Becoming a journalist today seems more treacherous than in any other time in history. With notions like “alternative facts” on the rise, media companies slashing budgets and jobs, and more divisiveness among readers than ever before, who on earth would sign up to work in media?

Ren LaForme would, for one, and he has no regrets about it. In fact, he’s added a new position to his CV as the new North American beer editor for Good Beer Hunting. He’s been on this podcast before to talk about his role as the managing editor at the Poynter Institute, a non-profit journalism school, research organization, and fact-checking site based in St. Petersburg, Florida. But in this episode, you’ll hear from him as part of the Good Beer Hunting team, what his experience has been like so far, and why he decided to assume more responsibility in an already challenging media landscape. 

He also shares plenty of wisdom from his time working in media, with tips and advice for aspiring journalists, as well as a few words of caution. But despite a sometimes bleak outlook, Ren believes there will always be a very human need to communicate with one another, regardless of what shareholders value or trolls believe. Let’s hear from Ren, right now.