Freelance journalist Lonnie Lee Hood, an English instructor from Tennessee and advocate for LGBTQ rights, shares their transformative journey through journalism. They discuss the impact of anti-LGBTQ legislation in their home state, revealing the fears faced by the community. Lonnie reflects on their disillusionment with traditional media, advocating for new, advocacy-oriented approaches in journalism. They emphasize the importance of self-care and networking for aspiring journalists while highlighting the role of journalism in protecting democracy.

Dive into the world of audio journalism through unique perspectives from the hosts. They reflect on reaching a remarkable milestone of 650 episodes, filled with cherished memories and challenges. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of journalism, emphasizing advocacy and the experiences of marginalized communities. With heartfelt nostalgia, they explore the connections built over the years and the impact of their collaborative journey, all while navigating the complexities of podcast production and sustainability.

Photojournalist Kevin Painchaud is a member of the Lookout Santa Cruz team that won a Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News for its community-focused coverage of the flooding and mudslides that destroyed thousands of homes in early 2023.Visit the It's All Journalism website to find out how to subscribe to our podcast and weekly email newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andrew Conte, director of the Center for Media Innovation at Point Park University, and graduate student Nick Tommarello share how the Center for Media Innovation is revitalizing local journalism in Pittsburgh.Visit the It's All Journalism website to find out how to subscribe to our podcast and weekly email newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tim Lambert, special projects editor at WITF, and Scott Blanchard, director of journalism at WITF, dive into the intriguing concept of a democracy beat aimed at restoring trust in journalism. They discuss how this initiative addresses misinformation and the impact on their election coverage. The duo emphasizes engaging community voices, the importance of transparency, and innovative strategies to empower citizens. They share insights on adapting political reporting to meet voters' needs and the role of tailored content in fostering trust within the community.

Kari Hulac, editor-in-chief of Richmondside, an independent nonprofit online news site, shares her mission to rejuvenate local journalism in Richmond, California. She discusses the struggle of print media and the need for diverse community voices in reporting. The conversation highlights challenges like air quality issues linked to the Chevron refinery and the empowering initiatives led by local doctors. Kari also delves into the transition to nonprofit models and the importance of collaborations to ensure sustainable news coverage that truly reflects local needs.

Lucy Santerre, the social media manager for Maine Public, shares her insights on the vital role social media plays in public media. She discusses her journey from social services to journalism and emphasizes the importance of local news. Lucy humorously highlights the evolving responsibilities of social media managers and how platforms have become primary news sources. The conversation covers effective strategies for audience engagement and the creative process behind viral memes that enhance brand visibility, all while maintaining trust.

Kiana Cox, senior researcher on the Race and Ethnicity team at Pew Research Center, discusses the recent Pew report entitled: "Most Black Americans Believe U.S. Institutions Were Designed To Hold Black People Back."Visit the It's All Journalism website to find out how to subscribe to our podcast and weekly email newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elisa Lees Muñoz, executive director of the International Women’s Media Foundation discusses a series of training sessions the foundation is offering for journalists covering political conventions and other news events.Visit the It's All Journalism website to find out how to subscribe to our podcast and weekly email newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Klaudia Jaźwińska and Pete Brown of the Tow Center for Digital journalism at Columbia University, discuss the Platforms and Publishers project, which seeks to promote mutual understanding of how emerging technologies are impacting the practice and business of journalism. Visit the It's All Journalism website to find out how to subscribe to our podcast and weekly email newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices