Sam Cole, 404 Media

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 real relationships, this episode is full of tips for navigating media outreach. Enjoy!

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 the scenes at People. Nicholas also pulls back the curtain on managing breaking news over weekends, the importance of authentic relationships with publicists, and what sets People's newsroom apart from the cutthroat stereotypes you see in the movies. Plus, hear about the launch of the new People app and why Nicholas believes the magazine is stronger than ever. Whether you're a publicist, journalist, or just a People superfan, this episode is packed with warmth, passion, and practical tips for thriving in media today. Grab your coffee and enjoy!

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 a subject line can make or break your shot. Nicole also walks us through her day—from breaking news to podcast prep—and reflects on how AI is reshaping the newsroom. If you've ever wondered how to get on a journalist's radar (and stay there), you'll want to hear this one.

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!