Megan Farokhmanesh, Wired

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-Hilario, 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.