The 404 Media Podcast Landing Big Scoops as an Indie Journalist (with Marisa Kabas)
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Dec 22, 2025 
Marisa Kabas, the founder of The Handbasket and a prominent independent journalist, dives into the evolution of media in her conversation. She reveals how indie journalists often earn the trust of sources better than mainstream outlets. Kabas shares her experiences running a one-person newsroom, the legal complexities of reporting, and why small details can lead to major stories. The challenges of covering federal shutdowns and the importance of agility in indie journalism are also highlighted, underscoring a resilient, growing community with a knack for impactful scoops.
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Own Your Publishing Platform
- The Handbasket started as a personal publishing platform and grew into a full-time independent newsroom.
- Marisa Kabas built audience and trust by owning where her work lived and controlling publication.
Cultivate A Trusted Peer Network
- Build a support network of journalist friends to bounce headlines, edit, and advise on tricky situations.
- Trust your instincts when institutional blueprints don't exist and act decisively.
Blue Sky For Fast, Reversible Scoops
- Marisa first posted the OMB memo on Blue Sky for speed and reversibility before writing a full article.
- She waited for bigger outlets to confirm before publishing a permanent write-up because she felt uncertain.