Episodes

  • Wallpaper*, Director of Digital Content, Charlotte Gunn, (S1:E10)

    Wallpaper*, Director of Digital Content, Charlotte Gunn, (S1:E10)
    Nov 18 2025
    Charlotte Gunn is the Director of Digital Content at Wallpaper*. She’s also the founder and editorial director of indie music title The Forty Five, an online publication dedicated to amplifying female and non-binary artists and talent. In this interview we mainly focus on Wallpaper*, but we touch on the similarities and differences between these two brands and over how to pitch to both towards the end if you’re interested. Charlotte started in the industry over two decades ago, and has worked for lots of titles you’ll have heard of, including: Red, Rolling Stone, Marie Claire, The Face, and NME. She began as a writer and has interviewed some of the biggest names in music and culture, and has spent countless hours on the front lines of live events, festivals and media launches around the world. But these days, she can be mainly found strategising. She’s brilliant at audience development, setting out an editorial vision and storytelling. And it shows in the chunky 40% YOY growth they’ve had at Wallpaper* this year under her leadership. In this episode, as well as all the usual stuff about what’s on her pitch wish list, and what makes her say yes to a commission, we’ll dig into the 12 themes Wallpaper* commission most of their content around every year (tip: the chronological list is below), the one weakness a lot of writers have, and which event is Wallpaper’s equivalent of Glastonbury! She’ll also share the strings you need to add to your bow to get more work from them, and what editors are grumbling about to each other in their private whatsapp groups… But she starts the chat by talking about the remarkable success of Wallpaper*’s print magazines. KEY TOPICS: How to become a journalist at Wallpaper*How to become a trusted PR at Wallpaper*How to pitch an article to Wallpaper*Article pitch examples for Wallpaper*How to write an article for Wallpaper* magazineHow to get free press coverage at Wallpaper*How to become a regular freelancer at Wallpaper*How to futureproof your writing or PR career ABOUT THE GUEST: Charlotte Gunn, Wallpaper* Charlotte’s specialisms are Content, Strategy, Partnership, Innovation, and leading creative and editorial teams to deliver storytelling that resonates with the consumer, is authentic to all brands and forwards the business goals. She’s passionate about the intersection of Creative and Business strategy for Gen Z to Millennial to mature audiences. The fast paced world of managing and growing audience engagement is where she thrives. She has a track record of driving growth in established and burgeoning brands, using lean startup methodology and a data-driven approach to rapidly develop and test new ideas. Find them on: Linkedin (where the above bio is sourced from)The Forty Five LIST OF RESOURCES MENTIONED: Wallpaper’s section editors Charlotte Gunn – Director of Digital ContentJason Hughes – Fashion & Creative DirectorEllie Stathaki – Environment and Architecture DirectorRosa Bertoli – Global Design DirectorLauren Ho – Travel DirectorMelina Keays – Entertaining DirectorSofia De La Cruz – Travel EditorJonathan Bell – Transport & Technology EditorJack Moss – Fashion Features EditorHannah Silver – Art, Watches & Jewellery EditorMary Cleary — BeautyAnna Fixsen — US Editor The 12 annual issue themes: January: Next GenFebruary: Design awardsMarch: StyleApril: Global InteriorsMay: Salone Preview (Saloni de Mobile)June: Travel / escapesJuly: Design DirectoryAugust: Creative AmericaSeptember: StyleOctober: The long readNovember: ArtsDecember: Entertaining The weekend paper newsletterNieves Gonzalez paints Lily Allen at a turning pointInside the free-thinking world of Craig GreenFranchises The stuff that surrounds us Ep1: Veronica DittingEp2: Yasmin SewellEp3: Glenn Sestig Uprising Johanna ParvConnor McKnightAshlynn Park Residential house tours (there are lots of these, below are just a small selection) Clerkenwell Rooftop HomeCinematic Home in Palm SpringsBrutalist Hyderabad HomeDerelict Farmer’s Cottage in Scotland Saloni de Mobile — Wallpaper*’s Glastonbury!Recommended writers and freelancers Jack Moss — fashion features editor, Wallpaper*Craig McLean - music writerLisa Wright — culture writer Visit The Forty FivePitch to NEW project: theblendjournal.com ABOUT PRESS INSIDER’S HOST: Kelly Bowerbank is a digital journalist, editor and content strategist with 16 years’ experience in the lifestyle sector. She has worked for multiple high-profile media brands, including woman&home, Marie Claire, The Stylist Group, and The Guardian. She has over eight years' experience crafting editorial strategies and leading teams, and has spent more than a decade commissioning, editing and creating content in various formats across a diverse range of subject verticals. In 2013 she was nominated for New Section Editor of the year at the PPA awards, and in 2020 she was nominated for Digital Editor of the year at the AOP ...
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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • PoliticsHome Editor, Laura Silver (S1:E9)

    PoliticsHome Editor, Laura Silver (S1:E9)
    Nov 11 2025
    Laura Silver was the Editor of PoliticsHome when this interview was recorded. At times Laura can be quietly spoken, but everything she says is worth hearing. She’s an all-round impressive person, but I asked her to be a guest on Press Insider because of her influence over the UK’s political media coverage. Her experience in news reporting is extensive, so while we drill down into the particular requirements of PoliticsHome, this is a useful episode for anyone who wants to pitch timely stories to any news outlets. Particularly as Laura has previously worked for quite a few of them, including The Mirror and Buzzfeed. Two quick notes about this episode. Since it was recorded, Laura has moved on from politicsHome, though is still working in news. The second thing is that this interview happened just before the UK general election last year. There’s lots of references to it, which has now been and gone. The good news is that while some content examples are no longer relevant, the advice is still very applicable and transferable. Laura tells us why you need to be in online community groups, the robust process to follow when reporting original news, why you should spend a lot of time in pubs if you want to be a political or news journalist. And, their freelance rates — a very rare thing for an editor to share indeed! KEY TOPICS: How to become a journalist at Politics HomeHow to become a trusted PR at Politics HomeHow to pitch an article to Politics HomeArticle pitch examples for Politics HomeHow to write an article for Politics Home magazineHow to get free press coverage at Politics HomeHow to become a regular freelancer at Politics HomeHow to future-proof your writing or PR career ABOUT THE GUEST: Laura Silver, Editor, Politics Home Editor specialising in politics and news. Extensive experience of digital publishing and multi-platform storytelling at a broad range of titles from start-ups to leading nationals. Find them on: Laura Silver’s Linkedin (where the above bio is sourced from)Laura Silver’s X LIST OF RESOURCES MENTIONED: The House magazine Subscribe to PoliticsHome newsletters, including the weekend long read mentioned Recommended websites for news ideas: Next DoorFacebook groupsPolitical Substackers ABOUT PRESS INSIDER’S HOST: Kelly Bowerbank is a digital journalist, editor and content strategist with 16 years’ experience in the lifestyle sector. She has worked for multiple high-profile media brands, including woman&home, Marie Claire, The Stylist Group, and The Guardian. She has over eight years' experience crafting editorial strategies and leading teams, and has spent more than a decade commissioning, editing and creating content in various formats across a diverse range of subject verticals. In 2013 she was nominated for New Section Editor of the year at the PPA awards, and in 2020 she was nominated for Digital Editor of the year at the AOP awards. She’s mentored experienced print journalists and trained graduates into award-winning digital writers. In 2022 she stepped down from her role of Global Editor at womanandhome.com to go freelance and write more. She’s represented by Anna Pallai at AMP Literary. Follow Kelly Bowerbank’s InstagramSubscribe to Kelly Bowerbank’s SubstackFind Kelly Bowerbank’s Linkedin SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: Share this episode: Every share of this episode makes another season more likely. If you enjoyed listening, share Press Insider with your network on Whatsapp, Linkedin and on your favourite social media platforms. It can be found on all the main podcast networks including: Apple podcastsSpotifyAmazon music Follow the host on social media: Follow Kelly Bowerbank’s InstagramSubscribe to Kelly Bowerbank’s SubstackFind Kelly Bowerbank’s Linkedin Email feedback: Send feedback about this episode and suggestions for future guests to pressinsiderpodcast@gmail.com
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Stylist Associate Editor, Meena Alexander (S1:E7)

    Stylist Associate Editor, Meena Alexander (S1:E7)
    Oct 14 2025
    Meena Alexander was the Associate Editor at Stylist magazine when this episode was recorded. She has since gone freelance, but if you want to pitch to Stylist, her advice stands because she knows the brand inside and out. In 2018 she left The Times to join Stylist, rising from sub editor, to features editor, features director and finally associate editor. She achieved a lot there, and has the awards to prove it: she was one of Campaign MediaWeek's 30 Under 30 in 2022, and in 2023 she won Best Section Editor at the BSME Talent Awards and PPA’s Next Gen Award. She’s also the author of How To Be Curious: Ideas To Make You Think Differently, which was published in 2024. Honestly, she’s a massive over-achiever, but she’s so great that you can only be happy for her. The good news is that after listening to her advice you might be a massive over-achiever too, as she shares details of a 3 line formula to pitch timely ideas, the one thing you can include in a pitch that will blow the Stylist team’s mind, and why the conversations you have with friends and family are a good starting point for an idea. She also reveals what the team wants to see in their inbox more than anything. Like other Press Insider episodes, this interview was recorded last year. Expect sporadic mentions of 2024 news and events, but fret not, Meena’s insights are still right on the money today. KEY TOPICS: How to become a journalist at StylistHow to become a trusted PR at StylistHow to pitch an article to StylistArticle pitch examples for StylistHow to write an article for Stylist magazineHow to get free press coverage at StylistHow to become a regular freelancer at StylistHow to future-proof your writing or PR career ABOUT THE GUEST: Meena Alexander, Associate Editor, Stylist Magazine Meena Alexander is an award-winning writer and editor. She writes features and profiles about people, trends and the cultural moment. She’s usually based in London but I’m currently on the move, working remotely in Southeast Asia. Formerly the Associate Editor of Stylist, she’s also held roles at The Times, edited books, judged literary prizes and hosted live panels. If words and big ideas are involved, count her in. She’s the author of How To Be Curious: Ideas To Make You Think Differently, published by Headline Books in February 2024. In 2023, she was named Best Section Editor by the British Society Of Magazine Editors and appeared on the PPA’s Next Gen list. In 2022, she was one of Campaign’s Media 30 Under 30. Find them on: Meena Alexander’s Website (where the above bio is sourced from)Meena Alexander’s InstagramMeena Alexander’s book on:AmazonBookshop.org LIST OF RESOURCES MENTIONED: Franchise examples that were referenced: Just CuriousFrame of MindProcessing Example articles: Keep trying to stop vaping but can’t? 5 women on how they finally managed to stopWhat it’s like to have untreated ADHD? Chaotic and isolating, so please don’t tell me it’s a trend or an excuse Inspiring staffers and freelancers: Amelia Tate Kat Brown ABOUT PRESS INSIDER’S HOST: Kelly Bowerbank is a digital journalist, editor and content strategist with 16 years’ experience in the lifestyle sector. She has worked for multiple high-profile media brands, including woman&home, Marie Claire, The Stylist Group, and The Guardian. She has over eight years' experience crafting editorial strategies and leading teams, and has spent more than a decade commissioning, editing and creating content in various formats across a diverse range of subject verticals. In 2013 she was nominated for New Section Editor of the year at the PPA awards, and in 2020 she was nominated for Digital Editor of the year at the AOP awards. She’s mentored experienced print journalists and trained graduates into award-winning digital writers. In 2022 she stepped down from her role of Global Editor at womanandhome.com to go freelance and write more. She’s represented by Anna Pallai at AMP Literary. Follow Kelly Bowerbank’s InstagramSubscribe to Kelly Bowerbank’s SubstackFind Kelly Bowerbank’s Linkedin SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: Share this episode: Every share of this episode makes another season more likely. If you enjoyed listening, share Press Insider with your network on Whatsapp, Linkedin and on your favourite social media platforms. It can be found on all the main podcast networks including: Apple podcastsSpotifyAmazon music Follow the host on social media: Follow Kelly Bowerbank’s InstagramSubscribe to Kelly Bowerbank’s SubstackFind Kelly Bowerbank’s Linkedin Email feedback: Send feedback about this episode and suggestions for future guests to pressinsiderpodcast@gmail.com
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • GQ Website Director, Sam Parker (S1:E6)

    GQ Website Director, Sam Parker (S1:E6)
    Oct 7 2025
    Sam Parker is the Site Director at GQ. He’s been there since 2022, but has worked in content for over 15 years for brands you’ll know: Esquire, Buzzfeed, Huffpost and Penguin Random House. He’s a fascinating person to listen to, he’s both intellectually and emotionally intelligent, analytical and imaginative, tactical and strategic. This year, Sam wrote his first book Good Anger. It’s about the power of healthy rage and was named Non‑Fiction Book of the Month by The Independent. We actually spoke last year though, so expect some 2024 references in this interview, but as Sam is very wise, his insights are still applicable today. Listen to this episode to hear him talk about a notable change to the GQ audience over the last few years, how they approach features (spoiler alert: basically in opposition to how a newspaper would do it), and why they no longer care about being first to a story. Sam also reveals what the one emotion is that they want in every piece they commission, a problem they have all the time at GQ that you could help solve, and his pitch wish list. KEY TOPICS: How to become a journalist at GQHow to become a trusted PR at GQHow to pitch an article to GQArticle pitch examples for GQHow to write an article for GQ magazineHow to get free press coverage at GQHow to become a regular freelancer at GQHow to future-proof your writing or PR career ABOUT THE GUEST: Sam Parker, Website Director, GQ 'Good Anger', Sam’s first book on psychology and learning to love a taboo emotion, is out with Bloomsbury. It was named Book of the Month for June 2025 in The Independent. In Sam’s current role as Site Director of British GQ he leads a team of editors and writers working across digital editorial strategy, events and commercial deals. Sam has been a writer, editor and digital strategist for the past 15 years for brands like Penguin Books, Esquire, BuzzFeed and more. He occasionally contributes to the Observer, Telegraph and other publications in the UK. Find them on: Sam Parker’s Linkedin (where the above bio is sourced from)Sam Parker’s InstagramSam Parker’s websiteSam Parker’s XBuy Sam Parker’s book, Good Anger, at: AmazonWaterstonesBookshop.org LIST OF RESOURCES MENTIONED: Franchise examples that were referenced: GQ HypeExample of the Match Fits franchiseExample of Extra Time franchiseModern Lovers Important coverage: Men of the YearGQ heroes summit and coverage Example articles: I’m a boyfriend who uses weaponised incompetence. Can I change?I was drifting from my best friend. So we went to therapy togetherRussell Crowe has a song about that (a profile by Hayley Campbell)In defence of the long painful slog of therapy Inspiring staffers and freelancers: Hayley CampbellAmelia TateSammi GaleTom Lamont ABOUT PRESS INSIDER’S HOST: Kelly Bowerbank is a digital journalist, editor and content strategist with 16 years’ experience in the lifestyle sector. She has worked for multiple high-profile media brands, including woman&home, Marie Claire, The Stylist Group, and The Guardian. She has over eight years' experience crafting editorial strategies and leading teams, and has spent more than a decade commissioning, editing and creating content in various formats across a diverse range of subject verticals. In 2013 she was nominated for New Section Editor of the year at the PPA awards, and in 2020 she was nominated for Digital Editor of the year at the AOP awards. She’s mentored experienced print journalists and trained graduates into award-winning digital writers. In 2022 she stepped down from her role of Global Editor at womanandhome.com to go freelance and write more. She’s represented by Anna Pallai at AMP Literary. Follow Kelly Bowerbank’s InstagramSubscribe to Kelly Bowerbank’s SubstackFind Kelly Bowerbank’s Linkedin SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: Share this episode: Every share of this episode makes another season more likely. If you enjoyed listening, share Press Insider with your network on Whatsapp, Linkedin and on your favourite social media platforms. It can be found on all the main podcast networks including: Apple podcastsSpotifyAmazon music Follow the host on social media: Follow Kelly Bowerbank’s InstagramSubscribe to Kelly Bowerbank’s SubstackFind Kelly Bowerbank’s Linkedin Email feedback: Send feedback about this episode and suggestions for future guests to pressinsiderpodcast@gmail.com
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Women's Health, Health & Wellness Director, Claudia Canavan (S1:E5)

    Women's Health, Health & Wellness Director, Claudia Canavan (S1:E5)
    Sep 30 2025
    Claudia Canavan was the Health & Wellness Director at Hearst UK when this episode was recorded. She oversaw the content and editorial strategy across several of the publisher’s flagship magazines, including Women's Health and Men's Health. In this interview she mainly focused on Women’s Health, but if you’re keen to pitch a wellness story to another health title, the advice is very transferable. Especially as she now actually works at New Scientist magazine, as Head of Features. We spoke last year, so expect some 2024 references, but all Claudia’s advice is still worth heeding. She’s a strong advocate for inclusive storytelling and speaks movingly about how the best part of her job is helping readers with little known health conditions feel less alone. After this interview you’ll feel less alone too, because she tells you how to catch her eye in her bin fire of an inbox and what franchise to pitch into if you don’t have much experience or many bylines to your name. You’ll also learn everything you need to know about the Women’s Health annual content calendar and how it influences what they commission, how to take dry data and make it into a human story that people want to read, and what skills to develop for a media career with longevity. KEY TOPICS: How to become a journalist at Women's HealthHow to become a trusted PR at Women's HealthHow to pitch an article to Women's HealthArticle pitch examples for Women's HealthHow to write an article for Women's Health magazineHow to get free press coverage at Women's HealthHow to become a regular freelancer at Women's HealthHow to future-proof your writing or PR career ABOUT THE GUEST: Claudia Canavan, Former Health & Wellness Director at Hearst UK, Women’s Health Claudia is a journalist and editor, specialising in health. She currently serves as Head of Features at New Scientist, leading a team of seven. Previously, she worked in various roles at Women's and Men's Health magazines, ultimately becoming Health + Wellness Director across both brands. She commissions, edits and writes about topics like the new science of advanced meditation, what the psychedelic renaissance means for women, the happiness potential of less conventional relationships and why the ketamine therapy bubble burst. While working at HuffPost UK she founded the sustainable living microsite HuffPost Sourced. This was after being selected via a company-wide pitch process to launch a new sub-brand. Prior to this, she was Digital Living Editor at Red, and on the online team at Esquire, before that. She’s well-versed in hosting. Recent work includes hosting a debate between ‘The Body Keeps the Score’ author and psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk, neurobiologist Gina Rippon and physician-scientist John Ioannidis on the current medical paradigm at 2024's How The Light Gets In festival, as well as a conversation with legendary psychotherapist Susie Orbach. She moderated a panel on psychedelic clinical practice at 2024's Breaking Convention and another on therapy for eating disorders at the 2023 PSYCH Symposium conference. She’s been invited to speak about female health issues on the radio, including on Jane Garvey and Fi Glover's Times Radio show, and is regularly asked to appear on panels as an expert on women's health, including at branding agency Pearlfisher's 'Deconstructing Wellness event'. Find them on: Claudia Canavan’s Linkedin (where the above bio is sourced from)Claudia Canavan’s InstagramClaudia Canavan’s content archive LIST OF RESOURCES MENTIONED: Franchise examples that were referenced: Well opinionatedDeep divesDoes it work in real life / I Tried It… Example articles: Why climate change is a global women’s health issueHow the ketamine wellness bubble burstCould lucid dreaming be a trauma therapy?Women’s pain is readily dismissed. It’s no wonder so many of us are exploring alternative healthThe health case for going out to dance in your 40s and beyondHow hypnosis helped me let go for deep-seated painAre you a victim of the friendship recession?Are we all traumatised by the pandemic?‘It’s soul-destroying:’ women who fear they can’t afford kids on what needs to change‘I moved to raise my son side-by-side with my best friend.’ Other links: Instagram post: Neuroscientist Nicole Vignola on creating habit changeThe Times: I love my husband — that’s why I’m divorcing him ABOUT PRESS INSIDER’S HOST: Kelly Bowerbank is a digital journalist, editor and content strategist with 16 years’ experience in the lifestyle sector. She has worked for multiple high-profile media brands, including woman&home, Marie Claire, The Stylist Group, and The Guardian. She has over eight years' experience crafting editorial strategies and leading teams, and has spent more than a decade commissioning, editing and creating content in various formats across a diverse range of subject verticals. In 2013 she was nominated for New Section ...
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • CNN Style Global Editor, Fiona Sinclair Scott (S1:E4)

    CNN Style Global Editor, Fiona Sinclair Scott (S1:E4)
    Sep 23 2025
    Fiona Sinclair Scott, the Global Editor of CNN Style, is this week’s guest. She’s been steering CNN’s international style coverage for over 10 years, and is candid about how challenging journalism is these days. Refreshingly though, she also talks about how exciting it is too, so this conversation is an uplifting one. A little note on timings: this episode was recorded last summer, so events from 2024 are mentioned, such as the election and the olympics. The advice is still very relevant and useful though. Find out what Fiona wants from a pitch, what she does not, and what her trigger words are. Learn when to get in touch if you want to cover things like Fashion weeks, and why she wants more first person pitches (plus, the gold standard to shoot for when writing about personal experiences). Fiona also shares the thread that connects all their ideas and everything they commission, as well as the best way to start a conversation with her. KEY TOPICS: How to become a journalist at CNN StyleHow to become a trusted PR at CNN StyleHow to pitch an article to CNN StyleArticle pitch examples for CNN StyleHow to write an article for CNN Style magazineHow to get free press coverage at CNN StyleHow to become a regular freelancer at CNN StyleHow to future-proof your writing or PR career ABOUT THE GUEST: Fiona Sinclair Scott, Global Editor, CNN Style An award-winning editor, newsroom leader and content strategist with 15 years of experience in fashion, design, lifestyle, arts, entertainment, and culture. Proven ability to grow engaged digital audiences, lead international teams, and create innovative, revenue-driving content across multiple platforms. An experienced journalist and reporter, Fiona is confident writing, conducting on camera interviews, hosting panels and speaking at events and on podcasts. Find them on: Fiona Sinclair Scott’s Linkedin (where the above bio is sourced from)Fiona Sinclair Scott’s InstagramFiona Sinclair Scott’s X LIST OF RESOURCES MENTIONED: Franchise examples that were referenced: Remember when?Look of the weekCulture queueSnap Example articles: The art of going bald gracefully Against all odds, a Ukrainian artist and his curators bring ‘Fountain of Exhaustion’ to VeniceVintage polaroids of female prisoners paint an intimate picture of womanhood and identity Other links: CNN Style’s video content ABOUT PRESS INSIDER’S HOST: Kelly Bowerbank is a digital journalist, editor and content strategist with 16 years’ experience in the lifestyle sector. She has worked for multiple high-profile media brands, including woman&home, Marie Claire, The Stylist Group, and The Guardian. She has over eight years' experience crafting editorial strategies and leading teams, and has spent more than a decade commissioning, editing and creating content in various formats across a diverse range of subject verticals. In 2013 she was nominated for New Section Editor of the year at the PPA awards, and in 2020 she was nominated for Digital Editor of the year at the AOP awards. She’s mentored experienced print journalists and trained graduates into award-winning digital writers. In 2022 she stepped down from her role of Global Editor at womanandhome.com to go freelance and write more. She’s represented by Anna Pallai at AMP Literary. Follow Kelly Bowerbank’s InstagramSubscribe to Kelly Bowerbank’s SubstackFind Kelly Bowerbank’s Linkedin SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: Share this episode: Every share of this episode makes another season more likely. If you enjoyed listening, share Press Insider with your network on Whatsapp, Linkedin and on your favourite social media platforms. It can be found on all the main podcast networks including: Apple podcastsSpotifyAmazon music Follow the host on social media: Follow Kelly Bowerbank’s InstagramSubscribe to Kelly Bowerbank’s SubstackFind Kelly Bowerbank’s Linkedin Email feedback: Send feedback about this episode and suggestions for future guests to pressinsiderpodcast@gmail.com
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    1 hr and 37 mins
  • Condé Nast Traveller Digital Director, Sarah Allard (S1:E3)

    Condé Nast Traveller Digital Director, Sarah Allard (S1:E3)
    Sep 16 2025
    Sarah Allard, Digital Director of Condé Nast Traveller UK, is this episode’s guest. Sarah makes no secret of her media success: she’s a total data nut with exceptional SEO skills. She follows the numbers, she’s methodical, and she has an instinct for engaging and clickable content. In this episode she talks about her commissioning process, her role in defining what luxury travel means, and how she collaborates with the other international Condé Nast Traveller teams. This chat was recorded last year so there are some references to 2024 events, but Sarah’s insights are still pertinent, including her thoughts on hotel review pitches. She also explains how to stay off the pitch slush pile and why a great pitch can pose a question for readers. Plus, she reveals the destination specialists she’s desperate to hear from. KEY TOPICS: How to become a journalist at Conde Nast TravellerHow to become a trusted PR at Conde Nast TravellerHow to pitch an article to Conde Nast TravellerArticle pitch examples for Conde Nast TravellerHow to write an article for Conde Nast Traveller magazineHow to get free press coverage at Conde Nast TravellerHow to become a regular freelancer at Conde Nast TravellerHow to future-proof your writing or PR career ABOUT THE GUEST: Sarah Allard, Digital Director, Conde Nast Traveller Sarah is a creative and forward-thinking digital editor, with a flair for producing engaging and compelling clickable content, and expertise in delivering results through exceptional SEO skills, well-executed content strategy and in-depth analytics. Find them on: Sarah Allard’s Linkedin (where the above bio is sourced from)Sarah Allard’s InstagramSarah Allard’s articles LIST OF RESOURCES MENTIONED: Franchise examples that were referenced: Ask a LocalWhere Chefs EatBeyond Barriers, which can be found in writer Sophie Morgan’s profileTravel Without Limits, recent examples: How I rediscovered my love of the outdoors as an autistic wheelchair userA solo journey through India turned into the most liberating experience of my life Example articles: Is Glasgow’s Southside Scotland’s coolest foodie neighbourhood?Inside the bakery boom: why we can’t get enough artisanal bakeries Inspiring staffers and freelancers: Rosie Conroy, and her Conde Nast Traveller articlesSophie Morgan, and her Conde Nast Traveller articles ABOUT PRESS INSIDER’S HOST: Kelly Bowerbank is a digital journalist, editor and content strategist with 16 years’ experience in the lifestyle sector. She has worked for multiple high-profile media brands, including woman&home, Marie Claire, The Stylist Group, and The Guardian. She has over eight years' experience crafting editorial strategies and leading teams, and has spent more than a decade commissioning, editing and creating content in various formats across a diverse range of subject verticals. In 2013 she was nominated for New Section Editor of the year at the PPA awards, and in 2020 she was nominated for Digital Editor of the year at the AOP awards. She’s mentored experienced print journalists and trained graduates into award-winning digital writers. In 2022 she stepped down from her role of Global Editor at womanandhome.com to go freelance and write more. She’s represented by Anna Pallai at AMP Literary. Follow Kelly Bowerbank’s InstagramSubscribe to Kelly Bowerbank’s SubstackFind Kelly Bowerbank’s Linkedin SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: Share this episode: Every share of this episode makes another season more likely. If you enjoyed listening, share Press Insider with your network on Whatsapp, Linkedin and on your favourite social media platforms. It can be found on all the main podcast networks including: Apple podcastsSpotifyAmazon music Follow the host on social media: Follow Kelly Bowerbank’s InstagramSubscribe to Kelly Bowerbank’s SubstackFind Kelly Bowerbank’s Linkedin Email feedback: Send feedback about this episode and suggestions for future guests to pressinsiderpodcast@gmail.com
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • RHS Head of Editorial, Tom Howard (S1:E2)

    RHS Head of Editorial, Tom Howard (S1:E2)
    Sep 16 2025
    Tom Howard, Head of Editorial at the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society), is the award-winning editor in this episode. He oversees the UK’s biggest garden magazine, as well as all the RHS’s other print and digital titles. His divisive approach to content has attracted lots of critical acclaim, but some criticism too. He talks about why that is, what the brilliant engaged readers do and don’t like, and the one thing all the best pitches have. This interview was recorded last year, so there are some dated references, but all Tom’s advice still stands. Find out from him why some stories need to be planned two years in advance, what David Attenborough and David Beckham have in common, and what skills to lean into to future-proof your career in the new AI era we are entering. KEY TOPICS: How to become a journalist at the RHS How to become a trusted PR at the RHS How to pitch an article to the RHSArticle pitch examples for the RHS How to write an article for the RHS magazinesHow to get free press coverage at the RHS How to become a regular freelancer at the RHS How to future-proof your writing or PR career ABOUT THE GUEST: Tom Howard, Head of Editorial, The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) Tom is an award-winning Editorial Director with nearly two decades of experience working for national publications across print and digital. AWARD WINS 2024 PPA Editor Of The Year - Consumer Media2023 BSME Editor Of The Year - Homes, Gardens & Country2021 British Podcast Awards - Best Branded Podcast AWARD NOMINATIONS 2024 PPA Cover Of The Year2023 BSME Editor In Chief Of The Year2023 GMG Garden Publication Of The Year2021 BSME Editor Of The Year - Homes, Gardens & Country2021 GMG Website Of The Year Find them on: Tom Howard’s Linkedin (where the above bio is sourced from)Tom Howard’s InstagramTom Howard’s X LIST OF RESOURCES MENTIONED: Example articles: Solitary Wasps — this article is not available online unfortunately. This Guardian piece is by the same writer and on the same topic though. A history of pioneering queer gardeners Covers mentioned: The solitary wasp cover can be found in 2023’s issue index2024 issue index showing the wisteria cover Other links: RHS jobs on LinkedinFreelance writing jobsGuardian Media Guild ABOUT PRESS INSIDER’S HOST: Kelly Bowerbank is a digital journalist, editor and content strategist with 16 years’ experience in the lifestyle sector. She has worked for multiple high-profile media brands, including woman&home, Marie Claire, The Stylist Group, and The Guardian. She has over eight years' experience crafting editorial strategies and leading teams, and has spent more than a decade commissioning, editing and creating content in various formats across a diverse range of subject verticals. In 2013 she was nominated for New Section Editor of the year at the PPA awards, and in 2020 she was nominated for Digital Editor of the year at the AOP awards. She’s mentored experienced print journalists and trained graduates into award-winning digital writers. In 2022 she stepped down from her role of Global Editor at womanandhome.com to go freelance and write more. She’s represented by Anna Pallai at AMP Literary. Follow Kelly Bowerbank’s InstagramSubscribe to Kelly Bowerbank’s SubstackFind Kelly Bowerbank’s Linkedin SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: Share this episode: Every share of this episode makes another season more likely. If you enjoyed listening, share Press Insider with your network on Whatsapp, Linkedin and on your favourite social media platforms. It can be found on all the main podcast networks including: Apple podcastsSpotifyAmazon music Follow the host on social media: Follow Kelly Bowerbank’s InstagramSubscribe to Kelly Bowerbank’s SubstackFind Kelly Bowerbank’s Linkedin Email feedback: Send feedback about this episode and suggestions for future guests to pressinsiderpodcast@gmail.com
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    1 hr and 50 mins