Coffee with a Journalist

Welcome back to Coffee with a Journalist! In this episode, we chat with freelance writer and Forbes contributor Aly Walansky, whose work appears in Yahoo, Travel + Leisure, and more. Aly shares her love for freelancing, how she manages a packed inbox, and why Substack helps publicists stay on her radar. From pitch pet peeves (think vague subject lines and last-minute asks) to the importance of rea...

Welcome to this episode of Coffee with a Journalist! Today we sit down with Nicholas Rice, Senior Editor at People magazine, for a conversation about the ins and outs of working at one of the world’s most iconic publications. Get ready for actionable insights on how publicists can stand out in a packed inbox, what kinds of pitches catch Nicholas’s attention, and how collaboration happens behind th...

On this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, we’re joined by Nicole Silberstein, editor in chief at Retail TouchPoints. She shares how she keeps a zeroed-out inbox, what makes a pitch actually stand out, and how she and her team sift through nonstop retail news to find the stories worth telling. We get into the nitty-gritty of PR pitches, sourcing experts who aren’t just selling something, and why...

On this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, we sit down for a chat with Anna Mahan, the Associate Commerce Editor at Country Living, calling in from Alabama. Anna gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her role as a “shopping editor”—from curating gift guides and product roundups to navigating the chaos of her inbox, especially during peak shopping seasons like Amazon Prime Day and the holidays. Sh...

Welcome back to Coffee with a Journalist! Today’s guest is Jill Manoff, editor-in-chief of both Glossy and Modern Retail—two standout publications under the Digiday Media umbrella. If you’re looking to better understand how to pitch in the fast-moving worlds of beauty, fashion, and retail, this episode is for you. Jill shares the unique focus of each outlet, her secret to inbox zero, and candid ti...

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...

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...

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 journalist...

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 per...

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 cont...

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...

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 pro...

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 positi...

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 excl...

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 wea...

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 h...

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 in...

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 pitc...

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...

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 offer...

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 re...

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 expectat...

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 organiz...

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 in...

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...