Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE Magazine
Coffee with a Journalist
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...
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Nicole Silberstein, Retail Touchpoints
Coffee with a Journalist
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...
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Anna Mahan, Country Living
Coffee with a Journalist
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...
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Jill Manoff, Glossy
Coffee with a Journalist
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...
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Shoshi Parks, 7x7
Coffee with a Journalist
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.
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Nancy Scola, POLITICO Magazine
Coffee with a Journalist
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...
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David Oliver, USA Today
Coffee with a Journalist
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.
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Gabriela Ulloa, Freelance
Coffee with a 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 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...
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Chandler Plante, PopSugar
Coffee with a Journalist
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...
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Tania Mitra, Citywire
Coffee with a Journalist
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...
info_outlineWelcome back to another exciting episode of Coffee with a Journalist. Today we're thrilled to be joined by Andrew Couts, Senior Editor for Security and Investigations at WIRED. We'll dive deep into the complexities of his role, which spans everything from national security to cybersecurity, privacy, surveillance, and much more. Andrew also shares pearls of wisdom on what makes a great pitch stand out in his inbox, how his team approaches investigative work, and the importance of building trustworthy relationships between journalists and publicists. So grab your favorite cup of joe, sit back, and let's get into it!