Anna Mahan, Country Living

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. She shares what makes a pitch stand out (hint: keep it personal, relevant, and don’t forget those price points!), her favorite subject line strategies, and the importance of affiliate partnerships for getting your products featured. If you want to unlock the secrets to pitching (and catching the eye of an editor at a major publication), you won’t want to miss this conversation!

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 tips on subject lines, standout stories, and why data matters. She also talks about navigating media in the AI era, the role of conferences in story generation, and how she approaches publicist relationships (hint: don’t get too friendly). Whether you're a publicist, journalist, or just curious about how editors think, this episode is packed with insight from the top. Grab your coffee and let’s jump in!

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.