fighting Falcon jets, provides combat ready airmen for federal, state and community missions. You can follow the 180th Fighter Wing on Twitter and view their work on the 180th's Website This episode is hosted by Lori King Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production, and is brought to you monthly by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence Twitter | Lori King @intro2pj / Drew Lawrence @df_lawrence Got an idea for a podcast guest? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network
On this episode of Sword and Pen, guest Anthony Vazquez talks about his transition from being a landing support specialist in the marine corps to a visual journalist at the Chicago Sun-Times, a newspaper that canned its entire photo staff for journalists using smartphones in 2013. If you are a photojournalist, a journalist who takes their own images, a student who wants to be a visualist storyteller, or a military veteran who wants to break into visual journalism, this episode is for you. Listen as Anthony > Talks about how his military experience played a key role in covering one of his first big breaking news stories for the Associated Press in Mexico Makes a case for veterans working in the newsroom Explains how he went from working at a grocery store to being a member of Report for America to interning at the Sun-Times (and he never left) Discusses what's happening at the Sun-Times now, a decade after the photo department was replaced because the management wanted more videos You can follow Anthony on Instagram and view his work on his Website This episode is hosted by Lori King Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production, and is brought to you monthly by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence Twitter | Lori King @intro2pj / Drew Lawrence @df_lawrence Got an idea for a podcast guest? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network
On this episode of Sword and Pen, navy and army veteran Caron LeNoir talks about her vast experience in journalism, business and activism. Baltimore native Caron comes from a family with deep artistic and political roots. She first takes us back to her childhood, and how her family of accomplished artists directly influenced her ability to tell stories through multiple formats. She started performing on stage at age 3, was on the radio in the second grade, and literally grew up in the darkroom. Listen as Caron, the founder of CARONISMedia Group and The Center for Sensual Arts, delves into podcasting advice, entrepreneurship, the power of networking and activism, and her commitment to MVJ and its speaker's bureau. Caron on Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn This episode is hosted by Lori King Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production, and is brought to you monthly by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence Twitter | Lori King @intro2pj / Drew Lawrence @df_lawrence Got an idea for a podcast guest? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network
On this episode of Sword and Pen, MVJ member and retired Marine Corps officer Riccoh Player and acclaimed Oscar and Emmy nominated director and writer Frederick Marx talk about their passion for filmmaker and storytelling, and how they both share a mission to tell the stories of military veterans. They zero in on veterans transitioning into successful civilian lives, so this podcast is dedicated to veterans making that transition. Listen as they also talk about how MJV can help reignite the creative fire that can be distinguished because of guardrails put up during military service; why the military should provide paid mentors to those transitioning into civilian life; and their collaboration on Warrior Films, founded by Frederick. They discuss Frederick's Veterans Journey Home five-part documentary series, which includes Kalani's Story, about a veteran who suffered from PTSD but through therapy and help made it to the other side. Amazon link to Riccoh's book Off the Record | Link to Riccoh's podcast The Warrior's Voice Trailer to full feature file Veterans Journey Home | Warrior Films: Veterans Journey Home series This episode is hosted by Lori King Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production, and is brought to you monthly by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence Twitter | Lori King @intro2pj / Drew Lawrence @df_lawrence Got an idea for a podcast guest? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network
On this episode of Sword and Pen, guest Ben Kesling talks about his quick transition from being a marine corps combat veteran to a reporter at the Wall Street Journal and a published author. Listen in as Ben also reads a passage from his new book, Bravo Company: An Afghanistan Deployment and its Aftermath, a story of the war in Afghanistan through the eyes of the men of one unit, part of a combat-hardened parachute infantry regiment in the 82nd Airborne Division. Ben, an MJV member and one of our Top 10 Military Veterans in Journalism in 2022, talks about how he funded journalism school at Medill at Northwestern; shares his love of his four young children with storytelling that makes a difference; and gives us his backstory to being a two-time winner on Jeopardy. Ben on Twitter | To buy his book, go to Bravo Company | Link to RSVP to Ben and Russell Midori's longform journalism webinar on Jan. 12! This episode is hosted by Lori King Sword and Pen is a Military Veterans in Journalism production, and is brought to you monthly by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence Twitter | Lori King @intro2pj / Drew Lawrence @df_lawrence Got an idea for a podcast guest? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network
In this special Veterans's Day episode of Sword and Pen, listen to nine one-on-one interviews featuring MVJ members who attended our first in-person 2nd annual MVJ Convention and Career Fair in Washington D.C. in October. The interviews were conducted by Jeff Pierce, director of broadcast and media partnerships for that radio station. Jeff set up his remote radio station booth on the first floor of our venue at the Reserve Organization of America building. We each told our own stories: Why we joined the military, what drove us to go into journalism, and what inspires us now. I'm also excited to announce that because of a new content-sharing agreement with Wreaths Across America radio, our show is now in their regular scheduled line-up. It can be heard at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio on Mondays at 10 a.m., Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. EST. It begins with the very first episode of Sword and Pen. The nine guests: Zack Baddorf | Russell Midori | Ben Kesling | Devon Lancia | Tim Lenard | Chip Lauterbach | Noelle Wiehe | Caron LeNoir | Lori King This episode was produced by Lori King Sword and Pen is brought to you monthly by co-hosts Lori King and Drew F. Lawrence Twitter | Lori King @intro2pj / Drew Lawrence @df_lawrence Got an idea for a podcast? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network
On this episode of Sword and Pen, Allison P. Erickson of The Texas Tribune and Tim Lenard of The Nevada Independent talk local news, transitioning from serving to reporting, and how veterans can make themselves an asset to their newsrooms. Take a listen as Tim and Allison take us through working in state-focused newsrooms and how they act as the responsible arbiters of information between their community and national issues. Co-host Drew F. Lawrence speaks with both reporters about the challenges of transitioning as a veteran, their fellowships and the joys of the community that make it rich with professional opportunity and support. Allison's Twitter | The Texas Tribune Tim's Twitter | The Nevada Independent This episode is hosted by Drew F. Lawrence Sword and Pen is brought to you monthly by co-hosts Lori King and Drew F. Lawrence Twitter | Lori King @intro2pj / Drew Lawrence @df_lawrence Got an idea for a podcast? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network
On this episode of Sword and Pen, Military in Journalism president and co-founder Russell Midori highlights a few keynote speakers, journalism panels and job fair vendors featured at the 2nd annual MVJ Convention and Job Fair on Oct. 6-8 in Washington, D.C. The #MVJ2022 Convention and Career Fair is the preeminent experience for the journalism world to put more veterans in newsrooms. This year's annual gathering will be the organization's first ever in-person convention. Journalists, non-profit professionals, newsroom leaders and other supporters of newsroom diversity will gather to share, learn and connect with each other while focusing on supporting the under-represented community of military veterans in journalism. #MoreVetsInNews This month's podcast is dedicated to the MVJ members and non members attending this event! Midori's Twitter | LinkedIn | Email This episode is hosted by Lori King Sword and Pen is brought to you monthly by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence Twitter | Lori King @intro2pj / Drew Lawrence @df_lawrence Got an idea for a podcast? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network
On this episode of Sword and Pen, Zachary Fryer-Biggs, the managing editor of Military.com talks about the defense reporting industry, his experience with hiring veterans and giving you tips on freelance pitches and working in a newsroom. Take a listen as Zach takes us through his decade-plus of experience in national security reporting in various newsrooms -- from investigations to managing a newsroom and what Military.com does. Co-host Drew F. Lawrence -- who works in Military.com's newsroom as a reporter -- speaks with Zach about the inside of a newsroom and how you, as a veteran, can best thrive in one. Zach's Twitter | Military.com This episode is hosted by Drew F. Lawrence Sword and Pen is brought to you monthly by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence Twitter | Lori King @intro2pj / Drew Lawrence @df_lawrence Got an idea for a podcast? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or
On this episode of Sword and Pen, guest Kyle Rempfer takes us on his amazing journey from being an Air Force combat controller to his current position as editor of the Army Times, a branch of the independent Military Times. Listen in as Kyle chats about the myth of needing a journalism degree to break into journalism; the importance of seeking paid or unpaid internships at news organizations; the need to have tough skin when being told no by opaque military and DoD officials; and the art of filing Freedom of Information requests. This show will be an inspiration to our MVJ members transitioning from the military into journalism, especially if you don't have a journalism degree hanging on your wall yet. Kyle's Twitter | Army Times | Military Times This episode is hosted by Lori King Sword and Pen is brought to you monthly by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence Twitter | Lori King @intro2pj / Drew Lawrence @df_lawrence Got an idea for a podcast? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network
For this month's Sword and Pen podcast, MVJ is re-airing our Extremism in the Military Webinar that originally aired June 16. Join host Drew Lawrence as he addresses a very timely topic of domestic and foreign extremism with Andrew Mines, a research fellow for George Washington University's Program on Extremism, and Dr. Daniel Milton, director of research at the Combating Terrorism Center at the United States Military Academy. Both researchers co-authored "This is War": Examining Military Experience Among the Capitol Hill Siege Participants." Questions by the webinar attendees and answers by the expert panel are included at the end of the show. Tune in to hear what the panel says about: Building credibility and trust when covering military extremism stories How to cover extremism in the military The lack of accountability and a federal statute regarding domestic terrorism The importance of collecting data on domestic terrorism Andrew Mines / Twitter @mines_andrew | Program on Extremism at George Washington University / Website Dr. Daniel Milton / Twitter @Dr_DMilton | CTC at West Point / Twitter @CTCWP Sword and Pen is brought to you by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence Twitter | Lori King @intro2pj / Drew Lawrence @df_lawrence Got an idea for a podcast? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network
In this episode of Military Veterans in Journalism podcast show Sword and Pen, Army veteran and journalist Noelle Wiehe recalls the moment she first realized she wanted to tell military stories for a living, and how joining the army eventually led her to that perfect reporting job. Noelle is a Military Veterans in Journalism member and credits an MVJ fellowship for her current job at Black Rifle Coffee Company's Coffee or Die Magazine. The University of Cincinnati journalism graduate also gives great advice to other MVJ members trying to break into journalism. Tune in to hear what she says about: Scouting the competition for her own individual skills growth What her boss said regarding core competencies, and how you have to do it all these days Finding that dream job. "Don't stop until you achieve it because it's out there." Coffee Noelle's website / Twitter | Coffee or Die Twitter | Coffee or Die Website This episode is hosted by Lori King Sword and Pen is brought to you by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence Twitter | Lori King @intro2pj / Drew Lawrence @df_lawrence Got an idea for a podcast? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network
In this episode of Sword and Pen, host Lori King checks in with Navy veteran Tony Mobley, one of the Top 10 Military Veterans in Journalism of 2020. Tony's entry, Photo Series: Black Lives Matter Protests, earned him that recognition. Tony talks about how he documented life on the biggest warship in the U.S. Navy; his covid coverage during the height of the pandemic in 2020; and why a photo of his baby sister inspired him to become a photographer at nine years old. We also have a real conversation about racism among black photographers and the power of diversity. Tony's website / Twitter / Instagram | YouTube This episode is hosted by Lori King. Sword and Pen is brought to you by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence Twitter | Lori King @intro2pj / Drew Lawrence @df_lawrence Got an idea for a podcast? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network
In this episode of Sword and Pen, Washington Post national security reporter Dan Lamothe talks about the path that led him to cover the WaPo's military beat; expresses his love for journalism and advices on how to break into it; and reveals why he thinks there's a need for journalists to have conversations dealing with emotional turmoil after covering intense embed patrols. Washington Post Bio / Twitter @DanLamothe This episode is hosted by Drew Lawrence. Sword and Pen is brought to you by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence Twitter | Lori King @intro2pj / Drew Lawrence @df_lawrence Got an idea for a podcast? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network
In this episode of Sword and Pen, guest Roy Peter Clark, of the Poynter Institute, discusses the almighty lead sentence. Clark, a journalist, author and educator, also breaks down the writing process into a series of steps; advises how to break out of a writer's block; begrudgingly shares his favorite lead sentence he's ever written; and fills us in on what the Poynter Institute is all about, which is "arguably one of the most important and influential schools for journalists and democracy in the world." This episode, hosted by Lori King, is a long soak into the lessons of writing. Best 2020 Pulitzer Prize Leads, as judged by Roy Peter Clark | Twitter @RoyPeterClark Sword and Pen is brought to you by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence Twitter Lori King @intro2pj and Drew Lawrence @df_lawrence Got an idea for a podcast? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network
In this episode of Sword and Pen, host Drew Lawrence asks Army Times staff reporter Davis Winkie to break down his investigation into Operation Lone Star. Winkie shares his inside story on the Texas National Guard's border mission, talks about taking risks to land a journalism job as a military historian, and admits how he [hopefully] helped a female boy scout earn a merit badge, despite her criticism of one of his articles. Operation Lone Star Article | Headline: Suicide attempts, delayed pay prompt calls for probe into Guard's Texas mission Sword and Pen is brought to you by MVJ co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence. Got an idea for a podcast? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network
In this episode of Sword and Pen, host Lori King converses with MVJ member Lucretia Cunningham, a former U.S. Air Force medic who traded in her medical kit for cameras, microphones and the almighty pen. Listen as Cunningham shares her story of being an active duty medic for a decade, then doing an about face and transferring into Public Affairs in the Air National Guard; gives valuable advice to veterans who are facing that transition; and tells us how she secured media jobs with the help of the Military Veterans in Journalism organization. The mother of three also talks about the fine act of balancing family and military and employment commitments. You can follow Cunningham on Twitter @Lucretia_News. Sword and pen is brought to you by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence. Got an idea for a podcast? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network.
In this episode of Sword and Pen, host Drew F. Lawrence converses with Jeff Parrott, a Salt Lake Tribune political journalist, Columbia journalism school graduate and army veteran. Listen as we dive into Parrott's take on the mental health of veterans and journalists; the importance of veterans in newsrooms; a local Salt Lake Tribune investigation on the Oath Keepers (an example of why local news matters); and the long walk - or sprint - out of the military and into media. Sword and Pen is brought to you by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence. Got an idea for a podcast? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network
In this episode of Sword and Pen, Mike Haynie, founder and executive director of the Institute for Military Veterans, proudly announces the grand opening of the new National Veterans Resource Center on the campus of Syracuse University in Upstate New York. The sole purpose of the IVMF and the NVRC is to advance the social, economic education and policy concerns of this country's veterans and their families. The resources are free and available to all veterans, including our MVJ members. Haynie also talks about the Military Visual Journalism Program for active duty service members. Video: A look inside the new The National Veterans Resource Center Website links: Institute for Veterans & Military Families | Military Visual Journalism Program Sword and Pen is brought to you by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence Got an idea for a podcast? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and drew@mvj.network
This podcast episode of Sword & Pen drops on Nov. 2 at 6 a.m. S&P Guest Mike Haynie takes you to the new National Veterans Resource Center at Syracuse University, a free resource center for all military veterans and their families. The state-of-the-art center also celebrated its grand opening on Nov. 2!
In this episode, Sword and Pen host Drew F. Lawrence has a conversation with award-winning author, journalist and veteran Kelly Kennedy. She is the current managing editor for The War Horse, a non-profit journalism publication that focuses on all aspects of military culture. Listen as we dive into investigations, questioning authority, her reflection of the "worst day" with the hardest hit military unit since the Vietnam War -- and how to deal with all of that as a veteran, reporter and human. Finding the Words | the work of Kelly Kennedy The War Horse | nonprofit journalism about military service
This special episode features a podcast recorded and produced by retired U.S. Army officer Thomas Brouns for a Military Veterans in Journalism podcast workshop. Brouns, who served 10 rotations in Afghanistan, shares his correspondence with Mohammad, one of five Afghan translators he supported in his effort to secure a special immigrant visa. Brouns said he wondered what Mohammad thought of the unfolding crisis in Afghanistan. His curiosity led him to contact Mohammad, and through Messenger, they exchanged updates, thoughts and the trials and tribulations that Mohammad dealt with while trying to get his family safely out of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. This is their story. Next episode airs Oct. 1: Drew Lawrence talks to War Horse managing editor Kelly Kennedy about obeying and questioning authority as a military veteran and journalist.
In this episode, new co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence discuss their dedication to journalism and the Military Veterans in Journalism organization. Lori began her journalism career when she joined the active Army at 18 years old, and retired from the Air National Guard in 2000. Drew is a former military officer who is just starting his journalism career, and an active member and volunteer of MVJ. Military Veterans in Journalism website | Lori King's website
In this episode, Dave Bruce shares his journey from Federal Air Marshal to journalist. He compares the two careers and discusses important parallels. Dave is a former Army medic and served with the 82nd Airborne Division prior to becoming a federal law enforcement officer.
Sword and Pen is joined by the former Washington Post Executive Editor, Marty Baron, who shares his thoughts on veterans in journalism. Marty also was the Executive Editor of the Boston Globe when it broke the famous Spotlight stories on sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, and he was portrayed by Liev Schreiber in the film "Spotlight."
In this episode, Jasper Lo shares his journey from U.S. Army officer to becoming a fact checker at The New Yorker. He discusses the stories that propelled him into the field of journalism, and the lessons he wishes to share with other veterans heading down the same path. Sword and Pen is a production of Military Veteran in Journalism, a professional association that builds community for vets, supports their career growth, and advocates for diversifying newsrooms through hiring and promoting more vets. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr)
Coffee or Die Executive Editor and former Army Ranger Marty Skovlund joins the program to discuss where military veterans fit in the journalism space. Sword and Pen is a production of Military Veteran in Journalism, a professional association that builds community for vets, supports their career growth, and advocates for diversifying newsrooms through hiring and promoting more vets. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr)
The Sword & Pen Podcast is back! Season two, episode one is out today and we had the pleasure of interviewing Clyde Gunter for our season premier. Clyde is a member of the MVJ volunteer team and a Production Assistant at ESPN. He had some great things to say about how service members can transition into journalism effectively and had some great experiences of his own to share.Sword and Pen is also in video format! Check it out on YouTube.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr)
“Find your light, compose the shot, and wait for a moment.” -Patrick FarrellWelcome to Sword and Pen, a podcast about journalism, military veterans, and military veterans in journalism. In this episode we welcome Patrick Farrell, a photojournalist who won a Pulitzer Prize while at the Miami Herald, for photos he shot in 2009 showing despair in a hurricane ravaged Haiti. Sword and Pen is a production of Military Veteran in Journalism, a professional association that builds community for vets, supports their career growth, and advocates for diversifying newsrooms through hiring and promoting more vets.**Patrick's Pulitzer Prize winning work: https://www.pulitzer.org/winners/patrick-farrell Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr)
“Get yourself a camera and go to Iraq.” -Chris HondrosWelcome to Sword and Pen, a podcast about journalism, military veterans, and military veterans in journalism. In this episode we welcome Russell Midori, a Marine Corps veteran and staff journalist for CBS News network. Russell is also an Overseas Press Club Foundation board member, a frequent guest lecturer at colleges and universities, and he volunteers as an alumni mentor for students in the Brooklyn College Radio and Television department. Russell is also a co-founder of Military Veterans in Journalism.Sword and Pen is a production of Military Veteran in Journalism, a professional association that builds community for vets, supports their career growth, and advocates for diversifying newsrooms through hiring and promoting more vets.**To find a First Aid class in your area, check out https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr/cpr-for-schoolsSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr)
"Don't do it unless there is nothing else you could possible spend your life doing... because journalism is a calling and a commitment." -June CrossWelcome to Sword and Pen, a podcast about journalism, military veterans, and military veterans in journalism. In this episode we welcome June Cross, a professor of journalism at Columbia University. Cross won 2 EMMY Awards, first in 1983 for her coverage of the U.S. Invasion of Grenada and again in 1997 for her documentary, "Secret Daughter." Over her career she has worked for Frontline, CBS News and the Boston Globe.Sword and Pen is a production of Military Veteran in Journalism, a professional association that builds community for vets, supports their career growth, and advocates for diversifying newsrooms through hiring and promoting more vets.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr)
"I think the way people use something like PTSD to tell stories- they draw from tropes and those tropes make assumptions of how people experience PTSD that can be very positive to help shed light on something or can be very negative in that your spreading some assumptions as a generalization that not all people feel." - Dr. Mary Anne TaylorWelcome to Sword and Pen, a podcast about journalism, military veterans, and military veterans in journalism. In this episode we welcome Dr. Mary Anne Taylor, a professor of Rhetoric at Emerson College’s School of Communication. Dr. Taylor’s academic focus is on how foundational rhetoric and dominant discourses intersect with gender, race and sexuality. She’s been published in the journal of Women and Language, American Behavioral Scientist, and written about gendered journalism in The New York Times. Sword and Pen is a production of Military Veteran in Journalism, a professional association that builds community for vets, supports their career growth, and advocates for diversifying newsrooms through hiring and promoting more vets.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr)
“I knew I was ready to make a move but I wasn’t sure what that move should be, and this opportunity showed up for me because I had accidentally been preparing for it.”-Phoebe GavinWelcome to Sword and Pen, a podcast about journalism, military veterans, and military veterans in journalism. In this episode we welcome Phoebe Gavin, an Army veteran and the Editorial Director of Growth for Quartz. You also might recognize her from time spent at Think Progress and Upworthy. Sword and Pen is a production of Military Veteran in Journalism, a professional association that builds community for vets, supports their career growth, and advocates for diversifying newsrooms through hiring and promoting more vets. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr)
"Don't have a chip on your shoulder. Don't get out of the military thinking that anybody owes you anything." - Paul SzoldraWelcome to Sword and Pen, a podcast about journalism, military veterans, and military veterans in journalism. In this episode we welcome Paul Szoldra, a Marine Corps veteran and the Editor-in-Chief of Task and Purpose. You also might recognize him as the founder of the popular satire news website, Duffel Blog. Sword and Pen is a production of Military Veteran in Journalism, a professional association that builds community for vets, supports their career growth, and advocates for diversifying newsrooms through hiring and promoting more vets. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr)
"If this is what you want to do, just keep pitching away and keep yourself in the arena." -Barbara StarrWelcome to Sword and Pen, a podcast about journalism, military veterans, and military veterans in journalism. In this episode we welcome Barbara Starr, CNN's Pentagon Correspondent. Sword and Pen is a production of Military Veteran in Journalism, a professional association that builds community for vets, supports their career growth, and advocates for diversifying newsrooms through hiring and promoting more vets. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr)
"The wonderful thing about journalism is you don't need permission from anybody." -Sebastian JungerWelcome to Sword and Pen, a podcast about journalism, military veterans, and military veterans in journalism. In the inaugural episode we welcome Sebastian Junger, an author (The Perfect Storm, Tribe), journalist, and documentarian (Oscar-nominated "Restrepo").Sword and Pen is a production of Military Veteran in Journalism, a professional association that builds community for vets, supports their career growth, and advocates for diversifying newsrooms through hiring and promoting more vets. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr)
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