Coffee with a Journalist artwork

Coffee with a Journalist

212 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 37 ratings

"Coffee with a Journalist" features candid conversations with top tier journalists.

Each week OnePitch Co-Founder, Beck Bamberger, speaks 1:1 with editors, reporters, and journalists to uncover their publicist pet peeves, favorite books, outlook on the future of journalism, and more. Sometimes, we even drink coffee.

Technology Business Careers interview journalism mediarelations technology
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Ilona Limonta-Volkova, NPR Money Memories Podcast

April 23, 2024 07:15 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MB

Our guest on today’s episode of Coffee with a Journalist is Ilona Limonta-Volkova, host of Money Memories, an NPR podcast, and contributing writer on fintech at Forbes. During the episode, Ilona discusses her podcast and the types of guests she features, plus her dream guest, the art of staying pithy in pitching, and the best way to connect with her.

Tim Crino, Inc.

April 16, 2024 07:15 - 25 minutes - 34.7 MB

Our guest on today’s episode of Coffee with a Journalist is Tim Crino. Tim is a senior editor at Inc. where his coverage focus is on cybersecurity and data privacy. He also oversees Inc.'s book reviews, collaborates on strategies for Inc. Video, and edits Inc. Insider, a print section that curates expert advice from entrepreneurship's brightest. During the episode, Tim discusses how PR folks can get in his email’s “good folder” (and what that is), how he vets angles and news to cover, as w...

Farrell Evans, Freelance

April 09, 2024 07:15 - 20 minutes - 28.3 MB

In this week's episode of Coffee with a Journalist, we sit down with freelance journalist Farrell Evans. Farrell covers a range of topics like business, golf, history, and race for outlets including Inc., Sports Illustrated, the History Channel, Andscape, and more. He'll walk us through how exactly to catch his attention in your pitch to him as well as what to call out in your pitch, what he looks for in a solid publicist, and more.  

Monica Pitrelli, CNBC

April 02, 2024 07:15 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MB

Our guest on today’s episode of Coffee with a Journalist is Monica Pitrelli, editor of CNBC Travel, part of CNBC. Monica covers news, trends, and financial matters for high-yield travelers around the world. During the episode, Monica discusses how she organizes her email inbox across time zones (she’s based in Singapore), how she puts her stories together, and what makes a great source for her coverage.   

Maya Goldman, Axios

March 26, 2024 07:15 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MB

Welcome to this week's episode of Coffee with a Journalist, where we sit down for a chat with the talented Maya Goldman, health policy reporter at Axios. Maya takes us through her email inbox routine and shares insights into the kind of sources she prefers to work with, the timing of pitches, and much more. She emphasizes the importance of a direct yet conversational approach in pitches and the benefits of providing exclusive or embargoed information. Join us as Maya provides a glimpse into...

John Hyatt, Forbes

March 19, 2024 07:15 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MB

In this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, host Beck Bamberger is joined by John Hyatt, a staff writer for Forbes. John specializes in covering billionaires, finance, deal making, money and politics, and white-collar crime. During the conversation, John provides insights into his coverage of the wealthiest individuals in the world, how he produces the annual Forbes 400 list and the Forbes world billionaires list, and also sheds light on his inbox, the type of pitches he receives, and how ...

Andrea González-Ramírez, The Cut

March 12, 2024 08:15 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MB

In this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, we sit down with Andrea González-Ramírez, a senior writer at The Cut. Andrea discusses her role at The Cut, her beat covering systems of power, and her approach to receiving pitches. She shares insights into managing her inbox, the types of pitches that catch her attention, and the kinds of sources she prefers to work with. Andrea also delves into her story approval process, her preference for communication, and her self-care practices. Join us ...

Daysia Tolentino, NBC News

March 05, 2024 08:15 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MB

In this episode of "Coffee with a Journalist," we sit down with Daysia Tolentino, the culture and trends reporter at NBC News. Daysia shares her insights on covering Internet culture and trends, emphasizing the importance of pitches related to online content and trends. She discusses the challenges of identifying true trends amidst the noise of the Internet and offers valuable tips for publicists looking to pitch to her. From her preference for data-driven pitches to her inbox management st...

Conz Preti, Business Insider

February 27, 2024 08:15 - 25 minutes - 23 MB

In this episode, we sit down with Conz Preti, the senior editor for Freelancers at Business Insider. Conz covers a wide range of topics, including parenting, health, college life, and sex and relationships. Throughout the episode, she provides valuable insights for publicists and freelancers looking to pitch stories to Business Insider. From her inbox management strategies to her preferences for expert sources and pitch subject lines, Conz shares tips and advice to help you land your next s...

Lucy Morgan, Glamour

February 20, 2024 08:15 - 27 minutes - 37.2 MB

In this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, host Beck Bamberger sits down with Lucy Morgan, purpose editor and deputy website editor at Glamour. During the discussion, Lucy shares the inside scoop on her role, her hectic inbox filled with exciting and sensitive pitches, and her dedication to meaningful, women's empowerment content. She also talks about her preferences for phone interviews, paragraph-based pitches, and the importance of authentic, expert sources. Lucy dives into Glamour's dy...

Thomas Germain, Gizmodo

February 13, 2024 08:15 - 20 minutes - 28.7 MB

In this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, host Beck Bamberger gets into the nitty-gritty of the journalist-publicist relationship with senior technology reporter, Thomas Germain from Gizmodo. Thomas shares insights into the kind of pitches and emails he prefers, his pet peeves about pitches, his love for direct and succinct communication, and his preference for phone interviews over video. As the conversation takes a lighthearted turn, Thomas and Beck discuss the importance of respecting...

Melissa Daniels, Modern Retail

February 06, 2024 08:15 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MB

In this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, our host Beck Bamberger chats with Melissa Daniels, the senior reporter at Modern Retail. Melissa shares insights on her process for handling the hundreds of pitches she receives daily and offers tips for effective pitching. She discusses her passion for covering retail, e-commerce, fintech, and home design, and provides valuable advice for publicists looking to build successful relationships with journalists. From inbox management to the kind of...

Sam Blum, Inc. Magazine

January 30, 2024 08:15 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MB

In this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, we sit down with Sam Blum, a senior writer at Inc. Magazine. During the interview, Sam shares insights into his inbox management, building relationships with publicists, and what makes a compelling pitch. He also gives us a peek into his preferences on communication, news consumption habits, and the curious trend of surprise guests on video calls. Stay tuned for some candid advice and a few laughs in this milestone 200th episode.

Anna Tingley, Variety

January 23, 2024 08:15 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MB

Welcome to another exciting episode of Coffee with a Journalist! Today, our host, Beck Bamberger, sit down with Anna Tingley, editor at Variety. In this episode, Anna shares insights into her role at Variety, her approach to covering e-commerce, and her preferences for receiving pitches. From her favorite types of pitches and how she structures her day, Anna gives us an inside look into the life of an editor at a top-tier publication. Tune in as she shares her thoughts on press events, rela...

Telisha Bryan, Crain's New York Business

January 16, 2024 08:15 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MB

On this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, Telisha Bryan, managing editor of Crain's New York Business, shares valuable insights on how publicists and journalists can work together more effectively. From the importance of sending targeted pitches to tips on subject lines and embargoes, Talisha provides a wealth of knowledge for those looking to catch the attention of journalists. Tune in to hear her experiences and perspectives on building strong relationships with the media in the bustlin...

Leo Schwartz, Fortune

January 09, 2024 08:15 - 16 minutes - 15.6 MB

Welcome to this episode of Coffee with a Journalist! Today, we delve into an insightful conversation with Leo Schwartz, a reporter at Fortune who covers the global impact of crypto regulation, cybercrime, and all things blockchain. Leo shares his approach to handling a hectic inbox, his criteria for responding to pitches, his interest in covering Latin America, and his preference for exclusive stories. He also provides valuable tips for publicists and sheds light on his upcoming work. Join ...

Alesandra Dubin, Freelance

December 19, 2023 08:15 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MB

In this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, host Beck Bamberger sits down with freelance travel and lifestyle writer Alesandra Dubin to discuss her experience in the world of journalism. Alesandra shares insights into the pitching process, her preferences for communication, and how publicists can build strong, lasting relationships with freelance writers. From the benefits of her Substack newsletter to her views on embargoed content and in-person meetings, Alesandra offers valuable advice ...

Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune

December 12, 2023 08:15 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MB

In this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, host Beck Bamberger sits down with Emma Hinchliffe, Senior Writer at Fortune and author of the Broadsheet newsletter.  Emma shares insights into her work covering women in business, gender issues, and the most important stories affecting women. She discusses the evolving landscape of women's media coverage, how she filters through pitches, and the importance of exclusive news for the Broadsheet newsletter. Emma also provides valuable tips for pu...

Ian Kumamoto, HuffPost

December 05, 2023 08:15 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MB

In this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, host Beck Bamberger sits down with Ian Kumamoto, a contributing writer for HuffPost and various other media outlets. Ian shares valuable insights into his inbox management and what catches his eye when considering pitches. He discusses the importance of building organic and respectful relationships with publicists and how a personalized and identity-focused approach to pitches can make all the difference. Additionally, Ian highlights his love for...

Jared Lindzon, Freelance

November 28, 2023 08:15 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MB

In today's episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with freelance journalist Jared Lindzon. Jared, who writes about the future of work for prestigious publications such as the Globe and Mail and Fast Company's Work Life section, joins our hosts, Jered Martin and Beck Bamberger, to discuss the ins and outs of pitching and working with freelance journalists like himself. From setting pitches aside to run past editors, to the importance of relevancy and data in a pitch, Jared offers a uniqu...

Aria Bendix, NBC News

November 14, 2023 07:15 - 20 minutes - 19 MB

Welcome to another episode of Coffee with a Journalist, the podcast that brings you closer to the journalists behind the headlines. In today's episode, we sit down with Aria Bendix, Breaking Health Reporter for NBC News. Aria takes us through her process of sifting through pitches, shares her preferences for subject lines, and provides valuable insights on how to make a meaningful connection with journalists. Join us as we dive into the world of health journalism and discover what it takes ...

Hannah Orenstein, Bustle

November 08, 2023 07:15 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MB

Welcome to this week's episode of Coffee with a Journalist, where we bring you fascinating conversations with journalists and editors from top publications. In this episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Hannah Orenstein, the deputy editor of Lifestyle and Wellness at Bustle. Hannah shares insights into the hectic world of an editor's inbox and offers some valuable advice for publicists trying to navigate the pitch process. She also surprises us with her secret, unconventional caree...

Andrada Fiscutean, Freelance Journalist

October 31, 2023 07:15 - 19 minutes - 18.3 MB

Welcome to Coffee with a Journalist! This week, we sit down with freelance science and technology journalist Andrada Fiscutean. Based in Bucharest, Romania, Andrada writes for publications like Ars Technica, Vice Motherboard, ZDNet, Nature, and CSO Online, focusing on cybersecurity and the history of technology. She shares her unique perspective on covering stories that most staff writers wouldn't consider and the benefits of being based in a lower-cost country.  She also opens up about her...

Annalee Armstrong, Fierce Biotech

October 24, 2023 07:15 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MB

Welcome to another episode of Coffee with a Journalist! In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Annalee Armstrong, the senior editor of Fierce Biotech. Fierce Biotech is a renowned trade publication that covers the latest news in the biotech industry, from drug development to cutting-edge scientific discoveries. Annalee shares insights on the hectic world of journalism, including the challenges of managing a flooded inbox, the importance of building relationships with publicists, a...

Alexis Morillo, Bustle

October 17, 2023 07:15 - 21 minutes - 29.9 MB

In this episode, Alexis Morrillo, lifestyle editor at Bustle, gives us insight into the unique approach Bustle takes in covering trending stories. As a platform aimed at the Gen Z/Millennial audience, Bustle delves into the niche corners of the Internet, from viral TikTok trends to seasonal moments and gift guides. Alexis shares how Bustle's editorial team thrives on chaotic pitches and taps into the questions people are asking in their group chats and even what their parents are curious ab...

Steffi Cao, Forbes

October 10, 2023 07:15 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MB

In this episode, our host Beck Bamberger sit down with Steffi Cao, a staff writer for Forbes, who specializes in covering the creator economy and internet culture. Steffi shares her insights on the creator economy beat, what catches her attention in pitches, and why she rarely writes about PR agency pitches. She also discusses the breadth of the creator economy, from Twitch streamers to hologram gamers, and the fascinating stories that emerge from this evolving industry. Join us as we sip o...

Deanna Cuadra, EBN

October 03, 2023 07:15 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MB

In this episode, our host Beck Bamberger interviews senior reporter Deanna Cuadra from Employee Benefit News. Deanna shares insights about her background in film and how it influences her reporting. She also discusses the importance of including relevant sources in pitches, offers tips on how to catch her attention in the subject line, and more!

Dani Kwateng, Teen Vogue

September 26, 2023 07:15 - 25 minutes - 35.4 MB

In this episode, host Beck Bamberger sits down with the fabulous Dani Kwateng, executive editor of Teen Vogue. Dani gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of Teen Vogue over the past two decades and shares her insights on how writers can successfully pitch concepts and ideas to her as an editor. She also discusses the importance of exclusives and how they can be funneled to other esteemed publications. Oh, and did we mention that Danie delves into her time spent during New York ...

Bree Fowler, CNET

September 19, 2023 07:15 - 25 minutes - 34.8 MB

In today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Bree Fowler, the senior writer of cybersecurity and digital privacy from CNET. Bree shares her insights on building relationships through face-to-face meetings and the importance of establishing a connection with PR professionals. She also gives us a glimpse into her inbox, revealing how she manages the influx of pitches and the art of organizing her emails.

Catherine Perloff, Adweek

September 12, 2023 07:15 - 22 minutes - 31.3 MB

On this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, we sit down with Catherine Perloff, a reporter from Adweek. She gives us insight into her coverage of ad tech, social media platforms, and their influence on the marketing community. Catherine discusses the nuances of exclusives, how to approach her with trend stories she hasn't covered yet, the value of regular source conversations, and more.

Anna Hrushka, Banking Dive

September 05, 2023 07:15 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MB

In this week's episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Anna Hrushka, a senior reporter from Banking Dive. Anna's expertise lies in covering the banking and fintech sector, and she played a vital role in launching the Banking Dive vertical. During our conversation, Anna shares her interests in bank and fintech partnerships, her knack for finding second-day stories that deepen major news topics, and her approach to building relationships with sources through introductory calls or e...

Sarah Whitten, CNBC

August 29, 2023 07:15 - 20 minutes - 28.6 MB

In today's episode, we have a special guest joining us, Sarah Whitten from CNBC. Sarah is an entertainment reporter based in Los Angeles. She has been covering the industry for nearly a decade.  During the episode, Sarah shares her tips for effective pitching, including the importance of building relationships with sources and crafting attention-grabbing headlines. She also reveals the types of stories she focuses on, from Hollywood news to box office trends, and expresses her interest in...

Moises Mendez II, TIME

August 22, 2023 07:15 - 19 minutes - 26.5 MB

Moises Mendez II from TIME magazine is our guest this week on Coffee with a Journalist. Moises is a culture reporter who covers a wide range of topics, from the Internet and movies to music, TV, books, and podcasts. In this episode, Moises shares his insights into his preferences for exclusive pitches about creators. He also gives valuable advice on how to prolong a professional relationship with him. Plus, we dive into Moises' passion for music coverage, his favorite interview experiences,...

Colleen DeBaise, The Story Exchange

August 15, 2023 07:15 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MB

In this week's episode, Colleen DeBaise, the executive editor of The Story Exchange shares her insights on the world of journalism, providing valuable tips and advice for anyone looking to pitch their stories to media outlets. Colleen DeBaise talks about her process of skimming pitches, the importance of subject lines, and her preference for building relationships with PR professionals in person.

Christopher Zara, Fast Co.

August 08, 2023 07:15 - 19 minutes - 26.5 MB

In today's episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Christopher Zara, a senior editor at Fast Company and the mastermind behind the news desk. Christopher recently released a memoir titled "Uneducated," which delves into the value of higher education and challenges the stigma of not having a degree. During our conversation, Christopher opens up about his personal journey and shares why he believes it's important to be easily accessible to sources in the fast-paced world of journali...

Aarthi Swaminathan, MarketWatch

August 01, 2023 07:15 - 16 minutes - 23 MB

In today's episode, Aarthi Swaminathan, the housing reporter at MarketWatch, brings her expertise on real estate and travel to the table. During the episode, Aarthi shares insights about her work, including the types of pitches she's interested in receiving. She discusses the significance of exclusives and embargoes, as well as the importance of data in her reporting. Aarthi also reveals her preferences for communication and provides some invaluable tips for successfully pitching to her.

Sarah Burke, Them

July 25, 2023 07:15 - 15 minutes - 21.1 MB

Sarah Burke, the editor-in-chief of Them, a platform for LGBTQ+ people from Condé Nast is our guest this week on Coffee with a Journalist. Sarah discusses the target audience and focus of stories for Them readers, as well as who to pitch from the publication, specifically the section editors. She shares valuable tips on how to craft compelling subject lines to catch her and her team's attention. Sarah emphasizes the importance of subject lines in determining whether the sender is familiar w...

Rebecca Ruiz, Mashable

July 18, 2023 07:15 - 20 minutes - 27.8 MB

On this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, we sit down with Rebecca Ruiz, a senior reporter at Mashable, to discuss her coverage of mental health, digital culture, and technology. Rebecca shares her insights on effective subject lines for PR professionals and highlights the keywords and strategies that grab her attention. She also reveals her interests in exploring how people's well-being and mental health unfold in the context of digital culture. We delve into Rebecca's past articles, wh...

Alexa Mikhail, Fortune

July 11, 2023 07:15 - 17 minutes - 24.7 MB

On this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, Alexa Mikhail, a health and wellness reporter for Fortune's Well team, joins us. Alexa discusses her role at Fortune Well, sharing that she joined the team about a year ago as a health and wellness reporter. Her main focus is on mental health and workplace wellness, but she also covers topics unrelated to business. She also shares insights on the latest article from Fortune, the Fortune 50 Best Places to Live for Families, which highlights the si...

Kevin Dugan, New York Magazine

June 27, 2023 07:15 - 18 minutes - 24.8 MB

On this Coffee with a Journalist episode, Kevin Dugan from New York Magazine is the featured guest. Kevin has over a decade of experience covering the finance industry and has established a solid list of sources and contacts. During the episode, he talks about exclusives he would consider covering, including people with power and money in finance, economics, and crypto. Kevin Dugan also shares his lack of interest in crypto but has an interest in meeting with academics and government figures. 

Sara Spruch-Feiner, Glossy

June 20, 2023 07:15 - 20 minutes - 28.5 MB

Sara Spruch-Feiner, a senior reporter for Glossy and the force behind their Pop vertical, is the guest on this week's episode of Coffee with a Journalist. Sara talks about her reporting style, the importance of specificity in pitches, and why she prioritizes her four-story-a-week workload over coffee dates with publicists. She emphasizes the value of authenticity in pitches and advises against pitching stories that have already been covered. Sara also delves into the intersection of busines...

Rose Minutaglio, ELLE

June 13, 2023 07:15 - 21 minutes - 30.2 MB

On this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, host Beck Bamberger speaks with Rose Minutaglio, senior editor at ELLE magazine. Rose shares her perspective on how to format pitches, including the reasons why she automatically deletes them. The discussion also delves into Rose's column, Clothes of Our Lives, which explores how fashion can be used as a tool for communication. With an average of about 200 emails a day, Rose recommends keeping emails short and offers tips on how to catch her atte...

Jillian Wilson, HuffPost

June 06, 2023 07:15 - 15 minutes - 21.6 MB

On this episode of Coffee with a Journalist, host Beck Bamberger speaks with HuffPost wellness reporter Jillian Wilson. They discuss the ins and outs of service journalism, covering topics like wellness, beauty, and food. Jillian shares her approach to finding sources and filtering through email pitches and talks about the importance of using embargoes or exclusives only for big news and building relationships with PR professionals. Additionally, they delve into creative subject line idea...

Jill Duffy, PCMag

May 30, 2023 07:15 - 22 minutes - 31.3 MB

Today on the podcast we’re talking with Jill Duffy, a columnist and deputy managing editor at PCMag. She’s been contributing to PCMag since 2011 and currently writes about work life, productivity, and software with an emphasis on apps for productivity and collaboration. During the episode, Jill talks about PCMag’s approach to vetting and reviewing products, her low-touch recommendation for building and sustaining a working relationship, why everyone should have a business mentor, and more.

Kate Irwin, Decrypt

May 23, 2023 07:15 - 23 minutes - 32.9 MB

On the podcast today we’re joined by Kate Irwin. She is a gaming lead reporter for Decrypt where she writes about the latest news and features in technology and big tech, cryptocurrency news, entertainment, and culture. Kate also creates video content for the Decrypt website and social media pages. During the episode, Kate talks about Decrypt’s audience and how the team likes to break down stories, the story she looks for behind videogames and their makers, the reason why full transparenc...

Emily Rella, Entrepreneur

May 16, 2023 07:15 - 20 minutes - 27.9 MB

Our guest today on Coffee with a Journalist is Emily Rella. Emily is a senior news writer at Entrepreneur, writing about feature stories, business, tech, and lifestyle. During the episode, Emily shares two examples of pitches that captured her attention, the most effective ways to build and foster a working relationship, how to position exclusives and embargoes, and more.

Brooke Masters, Financial Times

May 09, 2023 07:15 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MB

Today’s guest on the podcast is Brooke Masters. She is a US Financial Editor and an Associate Editor at the Financial Times where she leads a team of reporters covering financial services. During the episode, Brooke talks about how coverage is broken down across teams at FT, how sources should be pitched effectively, when is the best time to pitch her, and more.

Phoebe Bain, Ad Age

May 02, 2023 07:15 - 21 minutes - 19.4 MB

Our guest today on “Coffee with a Journalist” is Phoebe Bain, a senior reporter at Ad Age. Phoebe covers influencer marketing and DTC brands. She joined Ad Age from Morning Brew where she helped found the Marketing Brew vertical. During the episode, Phoebe talks about familiarizing herself with her new-ish role at Ad Age, crafty subject lines that caught her attention, meeting up in person with sources, and more.

Samantha Maldonado, THE CITY

April 25, 2023 07:15 - 19 minutes - 27.2 MB

Today on the podcast we’re joined by Samantha Maldonado. She is a senior reporter for climate change at THE CITY, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, digital news platform dedicated to hard-hitting reporting that serves the people of New York. During the episode, Samantha shares an inside look at THE CITY and what they focus on as a publication, why embargoes can be helpful for reporting stories quicker, a few tips on what exactly to include or exclude in pitches, and more.

Kathryn Lundstrom, Adweek

April 18, 2023 07:15 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MB

Our guest today on the podcast is Kathryn Lundstrom. She is the sustainability editor at Adweek where she covers marketing and advertising news through a climate lens. During the episode, Kathryn talks about the types of people and companies she’s looking to speak with, why pitches that use plain language are best, where you should actually be sending guest articles, and more.

Twitter Mentions

@farrellevans75 1 Episode
@ali_lev 1 Episode