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 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!

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.