Coffee with a Journalist

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!

Today we’re joined by David Carnoy, an Executive Editor for CNET. David joined CNET in April 2000 and covers gadgets, tech, and e-publishing. David started his career in 1989 as an editorial assistant and has held other positions including editorial director and senior editor.

On the episode today, David tells us more about how many gadgets he receives for review, what and when he prefers to hear about products, his career as a novelist, and more.

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 dynamic approach to women's health topics and emphasizes the need for thoughtfully crafted pitches.

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 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.