Episodios
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In this episode, Mark Simon is joined by Ben Kaplan, a VP in the sports and entertainment industry and a former Division III basketball player, who is the co-author of 'Pipelines to the Pros: How D3 Small College Nobodies Rose to Rule the NBA' with Danny Parkins.
Ben wanted to talk about how a non-journalist learns journalism on the fly for the purpose of writing a book, so that's what we did!
We look at the lessons he learned along the way about how a book needs a throughline, how to interview prominent people (like former NBA head coaches Jeff Van Gundy and Stan Van Gundy) and dig for anecdotes they haven't shared before, and how to fight through the struggles of being a first-time author.
Ben's salutes: Chris Herring, Mirin Fader, Chris Ballard, Jeff Pearlman, and Jeff Passan
Thank you as always for listening. Please send us feedback to [email protected]
Visit our website: thejournalismsalute.org
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On this episode, we’re joined by Stella Mackler. Stella is a junior at Davidson College in North Carolina. Stella was co-editor in chief of her college’s newspaper, The Davidsonian, this past year and spent considerable time reporting on student reaction to the war in Gaza. Additionally, she’s done an independent reporting podcast project on the Jewish community in Moldova, written a freelance piece for The Forward, and spent several months as a researcher on a book about the history of Sesame Street.
Stella is double majoring in environmental studies and Arab studies. She lives in Atlanta and is currently studying abroad in Cambodia.
Stella’s salute: WABE, 90.1 FM – Atlanta’s NPR affiliate.
Thank you as always for listening. Please send us feedback to [email protected]
Visit our website: thejournalismsalute.org
Mark’s website (MarkSimonmedia.com)
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¿Faltan episodios?
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This week's episode is a special presentation from The Nutgraf- Campus To Campaign- Student Media's Role in Election Coverage- hosted by The Journalism Salute's Mark Simon.
Our guests were Peggy Dodd, editor-in-chief of OU Daily at the University of Oklahoma, Lily Alexander, editor-in-chief of The Daily Lobo at the University of New Mexico, and Sarah Hutter, executive producer of E2024 at The LA Loyolan at Loyola Marymount University.
The three of them share their journeys into journalism, their reporting strategies and team coverage of the election, the challenges unique to student journalists, the value of diverse perspectives, how they're handling misinformation, and much more.
The Nutgraf covers student journalism and is edited and published by Chatwan Mongkol. We highly recommend subscribing to his newsletter, nutgrafnews.substack.com
Thank you as always for listening. Please send us feedback to [email protected]
Visit our website: thejournalismsalute.org
Mark’s website (MarkSimonmedia.com)
Tweet us at @journalismpod
Subscribe to our newsletter– journalismsalute.substack.com
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In this episode, Mark Simon is joined by Michelle Pera-McGhee, a senior journalist-engineer at The Pudding. (Pudding.cool)
Michelle discussed her unique career path and projects and her original pursuit being computer science.
The conversation covers various projects including data-driven analyses of crossword puzzles for inclusivity, the rhythmic influence of hip-hop producer J Dilla, a recent collaboration with sportswriter Neil Paine on baseball lineup strategies, and an analysis of how famous National Anthems compare in terms of a "diva score."
Michelle elaborated on the technical and creative process behind her work, her views on journalism's state and her role within it, along with advice for aspiring journalists seeking to innovate through personal passion projects.
Michelle's salute: XOXO Fest
Thank you as always for listening. Please send us feedback to [email protected]
Visit our website: thejournalismsalute.org
Mark’s website (MarkSimonmedia.com)
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Show summary written with the help of Descript AI
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In this episode, Mark Simon talks to Esmy Jimenez, who shares her unconventional journey into journalism, discussing her work at the Boston Globe covering the racial wealth gap in New England. She reflects on her career's turning points, including her time working in radio and at the Seattle Times, and the influence of DACA on her life and ability to work in the United States
Esmy offers insights into covering complex beats such as immigration and mental health, and highlights the importance of community engagement, mindful interviewing practices, and mental health awareness for journalists.
She also shares stories of impactful reporting, like an explanatory piece on Family Self Sufficiency home ownership programs, her investigation on Ron DeSantis' controversial flights of migrants to Martha's Vineyard, and how Latino voters are often misunderstood, as well as one in which she covered 23 weddings in one town on one day.
Esmy's Salutes: Latino USA, Reveal, and small-town journalists
Thank you as always for listening. Please send us feedback to [email protected]
Show notes written with help of Descript AI
Visit our website: thejournalismsalute.org
Mark's website (MarkSimonmedia.com)
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In this episode, Mark Simon talks to Kimberly Cortez, editor-in-chief of The Beacon, the University of Portland's school newspaper.
Kimberly (pronouns: she/they) is a social work major who is the child of Mexican and Guatemalan immigrants. She explained the importance of their cultural heritage to their work covering diverse stories, including one on the transgender students at Portland, a Catholic university. Their approach emphasizes passion, empathy, and resilience.
She also shared the impactful role of The Beacon in their career, their time as a New York Times student corps member (with a bylined story covering a Pro-Palestinian protest), and the work she's doing for Portland's weekly newspaper, Street Roots.
And she explained their deep interest in journalism, the challenges she faces as a young journalist of color, and their unwavering hope for the future of the industry. Through personal anecdotes and valuable advice, Cortez provides a poignant perspective on the evolving landscape of journalism and the importance of staying true to one's values.
Kimberly's salute: Underscore News and all journalists from marginalized backgrounds
Our salute: I'm doing a salute as well. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Asaka Park.
If you just listen to the podcast, you don't know Asaka, but if you have read our newsletter in the last year, you know her as someone who wrote articles to supplement episodes of the podcast for about 6 months.
Asaka had a distinct journalism voice. She was passionate and courageous and a strong voice for college students and for people with disabilities.
I never met Asaka in person but we connected over Zoom when I spoke to a journalism class at The College of New Jersey. She wasn't afraid to critique the podcast in pretty strong terms. A few months later, she reached out to ask about interning and I told her I knew exactly who she was and I appreciated her critique. She laughed nervously but I assured her that she'd done well. And she did well by this podcast with her writing.
Asaka died over the weekend of the 28th from complications of Vascular Ehlers-Danlos, an extremely rare genetic condition. You can learn more about it at marfan.org.
Thank you Asaka. We salute you for your journalism excellence.
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On this episode we’re joined by Arifa Akbar. Arifa is the chief theatre critic for the British newspaper, The Guardian, a newspaper that has been in existence since 1821.
Arifa shares insights on the preparation involved in reviewing plays and the importance of honest criticism. She also touched upon the influence of her upbringing, the legacy of her predecessors, and her views on inclusivity in the arts.
Arifa is the cousin of Aisha Sultan, the columnist for the St. Louis Post Dispatch, whom we recently interviewed.
Articles
- Review of The Years
- When a critic changes their mind upon 2nd viewing
Arifa’s salutes: Margo Jefferson (New York Times), longtime critic Michael Billington (The Guardian), and investigative journalists at The Guardian.
Thank you as always for listening. Please send us feedback to [email protected]
Visit our website: thejournalismsalute.org
Mark's website (MarkSimonmedia.com)
Tweet us at @journalismpod
Subscribe to our newsletter- journalismsalute.substack.com
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On this episode we’re joined by Jeff Singer. Jeff is managing editor of The Downballot, a reader-supported newsletter that covers thousands of elections other than the presidency- everything from senate to legislature to attorney general and secretary of state, district attorney and city council.
It also calculates the results of the presidential election in every congressional district and produces data sets so people can evaluate elections themselves.
Jeff was a writer and editor at Daily Kos, a progressive news site, for 10 years prior to this. He’s a graduate of Tulane University.
Jeff talked about The Downballot's function in the journalistic ecosphere, why he loves covering elections, no matter the type, and shared other resources that are important to following election coverage.
Jeff's Salute: Inside Elections and NOLA.com for election coverage.
Thank you as always for listening. Please send us feedback to [email protected]
Visit our website: thejournalismsalute.org
Mark's website (MarkSimonmedia.com)
Tweet us at @journalismpod
Subscribe to our newsletter- journalismsalute.substack.com
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On this episode we’re joined by Miles Griffis. Miles is the co-founder of The Sick Times, a non-profit website chronicling the Long Covid crisis. He knows the impact of the disease firsthand.
As is written on The Sick Times website
“We report on the common, life-changing disease following COVID-19 infection that affects over 400 million people worldwide and can be fatal. Our coverage spans related infection-associated chronic conditions such as myalgic encephalomyelitis, dysautonomia, mast cell activation syndrome, and more. Unlike many outlets, we continue to report on the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. No denial, minimizing, or gaslighting here.
Join us as we investigate injustices, challenge powerful institutions, wade through the latest research, assess COVID-19 data, and offer a platform for those most affected by the crisis.”
Miles also writes about nature, science and about LGBTQ+ culture. Among his regular outlets for writing is High Country News.
Miles talked about the origin of The Sick Times, the different types of stories he covers, and why he does what he does.
Examples of stories
- How to Live and Die with Long Covid
- Drag Artists and Organizers Making Spaces More Covid Safe
- COVID-19 a Threat To Wildland Firefighters
Miles’ salute: The Palestinian journalists killed during the war in Gaza.
Thank you as always for listening. Please send us feedback to [email protected]
Visit our website: thejournalismsalute.org
Mark's website (MarkSimonmedia.com)
Tweet us at @journalismpod
Subscribe to our newsletter- journalismsalute.substack.com
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On this episode, Mark Simon is joined by Vivienne Serret, a student at the University of Florida who has been covering the resignation of president Ben Sasse and other notable stories for The Alligator, an independent newspaper covering the school, and Fresh Take Florida, a wire service.
Vivienne talked about what went into her reporting on Sasse, discussed other stories she's covered, explained essays she's written about the pressure of being a first-generation Latina and also the difficulty of covering the trauma of others while dealing with her own trauma. She discussed the fearlessness required to be an investigative reporter, how she views her place in journalism, and how being a journalist has shaped her worldview.
Vivienne's salutes: Professors Ted Bridis, Brandon Meyer, Harrison Hove, reporter Garrett Shanley and the staff of Fresh Take Florida
Thank you as always for listening. Please send us feedback to [email protected]
Visit our website: thejournalismsalute.org
Mark's website (MarkSimonmedia.com)
Tweet us at @journalismpod
Subscribe to our newsletter- journalismsalute.substack.com
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On this episode we’re joined by Théoden Janes. Théoden is an award-winning features and entertainment reporter for the Charlotte Observer, for whom he’s worked for more than 18 years. He previously worked at The Washington Post, Arizona Republic, and Bergen Record. He’s a 1996 grad of the University of Arizona.
Théoden talked about the different types of stories he writes, including one about a trip to South Korea to find his birth family (he was adopted at 9 months old), an obituary for a well-known local woman who had a special garden, and a variety of concert reviews that encompass a large part of his entertainment work. He explained how he comes up with his story ideas and he shared how his parents influenced his work.
Théoden’s salute: David Leonhardt and the staff of The Morning at The New York Times
Thank you as always for listening. Please send us feedback to [email protected]
Visit our website: thejournalismsalute.org
Mark's website (MarkSimonmedia.com)
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On this episode we’re joined by Alice Scott. Alice is this year’s Journalism Education Association Student Journalist of the Year. Alice was co-editor of The Shield, the student newspaper at McCallum High School in Austin, Texas. It was not her first national award. She also won Student Broadcaster of the Year in 2022 from the National Scholastic Press Association.
Alice talked about how her interests evolved from theatre to journalism, shared the story that most influenced her desire to be a journalist, explained how her approach to journalism is centered around listening, gave examples of the work she did, and shared her journalism aspirations
Alice’s Salute: Student journalists from around the country
Notable links:
- Student Journalist of the Year Announcement
- Her journalism portfolio
- PBS story on transgender students
- Story on students assisting refugees
- School shootings editorial
- 1st person account of caretaking for grandfather
Thank you as always for listening. Please send us feedback to [email protected]
Visit our website: thejournalismsalute.org
Mark's website (MarkSimonmedia.com)
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On this episode, we’re joined by Aisha Sultan. Aisha (@AishaS) is an award-winning writer and columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, whose column is also nationally syndicated.
Aisha is Pakistani-American Muslim, a wife and mom of 2 who writes to help people feel seen or heard and to provide perspectives people may not have heard before.
(Wednesday, August 14 is Independence Day of Pakistan)
One day she’s writing a commentary on J.D. Vance’s comments about “childless cat ladies” and the presidential election, another she’s writing about a college faculty vote regarding the war in Gaza. Another, she’s writing about a roaming cat that captured the hearts of the people in its community and another about the winners of the paper’s father-child lookalike contest. She’s a journalist and story-collector who likes and believes in people.
Aisha talked about the different types of writing she’s done, her evolution as a writer, and her foray into filmmaking. She gave examples of the work she’s done and how she handled reporting those stories or columns.
Aisha’s salute: Journalists who have died in Gaza and the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Thank you as always for listening. Please send us feedback to [email protected],
Visit our website: thejournalismsalute.org
Mark's website (MarkSimonmedia.com)
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Subscribe to our newsletter- journalismsalute.substack.com
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On this episode Mark Simon is joined by Mesfin Fekadu. Mesfin is the senior editor for music at The Hollywood Reporter, which he’s done the last 2 years. Previously he had a 13-year run that included time as senior journalist and music editor for The Associated Press. In between, he spent a year and a half in the communications department at Netflix.
Additionally, he’s a vice president at the Society for Features Journalism, which just announced its annual award winners.
The discussion covered the intersection of music with current events, such as Kamala Harris' presidential campaign, and the influence of celebrities in politics. Mesfin delves into his career journey, memorable interviews with stars like Dolly Parton and Adele, and actors/actresses from Abbott Elementary, as well as a story about racism in country music. He also talked about hosting one of Hollywood Reporter’s famous celebrity roundtables.
Additionally, he discusses his involvement with the Society for Features Journalism and the importance of independent storytelling in traditional and digital media.
Mesfin’s salutes:
Nekesa Mumbi Moody, co-editor-in-chief, The Hollywood Reporter
Fatima Shaik, former journalism professor, Saint Peter’s University
Thank you as always for listening. Please send us feedback to [email protected],
Visit our website: thejournalismsalute.org
Mark's website (MarkSimonmedia.com)
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In this episode, Jim Morris, executive director and editor-in-chief of Public Health Watch, discusses his career in journalism and the significant environmental and public health reporting done by his organization with Mark Simon.
The conversation gets into Public Health Watch's role in shedding light on environmental injustices, particularly through their 'Toxic Texas Air' series, which was a runner-up for The Collier Prize, a prestigious investigative journalism award. The series examines the severe impact of petrochemical pollution in Texas.
Jim shares his journalism journey, the importance of investigative journalism, and the tangible impacts their reporting has had, including within the Texas legislature. Jim also talked about his new book, The Cancer Factory.
The episode also highlights the challenges and the need for earning community trust while reporting on complex environmental and public health issues.
Jim’s salute: Ana Bueno, Univision Houston
Find the Toxic Texas Air series at - https://publichealthwatch.org/category/environment/toxic-texas-air/
Thank you as always for listening. Please send us feedback to [email protected],
Visit our website: thejournalismsalute.org
Mark's website (MarkSimonmedia.com)
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Subscribe to our newsletter- journalismsalute.substack.com
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In this episode, we’re joined by Lev Gringauz, associate editor for Jewfolk.
Lev delves into his journey to becoming a specialized journalist covering Jewish communities in Minnesota and Cincinnati. Lev shares insights into his reporting process, including his motivations and challenges in tackling diverse stories.
The two do a thorough look at an 18,000-word investigative story Lev did on the planned closure of the Hebrew Union College rabbinical school in Cincinnati. Lev also talked about the complexities of reporting on sensitive issues, like the Israel-Hamas war. He also shared what it’s been like to cover visits by teachers to prominent sites connected to the Holocaust.
Lev’s story on the college closing
https://cincyjewfolk.com/2024/04/19/how-to-close-a-campus-huc-jir-bleeds-money-while-cincinnati-pays-the-price/
Lev’s salute: Tovah Lazoroff, The Jerusalem Post
Thank you as always for listening. Please send us feedback to [email protected],
Visit our website: thejournalismsalute.org
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In this episode, Mark Simon is joined by Mira Fox, a staff writer for The Forward, who discusses her work covering Jewish culture.
Mira talked about her diverse writing topics, from serious issues like student protests and anti-Semitism to lighter pieces and reader advice columns. Mira shared her winding journey to journalism, her upbringing, education, and the impact of her personal experiences on her work. She also provided insights into her writing process, especially as to how it pertained to an 8,000-word piece about BYU’s production of Fiddler On The Roof.
Story examples
- Fiddler on the Roof
- The Talmud and Kristi Noem
- Odd places the war has been referenced
- Brown University encampments
- Bintel Brief advice column
Mira’s salute: Andrew Silverstein, freelance writer
Thank you as always for listening. Please send us feedback to [email protected],
Visit our website: thejournalismsalute.org
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On this episode Mark Simon is joined by Michael Anguille, a journalist and the executive director of the Stillwater Awards, which are given by the Society of Professional Journalists and the Prison Journalism Project for excellence in journalism within the incarcerated community.
(Thanks to Michael Koretzky at Florida Atlantic University, (whom Michael saluted) for his help in coordinating this interview. He is well aware of my desire to have a diverse guest base in every respect.)
Michael is a professional journalist who has dealt with drug and alcohol abuse issues and served 8 1/2 years in prison in Florida for a drunk driving car accident that happened in 2014.
Prior to that he was managing editor of the school newspaper at Florida Atlantic and managing editor of the South Florida Gay News. He currently writes for a variety of outlets, including BestColleges.com and is currently applying to law schools.
Michael talked candidly about his life, what led to his incarceration, and what he did in prison that kept him moving towards a path of writing and journalism. He also went through some of the highlights from the winners of the Stillwater Awards and explained the importance of elevating prison journalism and prison journalists.
Stillwater Awards winners: https://www.spj.org/stillwater-2024.asp
Michael's salutes: Prison Journalism Project and The Marshall Project
Thank you as always for listening. Please send us feedback to [email protected],
Visit our website: thejournalismsalute.org
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On this episode Mark Simon is joined by Sarah Conway, a senior reporter at City Bureau and Trina Reynolds-Tyler, the data director for The Invisible Institute. They just won the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for local reporting for their 2-year investigation, Missing in Chicago. You can find it at ChicagoMissingPersons.com.
Their 7-part investigative series revealed how Chicago police violated state law and police procedure, delaying and mishandling missing person cases. The series revealed a racial bias that disproportionately impacts Black women and girls and how poor police data is making the problem harder to solve.
The interview explores how the project began, challenges faced during the investigation, personal experiences that shaped their journalism journeys, the importance of accurate data, and the value of community involvement in journalism. The conversation also highlights the duo's personal mental health strategies while working on this emotionally taxing project.
Sarah’s Salutes: Chicago photojournalist & reporter Sebastian Hidalgo
Trina’s Salutes: Jamie Nesbitt Golden, Block Club Chicago
About City Bureau:
City Bureau is a Chicago-based nonprofit journalism lab reimagining local media: how we make it, who can make it, and how it can better reflect people’s priorities and needs. We do this by equipping people with skills and resources, engaging in critical public conversations, and producing information that directly addresses people’s needs. Our programs equip people with skills, resources, and connections, creating pathways for a more participatory democracy. Drawing from our work in Chicago, we aim to equip every community with the tools it needs to eliminate information inequity to further liberation, justice and self-determination
To learn more about City Bureau, listen to our interview with its co-founder, Bettina Chang
About Invisible Institute:
The Invisible Institute is a nonprofit journalism production company on the South Side of Chicago. We work to enhance the capacity of citizens to hold public institutions accountable. As we address the racial inequities that deform our society, we also work to alter the asymmetrical power dynamic within journalism by creating the conditions for people to drive their own narratives, putting our craft at the service of their experience. Our work is organized around a central principle: we have co-responsibility with the government for maintaining respect for human rights and, when abuses occur, for demanding redress.
Thank you as always for listening. Please send us feedback to [email protected],
Visit our website: thejournalismsalute.org
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In this episode, Mark Simon interviews Christina Kahrl, the sports editor of the San Francisco Chronicle since 2021. Christina's career includes over a decade at ESPN.com and a significant co-founding role at Baseball Prospectus.
Christina shares her journey into journalism. She also discusses her experience as a transgender woman who came out publicly with support from colleagues and the baseball community.
The conversation covers Christina's work on LGBT civil rights issues, memorable baseball stories, including her interview with Minnie Minoso, and her approach to sports journalism. Christina emphasizes the importance of local reporting, investigative journalism, and covering broader issues within sports.
Christina's salute: Sarah Langs, a baseball data journalist battling ALS
Thank you as always for listening. Please send us feedback to [email protected],
Visit our website: thejournalismsalute.org
Mark's website (MarkSimonmedia.com)
Tweet us at @journalismpod.
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