Breaking Into and Growing in Journalism, Podcasts & Digital Media:
This mentorship is designed for early- to mid-career professionals who want to break into or advance in the media industry, spanning journalism, podcasting, and digital media production. Drawing on over a decade of experience across CNN, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Cadence13, Spotify Studios, and now Almost Friday Media, I’ll share practical guidance, industry insights, and structured development steps to help you chart your own path.

1. Foundations in Media & Storytelling
Journalism basics: What makes a story newsworthy, how to structure compelling narratives, and the importance of accuracy and credibility.
Production workflows: From live TV and taped newsrooms to podcast studios, understanding the essential elements of production.
Building editorial instincts: How to identify trends, develop angles, and connect stories to audiences.

2. Breaking Into Podcasting
Industry overview: Evolution from “radio on-demand” to today’s video-first, creator-led ecosystem.
Show development: Taking an idea from concept → pilot → launch.
Talent and partnerships: Working with celebrities, creators, and production companies.
Production at scale: Building high-quality sound design, editing workflows, and managing multiple stakeholders.

3. Navigating Digital Media Trends
Video-first strategy: Why YouTube and Spotify video are reshaping podcasting.
Cross-platform growth: How podcasts expand through clips, newsletters, and social media.
Revenue & monetization: Host-read ads, branded segments, sponsorship tiers, and programmatic sales.
Audience building: Engaging communities, leveraging algorithms, and scaling organically.

Career Development & Industry Navigation:
Breaking in: Tactics for landing your first roles in newsrooms, studios, or podcast networks.
Networking authentically: Building long-term industry relationships.
Portfolio building: How to showcase your skills and credits effectively.