Sword and Pen

In this episode of Sword and Pen, Washington Post national security reporter Dan Lamothe talks about the path that led him to cover the WaPo's military beat; expresses his love for journalism and advices on how to break into it; and reveals why he thinks there's a need for journalists to have conversations dealing with emotional turmoil after covering intense embed patrols.  Washington Post Bio / Twitter @DanLamothe  This episode is hosted by Drew Lawrence. Sword and Pen is brought to you by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence Twitter | Lori King @intro2pj / Drew Lawrence @df_lawrence Got an idea for a podcast? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network

In this episode of Sword and Pen, guest Roy Peter Clark, of the Poynter Institute, discusses the almighty lead sentence. Clark, a journalist, author and educator, also breaks down the writing process into a series of steps; advises how to break out of a writer's block; begrudgingly shares his favorite lead sentence he's ever written; and fills us in on what the Poynter Institute is all about, which is "arguably one of the most important and influential schools for journalists and democracy in the world." This episode, hosted by Lori King, is a long soak into the lessons of writing.  Best 2020 Pulitzer Prize Leads, as judged by Roy Peter Clark | Twitter @RoyPeterClark Sword and Pen is brought to you by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence Twitter Lori King @intro2pj and Drew Lawrence @df_lawrence Got an idea for a podcast? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network

In this episode of Sword and Pen, host Drew Lawrence asks Army Times staff reporter Davis Winkie to break down his investigation into Operation Lone Star. Winkie shares his inside story on the Texas National Guard's border mission, talks about taking risks to land a journalism job as a military historian, and admits how he [hopefully] helped a female boy scout earn a merit badge, despite her criticism of one of his articles. Operation Lone Star Article | Headline: Suicide attempts, delayed pay prompt calls for probe into Guard's Texas mission Sword and Pen is brought to you by MVJ co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence. Got an idea for a podcast? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network

In this episode of Sword and Pen, host Lori King converses with MVJ member Lucretia Cunningham, a former U.S. Air Force medic who traded in her medical kit for cameras, microphones and the almighty pen. Listen as Cunningham shares her story of being an active duty medic for a decade, then doing an about face and transferring into Public Affairs in the Air National Guard; gives valuable advice to veterans who are facing that transition; and tells us how she secured media jobs with the help of the Military Veterans in Journalism organization. The mother of three also talks about the fine act of balancing family and military and employment commitments. You can follow Cunningham on Twitter @Lucretia_News. Sword and pen is brought to you by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence. Got an idea for a podcast? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network.

In this episode of Sword and Pen, host Drew F. Lawrence converses with Jeff Parrott, a Salt Lake Tribune political journalist, Columbia journalism school graduate and army veteran. Listen as we dive into Parrott’s take on the mental health of veterans and journalists; the importance of veterans in newsrooms; a local Salt Lake Tribune investigation on the Oath Keepers (an example of why local news matters); and the long walk - or sprint - out of the military and into media. Sword and Pen is brought to you by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence. Got an idea for a podcast? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and/or drew@mvj.network

In this episode of Sword and Pen, Mike Haynie, founder and executive director of the Institute for Military Veterans, proudly announces the grand opening of the new National Veterans Resource Center on the campus of Syracuse University in Upstate New York. The sole purpose of the IVMF and the NVRC is to advance the social, economic education and policy concerns of this country’s veterans and their families. The resources are free and available to all veterans, including our MVJ members. Haynie also talks about the Military Visual Journalism Program for active duty service members. Video: A look inside the new The National Veterans Resource Center Website links: Institute for Veterans & Military Families | Military Visual Journalism Program  Sword and Pen is brought to you by co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence Got an idea for a podcast? Shoot us an email at lorikingblog@gmail.com and drew@mvj.network

In this episode, Sword and Pen host Drew F. Lawrence has a conversation with award-winning author, journalist and veteran Kelly Kennedy. She is the current managing editor for The War Horse, a non-profit journalism publication that focuses on all aspects of military culture. Listen as we dive into investigations, questioning authority, her reflection of the "worst day" with the hardest hit military unit since the Vietnam War -- and how to deal with all of that as a veteran, reporter and human. Finding the Words | the work of Kelly Kennedy The War Horse | nonprofit journalism about military service

This special episode features a podcast recorded and produced by retired U.S. Army officer Thomas Brouns for a Military Veterans in Journalism podcast workshop.  Brouns, who served 10 rotations in Afghanistan, shares his correspondence with Mohammad, one of five Afghan translators he supported in his effort to secure a special immigrant visa. Brouns said he wondered what Mohammad thought of the unfolding crisis in Afghanistan. His curiosity led him to contact Mohammad, and through Messenger, they exchanged updates, thoughts and the trials and tribulations that Mohammad dealt with while trying to get his family safely out of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan.  This is their story. Next episode airs Oct. 1: Drew Lawrence talks to War Horse managing editor Kelly Kennedy about obeying and questioning authority as a military veteran and journalist. 

In this episode, new co-hosts Lori King and Drew Lawrence discuss their dedication to journalism and the Military Veterans in Journalism organization. Lori began her journalism career when she joined the active Army at 18 years old, and retired from the Air National Guard in 2000. Drew is a former military officer who is just starting his journalism career, and an active member and volunteer of MVJ.  Military Veterans in Journalism website | Lori King's website

In this episode, Dave Bruce shares his journey from Federal Air Marshal to journalist. He compares the two careers and discusses important parallels. Dave is a former Army medic and served with the 82nd Airborne Division prior to becoming a federal law enforcement officer.