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The Freelance Journalism Podcast

The Institute for Independent Journalists
Freelance Journalism
Journalism
Documented
Immigration
Freelance Writing
Freelancers Of Color
Cybersecurity
Newsletters
Monetization Strategies
New York City
Factory Farming
Mental Health First Aid
Long COVID
Science Friday
Solidarity Journalism
Bylines
Guest Essay
Op-Ed Section
AI Newsletters
Editorial Process

A podcast about the art and business of freelance journalism, from the Institute for Independent Journalists.

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes23Founded2 years ago
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Artwork for The Freelance Journalism Podcast

Latest Episodes

University at Texas professor Anita Varma’s recent book Solidarity in Journalism: How Ethical Reporting Fights for Social Justice creates a framework for journalists to center the humanity and dignity of their reporting subjects and challenge narrati... more

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The Society of Environmental Journalists invited the IIJ to host a live Pitch Fest at the annual SEJ conference in April 2026, which took place at the University of Illinois-Chicago. IIJ Editorial Director Ann Marie Awad brought a handful of freelanc... more

YouTube

We’re sharing a highlight from the 2026 IIJ Freelance Conference: Kavitha Cardoza’s keynote conversation with Katherine Reynolds Lewis! Kavitha received the 2026 American Mosaic Prize, for her independent coverage of children, education, health and p... more

YouTube

Documented is a digital publication centering the voices and stories of immigrants in New York City and New Jersey, producing reporting and resource guides in four different languages. Deputy Editor Clarissa A. León helps lead Documented’s small team... more

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Recent Guests

Anita Varma
Author of Solidarity Journalism; Assistant Professor at UT Austin; leads Solidarity Journalism Initiative
UT Austin / Solidarity Journalism Initiative
Episode: UT Prof Anita Varma on how to practice “Solidarity Journalism”
Karthika Gupta
Chicago-based photographer and freelance journalist
Freelance (Chicago)
Episode: Learn From Editors’ Live Feedback on Environmental Pitches
Sarah Hashemi
Science journalist covering environmental justice and climate science
Freelance
Episode: Learn From Editors’ Live Feedback on Environmental Pitches
Eric Kasina
Kenyan journalist and science communication specialist
Business Daily Africa
Episode: Learn From Editors’ Live Feedback on Environmental Pitches
Sarah DeWeerdt
Freelance science journalist, recipient of science communication award
Freelance
Episode: Learn From Editors’ Live Feedback on Environmental Pitches
Meg Duff
Freelance climate and environmental journalist
Freelance
Episode: Learn From Editors’ Live Feedback on Environmental Pitches
Michael Zografos
Chicago-based writer with background in journalism and copywriting
Freelance
Episode: Learn From Editors’ Live Feedback on Environmental Pitches
Clarissa A. León
Colombian-American journalist, deputy editor at Documented
Documented
Episode: How to pitch unique NYC immigration stories to Documented
Robin Kazmier
Senior Digital Editor for Science Friday
Science Friday
Episode: For $1/word, Science Friday wants enterprise stories that spark curiosity

Hosts

Catherine Reynolds Lewis
Host of The Freelance Journalism Podcast
Erika Hayasaki
Host of The Freelance Journalism Podcast
Katherine Reynolds Lewis
Host of The Freelance Journalism Podcast

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 19 ratings
  • Helpful Guide for Journalists

    Great podcast for independent journalists! Provides tips on story pitches, and explains what editors are seeking. It also discusses the skills needed in the changing media landscape.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    EJ22925
    United States8 months ago
  • Thoughtful Podcast

    This is an excellent podcast for anyone looking to succeed as a freelance journalist!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Running on sugar
    United Statesa year ago
  • Necessary Resource

    As the mainstream media industry continues to subsidize its cost by underpaying freelancers, organizations like the Institute for Independent Journalists become increasingly important. This is an essential resource and podcast for our times.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BirdCov
    United States2 years ago
  • Smart, cogent, engaging

    What an amazing enterprise! I hope the IIJ prospers - it can have a huge impact on a vital component of our society.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    ordbummed
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some feedback highlights the show's breadth in beats from environment to immigration to public health.
High-quality guest insights and actionable tips for building sustainable freelancing careers.
Appreciation for ethical, relationship-focused approach to journalism and fair compensation discussions.
Listeners value practical, editor-facing guidance for pitching and freelance business practices.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

UT Prof Anita Varma on how to practice “Solidarity Journalism”
Q: How do you address the common perception that solidarity journalism is advocacy and not journalism?
I argue that all journalism involves some advocacy because newsworthiness judgments require choosing what matters. Solidarity journalism simply foregrounds the dignity of the most marginalized and the lived experiences of those affected, demanding rigor in verification and a narration that highlights shared conditions rather than isolated incidents.
UT Prof Anita Varma on how to practice “Solidarity Journalism”
Q: What is the overarching framework for solidarity journalism, and what are the key points you teach or share with students and reporters?
The framework starts with a precise definition of solidarity as a commitment to social justice translated into action, focusing on dignity and the most basic needs. It emphasizes ethical sourcing (going there, being there, going back), prioritizing the voices of the affected, balancing social and human dimensions, and recognizing that journalism is inherently advocacy when it decides what matters and why. It also covers narrative structure that centers people over single heroes and discusses whether reporting can be truly objective.
For $1/word, Science Friday wants enterprise stories that spark curiosity
Q: What does the workflow look like from pitch to publication?
If interested, the editor will set up a call to align on the story plan, provide contract expectations, then manage rounds of edits in Google Docs with track changes, typically two to four rounds, plus final proofreading and annotated sources before publication.
For $1/word, Science Friday wants enterprise stories that spark curiosity
Q: How should a freelancer structure a pitch for you?
Pitch clarity is essential: start with background, outline the big picture, and then specify the concrete story plan, including who you would interview and the location. The pitch should feel like a mini-story with a hook and context, and the headline should signal the story's angle.
For $1/word, Science Friday wants enterprise stories that spark curiosity
Q: What kinds of stories are you looking for beyond breaking news?
We're drawn to stories that spark curiosity and help people understand the world through science, including public policy angles and stories at the intersection of science and art. We prefer enterprise reporting that offers a new angle or reveals something not widely known, rather than first-day breaking news.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Freelance Journalism Podcast

What is The Freelance Journalism Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show targets freelancers navigating the business of journalism, with frequent deep dives into pitching, negotiating, and creating sustainable workflows. Across episodes, listeners hear practical guidance from editors and veteran freelancers on how to frame stories, target outlets, price projects, and manage client relationships. The format often centers on live feedback, rate discussions, and real-world examples from environmental, science, immigration, and niche reporting beats. A standout element is its focus on ethical sourcing, transparency with editors, and building long-term editorial relationships, which is valuable for independent journalists looking to scale their freelance work and connect with outlets that pay fairly and pub... more

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1. The Creative Nonfiction Podcast with Brendan O'Meara

How many episodes of The Freelance Journalism Podcast are there?

The Freelance Journalism Podcast launched 2 years ago and published 23 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Freelance Journalism Podcast?

Recent guests on The Freelance Journalism Podcast include:

1. Anita Varma
2. Karthika Gupta
3. Sarah Hashemi
4. Eric Kasina
5. Sarah DeWeerdt
6. Meg Duff
7. Michael Zografos
8. Clarissa A. León

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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