Media in Minutes

Send us a textAward-winning travel journalist Lisa Niver takes us behind the scenes of her remarkable career spanning all seven continents and more than 100 countries. With warmth and candor, she reveals how a former teacher and medical school student transformed personal hardship into a life of extraordinary adventure.Lisa's journey resembles a game of "Shoots and Ladders" – unpredictable, challenging and ultimately rewarding. She shares how working at Club Med and on cruise ships opened doors to global exploration when she couldn't afford exotic trips on a teacher's salary. These experiences laid the foundation for her website We Said Go Travel, which she launched in 2010 while traveling through Asia with her then-husband.The conversation takes an emotional turn as Lisa discusses her memoir "Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After 50." Written partly in her therapist's office, this award-winning book chronicles how travel became her path to healing and reinvention following divorce. Her vulnerability in sharing both triumphant adventures and painful struggles resonates deeply with readers seeking their own fresh start.Among Lisa's most thrilling experiences? Hula-hooping at the southernmost post office in Antarctica, completing a polar plunge in both polar regions within six months, mountain biking despite childhood trauma and paddleboarding in Antarctic waters. These adventures aren't just personal victories – they're content for her prolific output across National Geographic, Reader's Digest, television segments, podcasts and social media channels with over two million YouTube views.For media professionals, Lisa offers invaluable insights on building genuine relationships with PR teams based on mutual support rather than transactions. Her approach to content creation is equally refreshing: start small, stay consistent and remember that even the most daunting goals can be achieved "one bite at a time." Lisa's journey proves it's never too late to reinvent yourself through courage, persistence and a passport.

Send us a textAward-winning travel writer Gwen Pratesi takes us on a remarkable journey of transformation from corporate professional to culinary explorer in this candid conversation about finding your calling through life's unexpected detours.When her husband was diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer in 2009, Gwen found inspiration in a Mediterranean cruise that sparked a food blog—launching at the dawn of digital content creation alongside pioneers like Pioneer Woman and Steamy Kitchen. What began as a flexible way to work while supporting her husband through treatments evolved organically into culinary tours, chef interviews, and eventually a James Beard Foundation Award nomination that surprised even Gwen herself.Now contributing to U.S. News & World Report, Frommer's, Garden & Gun, and numerous travel publications, Gwen reveals the authentic process behind travel journalism. She speaks candidly about preferring solo trips to find unique angles, navigating the challenges of travel mishaps in Vietnam and why Alaska remains her favorite destination despite temperatures reaching 40 below. For aspiring writers, her insights on crafting compelling narratives from personal experiences offer invaluable guidance.PR professionals will appreciate Pratesi's straightforward advice about journalist relationships: research writers' beats before pitching, allow adequate response time and be transparent about coverage expectations from the start. Her practical wisdom extends to enjoying the journey itself, whether interviewing culinary legend Jacques Pépin or discovering unique treasures in local shops while traveling.Connect with Gwen via email at gwenpratesi@gmail.com. Check out her website and articles at PratesiLiving.com.Thank you for listening!  Please take a moment to rate, review and subscribe to the Media in Minutes podcast here or anywhere you get your podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-in-minutes/id1555710662  

Send us a textWhat's it like to spend over two decades telling the world's most captivating travel stories? Amy Alipio's journey from aspiring journalist to managing editor of National Geographic Traveler offers rare insight into the ever-evolving world of travel journalism.Amy never expected to become a travel editor or to interview Dolly Parton about conservation in the Smoky Mountains. Like many successful journalists, she discovered her path through exploration—studying broadcast journalism in Canada, working at an English newspaper in Budapest, and honing her skills at WHERE Washington before landing her dream job at National Geographic. Despite receiving an initial rejection letter, persistence and specialized experience eventually opened the door to what would become a 23-year career at one of the world's most prestigious media brands.Throughout our conversation, Amy reveals the profound transformation of travel media—from the golden age of print magazines to digital storytelling and social media integration. She candidly shares how staffing went from robust teams of editors, fact-checkers, and designers to small crews producing the same quality content with fewer resources. When she was laid off after more than two decades, Amy embraced the change, returning to her freelance roots with newfound freedom and flexibility.The most compelling moments in our discussion come from Amy's personal travel revelations—like the unexpected connection she felt in French Polynesia that led to a meaningful tattoo spanning her forearm, symbolizing her role as a mother, traveler and guide. Her approach to travel writing focuses on genuine curiosity and cultural immersion rather than marketing destinations, underscoring the vital distinction between journalism and promotion.Whether you're an aspiring travel writer, a PR professional looking to collaborate with journalists or simply someone who dreams of exploring the world's most fascinating places, Amy's insights will forever change how you read travel stories. Listen now to discover how the best travel narratives come to life and why authenticity matters more than ever in an increasingly connected world.Connect with Amy:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyalipio/?hl=enX: https://x.com/amytravelsLinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-alipio-549988/Check out her tattoo here: https://www.instagram.com/p/BPbYvOcj9Nu/ Thank you for listening!  Please take a moment to rate, review and subscribe to the Media in Minutes podcast here or anywhere you get your podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-in-minutes/id1555710662  

Send us a textJoin us in this episode as we talk with Sucheta Rawal, an award-winning South Asian travel writer who has journeyed through over 120 countries! Her compelling story begins in the world of investment banking, where she realized her passion for travel could lead to a fulfilling career in writing. She shares her surprising transition, emphasizing the balance of working hard to carve out a niche in the travel journalism world while still savoring the joy of exploration.In our engaging conversation, we dive deep into Sucheta’s experiences with notable publications like Time Magazine and National Geographic, exploring how she captures the stories of diverse cultures and sustainable tourism. She offers pivotal advice for aspiring writers and PR professionals on the nuances of the pitching process and the importance of personalizing your approach. Beyond writing, Sucheta opens up about her nonprofit initiative, Go Eat Give, which champions sustainable practices in travel while giving back to local communities. She shares heartwarming stories that demonstrate the positive impact of mindful tourism and volunteer efforts often overlooked in conventional travel narratives. As she discusses her children's book series and recent TEDx talks, you’ll discover how Sucheta is not just providing riveting tales of her travels but also paving the way for future generations to embrace cultural diversity. Connect with Sucheta on Instagram: @SuchetaRawal and her website: https://suchetarawal.com; Sign up for her substack.Learn more about Beato Goes To children books: https://beatogoesto.comCheck out her nonprofit, Go Eat Give: https://goeatgive.com Thank you for listening!  Please take a moment to rate, review and subscribe to the Media in Minutes podcast here or anywhere you get your podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-in-minutes/id1555710662  

Send us a textWhat happens when a life-altering event redirects your career path? Joanna Kalafatis, a remarkable travel writer and actress, shares her transformative journey from aspiring economist to cultural storyteller. Raised between Greece and the United States, Joanna's unique perspective reshapes how she engages with the world, offering listeners valuable insights into cultural immersion and the art of connecting with locals despite language barriers. Her stories of exploring hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations promise to inspire your wanderlust and redefine your approach to travel.Unveiling lesser-known tales, like the story of Palenque, Colombia—the first free town in the Americas—Joanna weaves history with personal anecdotes. We also delve into her acting adventures on the Netflix series "Maestro in Blue" and the talk about the thrill of performing live at the Getty Villa. From the cultural riches of the country of Georgia to the practicalities of balancing travel and creativity, this episode provides a tapestry of experiences that demonstrate the enriching power of storytelling.Connect with Joanna on Instagram: @Joanna.KalafatisLearn more about her at LosetheMap.com. Check out Eat With at https://www.eatwith.com/. Thank you for listening!  Please take a moment to rate, review and subscribe to the Media in Minutes podcast here or anywhere you get your podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-in-minutes/id1555710662  

Send us a textEver wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a major news network? Veteran booking producer Dan Holway, with over 22 years at MSNBC, pulls back the curtain on the fast-paced and unpredictable world of booking guests for live television. From his unexpected entry into journalism as a Seton Hall University student to his current role working with Anna Cabrera, Dan shares insights into the daily challenges of sourcing guests who can provide fresh perspectives on the day's news. Along the way, he reveals the human side of the news industry.Discover how the role of a booking producer has evolved over the years, with changes in communication methods and team dynamics. Dan discusses the art of building long-term relationships in the media world and touches on the political division in the country and the hurdles faced when striving for balanced coverage. Plus, don't miss Dan's discussion on his passion for craft beer and the serendipitous encounter that led to the creation of his podcast, "America the Brew-tiful." Connect with Dan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danholway/America the BREW-tiful podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/america-the-brew-tiful/id1518400160Thank you for listening!  Please take a moment to rate, review and subscribe to the Media in Minutes podcast here or anywhere you get your podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-in-minutes/id1555710662  

Send us a textRenowned journalist Neil Brown joins us to share the journey that shaped his career, from his Chicago roots to becoming the president of the Poynter Institute. Neil's childhood, surrounded by the buzz of political activism and the Watergate hearings, ignited a lifelong passion for journalism. His path took him from Skokie, Illinois, to the Miami Herald's Key West Bureau, offering a front-row seat to unique challenges, from drug dealing to cultural shifts, all the while being closer to Cuba than his own editor. Neil's story is a testament to the formative experiences that honed his journalistic instincts and set him on a path to success.Our conversation also takes us to Washington, where Neil navigated the complexities of political journalism, and back to local newsrooms, where his leadership at the St. Pete Times garnered six Pulitzer Prizes. Neil shares invaluable insights on the critical disconnect between Washington's political bubble and the real-world issues that matter most. The discussion highlights the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity and the role of fostering ethical reporting and innovation in achieving monumental success.Neil also opens up about his transformative role at the Poynter Institute, guiding its mission to train journalists and connect with news consumers in a rapidly shifting media landscape. From initiatives like PolitiFact to media literacy programs with organizations like Google, Neil emphasizes the vital need for partnerships and innovative solutions to sustain local journalism. We also explore the evolving dynamics between journalists and PR professionals, the challenges posed by AI integration, and the crucial role of storytelling in upholding democratic values. This episode offers a rich tapestry of Neil's experiences and insights, promising a wealth of knowledge for anyone passionate about the future of journalism.Poynter website: https://www.poynter.orgPoitifact: https://www.politifact.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-brown-0711b9151/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Poynter/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poynter_institute/Thank you for listening!  Please take a moment to rate, review and subscribe to the Media in Minutes podcast here or anywhere you get your podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-in-minutes/id1555710662  

Send us a textHow does one transition from a budding business student to a pivotal player in the world of broadcast journalism? Gary Bender shares his compelling journey, revealing how a struggle with mathematics redirected his path towards a thriving career behind the scenes in sports reporting. Gain insights into the evolution of his role from an aspiration in front of the camera to mastering the art of coordination at the assignment desk for giants like CNN and ESPN. Gary's story reminds us that while discouragement is inevitable, finding your true calling can lead to unexpected and rewarding paths.Join us as we explore the adrenaline-fueled world of sports broadcasting through Gary's experiences. From breaking major news events to managing the logistical puzzle of production crews, Gary offers a captivating narrative filled with lessons on integrity and balance. Discover the intricacies of staffing sports events, where each show is a unique tapestry requiring both skill and intuition. With valuable advice for PR professionals and reflections on the balance between professional and family life, Gary provides a treasure trove of insights for anyone navigating the demanding yet rewarding world of media production.Thank you for listening!  Please take a moment to rate, review and subscribe to the Media in Minutes podcast here or anywhere you get your podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-in-minutes/id1555710662  

Send us a textDiscover the captivating world of travel journalism with our esteemed guest, Robin Catalano, whose impressive portfolio includes features in The New York Times and National Geographic. Journey with us as Robin recounts her serendipitous path into journalism, from a childhood love for writing, sparked by her high school English teacher, to her unexpected pivot from archaeology to journalism after a transformative internship. Robin unveils her diverse career adventures, from corporate communications to magazine editing and her passionate return to journalism for the love of in-depth, long-form storytelling. Her dedication to travel, conservation, and food and beverage narratives underscores her commitment to high-quality content and the pressing need to protect our natural world.In this episode, Robin takes us behind the scenes of her storytelling process for Hidden Compass. She shares the intricate, two-year journey of crafting a narrative on Salem's Merchant Trade and an adventurous fossil hunt in New Brunswick with a paleontologist. Experience the resilience and revival of historic Chinatowns in Vancouver and Victoria through her eyes as she balances personal bucket lists with storytelling opportunities. Robin, embracing the role of an "uninfluencer," challenges the glossy veneer of social media to present authentic travel experiences. Tune in for her insights on working with PR professionals and her award-winning approach to bringing strong characters and honest narratives to life.Learn more about Robin at robinwriter.com. Read her work in the New York Times, National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, TIME, Smithsonian, Conde Nast Traveler, BBC, Robb Report, AFAR, Hemispheres, US News & World Report, Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Fodor's, Roadtrippers, Thrillist, AAA, ROVA, Seattle Times, Albany Times Union, and more!Connect with her on:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oncemoretotheshore/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robincatalano/  Thank you for listening!  Please take a moment to rate, review and subscribe to the Media in Minutes podcast here or anywhere you get your podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-in-minutes/id1555710662  

Send us a textEver wonder how a publication can not only inform but inspire and activate its readers? Arianna Cruz, the visionary founder of MORE Magazine, joins us to unravel that very magic. Arianna's journey from an idea sparked in a shelter in Indianapolis to building a dynamic media company is nothing short of inspiring. With her background in marketing and communications from the IU Kelley School of Business, Arianna didn't just create a magazine—she pioneered a platform that amplifies diverse voices and challenges perspectives through powerful personal essays. In this episode, Arianna opens up about the unexpected hurdles of entrepreneurship, including the strategic moves beyond the immediate tasks, and invites budding writers to contribute to this expanding narrative tapestry.Connect with Arianna on LinkedIn | InstagramMORE Magazine: www.moremagazine.org MORE magazine's LinkedIn, Facebook, and InstagramThank you for listening!  Please take a moment to rate, review and subscribe to the Media in Minutes podcast here or anywhere you get your podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-in-minutes/id1555710662