Here’s the thing about pitching the media… they usually don’t respond.

At all.

I’ll spend time putting together what I think is a killer pitch, hit send, and then… tumbleweeds.

My inbox is just sitting there like, “Nice try.”

And on the rare occasion you do get a response? It’s often, “Sure, we’ll cover this for $$$.”

Basically, an ad.

But without any of the real details you’d expect if you were actually buying advertising… no demographics, no reach, none of the things a legit ad salesperson would share.

Just, “Pay up.”

Now, compare that to podcasts and newsletters… total game-changer.

People respond! And not only do they respond, but they’re often excited to collaborate.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve built great relationships with traditional media from working as a TV reporter and anchor.

But even then, no guarantees.

I can have the most compelling story in the world, but if the person on the other end doesn’t want to cover it, it’s a no-go.

Sometimes, if it’s juicy enough, we can tempt them… but most of the time? Silence.

So if you’ve ever pitched something and felt like you got ghosted (or got hit with the ol’ “pay me for coverage” email), just know… you’re not alone.

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to sit around waiting for the media to notice you.

Podcasts and newsletters are wide open.

And if you want in, here are 3 ways to actually land coverage:

1. Do your homework. Listen to the podcast or read the newsletter first. Know their vibe, their audience, and where your story fits naturally.
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2. Make it about them. Your pitch shouldn’t read like an ad for you. Lead with what their listeners or readers will get out of it.
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3. Keep it short. No one wants a novel in their inbox. A few clear, compelling sentences will get you much further than three paragraphs of backstory.

Let’s go deeper on that first point, shall we?

Step 1: Start with search.

• Use Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or even Google with keywords in your niche (example: “entrepreneurship podcast,” “bookish newsletter”).
• For newsletters, try Substack, Beehiiv, or even “best [topic] newsletters” in Google.

Step 2: Stalk social.

• See what podcasts your peers are guesting on (LinkedIn posts, bios, or IG Stories often give them away).
• Search hashtags like #podcastguest or “newsletterswap” on social platforms.
• Follow industry influencers. They often share the shows and newsletters they appear in.

Step 3: Vet the fit.

• Listen to 1–2 episodes or skim a few newsletter editions.
• Ask yourself: Would their audience care about what I’m offering? Do they cover guests like me?
• Look for engagement — reviews, comments, or a visible community around the content.

Step 4: Collect the details.
​Set up a spreadsheet with columns like:

• Podcast/Newsletter Name
• Host/Writer Name
• Contact Info (email, form link, etc.)
• Audience/Topic Focus
• Notes (episode themes, style, why you’re a fit)
• Date Pitched / Response

Step 5: Keep it alive.

• Update the sheet weekly or monthly.
• Color-code: green for yes, yellow for maybe, red for no response.
• Revisit podcasts/newsletters you liked and engage with their content (leave reviews, share their posts).

Before I go, I gotta tell you one more thing…

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Q4 is basically the Super Bowl of brand collabs.

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I won’t spoil all the details here, but if you’re serious about stacking high-paying brand deals this season...

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Christina