The News Nirvana Podcast: Recent Episodes
TownNews
Host Nick Parker speaks with the visionaries and thought leaders who are transforming the way journalism is created, distributed, and monetized. The News Nirvana Podcast looks to uncover what content is most engaging, how modern technologies are changing news consumption, and how news organizations are reshaping their business models for tomorrow . . . and beyond.
What does it take for local news to keep going, and why does it matter that it does? KCUR reporter Sam Zeff joins Nick Parker to talk about a documentary he's producing on the Kansas City Star's evolution, a story that echoes across the industry. They get into where newspapers were slow to adapt, what's actually working in local news today, and how much control journalists should hand over to AI.
Shannon Kinney, founder of Dream Local Digital, joins host Nick Parker to talk about what local news organizations are getting wrong about advertising sales — and how to fix it. The conversation covers branded content, AI-powered sales prep, and why being a trusted business advisor matters more than having the right relationships.
What does a Kansas City convenience store owner with 240,000 YouTube subscribers and 20 million monthly views have in common with journalists and news publishers? More than you'd think. In this episode of the News Nirvana podcast, host Nick Parker sits down with Babir Sultan, owner of Fave Trip convenience stores, founder of Eagle Eye Live AI security, and writer-producer-director of the upcoming feature film The Rooster and the Boy, for a candid brainstorming session about AI tools, audience data, and how to stop getting in your own way as a content creator. The duo covers a lot of ground in a conversation relevant if you're running a news outlet, a podcast, or really any kind of content operation.
Some interviews you dream about for years. This is one of them.
Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and host of the Black Diamonds podcast on SiriusXM, joins Nick Parker for a conversation about storytelling, history and what it means to carry on a legacy. With the MLB season underway and MLB The Show dropping new Negro Leagues content, the timing is perfect.
Bob talks about stumbling into a one-room museum office in 1993, learning from Buck O'Neil, and why putting Negro Leagues players into a video game may be the most important thing the museum has ever done. He also makes the case for a dramatic TV series — and after hearing the story of Rube Foster, it's hard to argue.
A special episode for baseball fans, history lovers and anyone who believes some stories are too important not to tell.
Visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum at nlbm.com.
Join host Nick Parker on the News Nirvana Podcast as he delves into the challenges and innovations in digital news archiving with experts Karen Hansen and Newsberg publisher Brandon Anderson. Discover how modern journalism is preserving its legacy for future generations. Tune in for insights on the evolving landscape of media preservation.
Radio legend Randy Miller joins host Nick Parker for a wide-ranging conversation spanning five decades in broadcasting. From his teenage years as a DJ in Knoxville to dominating morning radio ratings in major markets, Randy reveals the preparation and spontaneity that made his shows unmissable.
Hear classic stories including the Country Club Plaza pay phone pranks that had listeners calling in late to work, the confrontation with Hal Ketchum that became legendary, and discovering Billy Crystal was a jazz DJ in college. Randy explains his interview philosophy of researching deeply while leaving room for surprises, and why he refuses to accept pre-submitted questions from celebrity publicists.
The conversation explores Randy's transformation into a military advocate through the National Defense Network and Celebrity Salute podcast, where he's conducted over 15,000 interviews with celebrities, corporate leaders, and Purple Heart recipients. Learn about the upcoming 10-city Back the Bases tour and how Randy's work preserves vital military stories for future generations.
A must-listen for anyone interested in broadcasting evolution, interview techniques, or supporting America's veterans.
Host Nick Parker talks with Elizabeth Stephens from the Missouri School of Journalism about how journalism education is adapting for the digital age. They discuss the shift from traditional news tracks to platform-agnostic reporting, training students in SEO and data analytics, teaching the business side of news, and Mizzou's hands-on "Missouri Method." Stephens shares how many graduates are choosing community journalism and catching "the bug" for local news. Essential listening for journalism educators, newsroom managers, and anyone interested in the future of journalism training.
In this engaging episode of the News Nirvana podcast, host Nick Parker sits down with the dynamic Ale Sharpton—freelance journalist, photographer, social media influencer, and self-proclaimed beer aficionado. Dive into Ale's rich family history rooted in culinary excellence, his unexpected path into beer journalism, and learn how he carved out a unique space by blending hip-hop culture with craft beer. Hear the captivating story of his encounter with Rev. Al Sharpton, the creation of his iconic brand, and insightful tips on building a personal brand in the evolving world of journalism. From travel tales to the art of beer pairing, this episode is packed with inspiration, flavor, and a dash of hops.
In this candid episode of the News Nirvana podcast, host Nick Parker sits down with colleague Toriano Porter, opinion writer at the Kansas City Star, for a shop-talk conversation about life in the trenches of modern journalism. Porter walks us through his career path from St. Louis reporter to his current opinion role at the Star, sharing the real challenges and unexpected wins when switching from sports to the opinion desk. The two journalists dive into newsroom diversity issues, how opinion writing is adapting to survive in today's media climate, and trading notes on maintaining journalistic integrity when the industry keeps shifting beneath our feet. Porter opens up about his hands-on mentoring as an up-and-coming journalist and how personal experiences fuel his commitment to accountability reporting. Packed with insider anecdotes and practical wisdom, this episode delivers a frank look at the transformations reshaping our profession and the daily realities facing newsrooms across America.
In this episode of the News Nirvana podcast, host Nick Parker reconnects with Ryan Dohrn, founder and president of Brain Swell Media, for an insightful exploration of workplace dynamics and sales success. Together, they unpack the critical role of structure in driving results and how fostering a positive office culture can empower teams across generations.
Ryan shares actionable strategies for managing diverse teams, the power of CRM systems, and the timeless impact of personal touches like handwritten notes in customer relationships. Whether you're navigating the challenges of a shifting media landscape or looking to refine your sales approach, this episode delivers expert advice to help you thrive.
Tune in now for practical tips and inspiring insights to elevate your sales game!
In this episode of the News Nirvana podcast, host Nick Parker welcomes back Bridget Sibthorp-Moeker, Director of Audience at BLOX Digital. They discuss the evolving landscape of subscription models in journalism, focusing on the innovative concept of gift subscriptions. Bridget shares insights on how media organizations can adapt to changing audience expectations and the importance of effectively communicating their unique value propositions. The conversation highlights the need for local journalism to remind communities of their presence and the critical role they play in supporting it. Tune in to explore how to engage audiences and enhance revenue through thoughtful subscription strategies.
In this episode of the News Nirvana podcast, host Nick Parker welcomes Jason and Courtney Cole from The Excelsior Springs Citizen. They discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by local journalism, particularly in the wake of significant events like a microburst, a flood, and the collapse of a historic building in Excelsior Springs. The Coles share how they transitioned from a Facebook group to a full-fledged online news platform, driven by the need for timely information in their community. They highlight the importance of community engagement, direct sales advertising, and the use of technology, including AI, to enhance their reporting.
Creating and maintaining engaging connections with our audience is vital to all of us. If readers or viewers don't connect with the people delivering the news we don't earn their trust and we don't earn their loyalty. In Episode 49 we're looking into how one group of newspapers is successfully creating relationships through curated newsletters. Alessia Alaimo, Digital Manager for Wick Communications, joins host Nick Parker in this episode of the News Nirvana podcast.
Stephanie Carey joins host Nick Parker to talk about contesting and its ability to drive additional revenue and content for news organizations. Carey, a sales director and contesting lead at Blox Digital, offers real-world experience on the impact of "Best of" contests, sweepstakes and more in this lively conversation. Oh, and the two pose an important question, what's the BBQ scene like in Michigan?
In this episode of the News Nirvana Podcast, Sarah McNamara, VP of Sales for Evvnt, joins host Nick Parker to discuss the intersection of events and content generation in the news business. The pair delves into how events can be more than just fun gatherings, serving as powerful revenue generators and community builders. From leveraging existing community events to hosting your own, explore strategies for news organizations to stay hyper-local and engage audiences effectively.
"How can we be better together?" This is the driving question behind Frank Mungeam's work with local media organizations on both the content and revenue-generating sides of the business. The Chief Innovation Officer at Local Media Association joined host Nick Parker for a conversation about using old-fashioned community-oriented focus to create sustainable business partnerships that also help drive meaningful content generation and journalism for the news side of the organization. Want to stay up-to-date on the News Nirvana podcast? Sign up for our monthly news digest at newsnirvana.com/newsletter.
Julia Campbell has a fantastic title; Chief Business Transformation Officer just sounds cool. You might think she's a "robot in disguise", or you could just think the Local Media Association executive has one of those jobs where she gets to play with all the new toys and work with members to establish innovative and sustainable systems for their news organizations. One of those—the latter, of course—is actually correct. In this episode, Julia sits down with host Nick Parker to talk about LMA's labs and the power coming from those exchanges and learning environments, as well as one of her favorite topics, cause marketing.
Let's get back to our roots. It's not that the phrase is almost a cliche, it is a cliche. But here's the thing about cliches—they exist because they're true. So, whether it's going back to their roots or getting back to basics, Orestes Baez and Scott Davis are committed to a personal and hyper-local approach that has brought new life to a national niche publication, TravelHost. Just 18 months after taking over the print and digital publication, Baez and Davis join News Nirvana host Nick Parker for an in depth conversation about their business and vision for the future.
Join host Nick Parker in a riveting conversation with veteran journalist Mike Reilley as they delve into the behind-the-scenes tales of newsrooms past and the essential tools every journalist needs in today's rapidly evolving media landscape. From swapping stories to unveiling the secrets behind Reilley's popular Journalist's Toolbox, this episode offers insights for both seasoned reporters and aspiring journalists alike. Discover how Reilley's journey from reporter to educator has shaped the latter part of his career as a newsroom trainer and Senior Lecturer of digital and data journalism at the University of Illinois-Chicago.
Ask Tobias Bennett what excites him about the media industry and you'll get the same answer every time—it's the unknown. Bennett, VP of Partnerships and Revenue, and Fran Wills, CEO, for Local Media Consortium join host Nick Parker for a look into the current state of the news industry, and how their association helps member organizations traverse the ever-changing landscape and embrace what comes next.
Veteran editor and digital news guru Bob Rose joins host Nick Parker on this latest episode of the News Nirvana Podcast. Their in-depth conversation focuses on rebuilding trust and fostering partnerships with the communities we cover. The episode also explores the importance of aligning our content with both our varied modes of delivery and with the business partners we look to for continued revenue.
Host Nick Parker and producer Cherry Wolf take a look back at the 2023 season of the News Nirvana podcast reflecting on some favorite episodes, why the show is important to them, and some guests they're looking forward to in 2024.
Industry expert Gordon Borrell joins host Nick Parker to discuss the evolving relationship between editorial and business. The two explore challenges faced by media outlets when adapting to the ever-changing advertising trends all while maintaining impactful news coverage. Reflecting on past revenue models versus modern equivalents, Borrell offers valuable insights into the ongoing evolution of news media.
In this episode of the News Nirvana podcast, Jared Frank from KHQ-TV and Josh Kidd from Block Communications join host Nick Parker to explore the challenges we may face adopting a digital-first mindset. The conversation delves into content repurposing strategies, the immediate impact of digital channels, and the importance of owning digital spaces amid social media's uncertain future. Listen as they navigate the evolving digital landscape and strategies in media and broadcasting.
In this episode of the News Nirvana podcast, host Nick Parker engages in a conversation with Sean Evans, Director of OTT and Video at BLOX Digital. Together, they explore the dynamic realm of digital video, shedding light on platforms, audience growth strategies, and revenue maximization. Sean’s transition from a software development background to the world of broadcast news is a compelling example of our industry's adaptability. From clarifying essential terms like FAST channel and OTT to offering valuable insights, this episode underscores the value of embracing video both as a fundamental component of news delivery and as a revenue generator.
David Arkin returns to the podcast to talk about working with news organizations to understand and embrace branded content campaigns—and the new revenue streams that come with it.
Join host Nick Parker for the newest episode of the News Nirvana podcast as he welcomes Lori Flowers, Manager of Integrated Marketing at Radio One. In this episode, Lori and Nick explore innovative approaches to marketing partnerships and delve into the power of sponsored content, which not only captivates and retains audiences but also amplifies revenue streams. Tune in now for invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of marketing.
Steven Chappell and Matt Bird-Meyer continue their conversation with host Nick Parker on college media and how best to prepare student journalists to tackle our ever-changing media industry.
Host Nick Parker returns to the world of college journalism in the first of a two-part series delving into the student media departments at Northwest Missouri State University and Monroe County (Mich.) Community College. NWMSU's Steven Chappell and MCCC's Matt Bird-Meyer join the show to talk about preparing the next generation of journalists and how to best make them "career ready" when they leave the program.
Recorded earlier this summer, Broadcast Dialogue Editor Connie Thiessen joins host Nick Parker to discuss her role covering broadcast media in the Canadian markets and her perspective on the state of the industry.
Whether from a place of excitement, trepidation or even curiosity, AI is the No. 1 topic right now for news organizations. Colin Benedict, VP of News for Morgan Murphy Media, and Ethan Holland, VP, Draper Digital Media, join News Nirvana podcast host Nick Parker for a dive into the tools currently available, tips on how to start implementing and exploring their use in the newsroom and even a look at how to start creating ethical guidelines around their use.
Recorded during BLOX Digital's Broadcast Summit in Vail, Colorado, Mike Cassetta and Richard Marques join host Nick Parker for a conversation on the future of the industry, including recruitment, AI and monetizing video on digital platforms.
Join Host Nick Parker in this lively podcast episode as he sits down with Amy Martin and Kassandra Horton-Mayfield from WVUA 23 at the University of Alabama.Dive into the world of training the next generation of journalists and equipping them with the ability to captivate today's audiences. From mastering various storytelling formats across multiple platforms to navigating the art of self-branding on social media without compromising their integrity or key business connections, budding journalists have quite the task ahead. And hey, who knows, maybe they'll even pick up a thing or two about entrepreneurship and business along the way. Tune in to discover how these young journalists are not only expanding their skill sets but also becoming the ultimate jack-of-all-trades in the field.
Guy Tasaka, founder of Tasaka Digital, LLC, joins host Nick Parker for a dive into the world of technology and the role it plays in our ever-changing media industry. Tasaka, who also pens a regular column for Editor & Publisher, has spent most of his career leading technology advances and initiatives in the news media sector and says its more important now than ever for leaders to not only keep up with new technologies, but drive their implementation as power tools for their organizations.
Join host Nick Parker in an eye-opening conversation with Ryan Dohrn, a renowned media sales consultant and coach. In this episode, we explore the urgent need to reshape our mindset and strategies to boost revenue for news organizations in today's ever-changing media landscape. Dohrn, a strong advocate for permission-based media, reveals the essential ingredients for success: adopting a systematic approach and understanding the emotional dynamics of selling media partnerships within our communities. Discover the invaluable wisdom of Ryan Dohrn, the visionary founder and president of Brain Swell Media, and the driving force behind the highly regarded Niche Media conference. Prepare for a transformative experience as we unravel groundbreaking perspectives on the future of media. Tune in now to gain fresh insights and unlock new possibilities!
For 20 years or more we've been telling ourselves and our teams that we have to change, and we have to start thinking "digital first." But what does that really mean? And why aren't we doing it after reciting this chant for so long? Denise Yost, director of digital content for Allen Media Broadcasting, joins host Nick Parker for a conversation about storytelling and how we can use our digital channels to tell the whole story and enhance what we're delivering to our audiences over the air and in print.
Audience, not product. This has been the focus of Star Local Media President Rick Rogers since purchasing the DFW-area media company almost exactly 1 year ago. Rogers joins host Nick Parker for a look back at the past 12-months and his team’s efforts to turn around what was a struggling collection of 10 community newspapers. The secret, he says, has been focusing on audience and re-emphasizing the importance of community involvement.
Our benevolent News Nirvana sponsor has a big announcement to make! (Listen to find out what it is.) While the announcement is exciting in its own right, host Nick Parker thought this would also be a good time to talk about rebranding—a conversation many news organizations are having as they continue to adjust and remold their news business to meet the changing technologies and demands of news consumers. Returning guest Tony Bangert, CRO, is joined by Aaron Gillette, Director of Marketing on this episode.
Successful strategies rely on more than just collecting the data and looking at the numbers on a dashboard. Developing a strategy that works means taking some time to identify your goals and what data will help you chart, and track, the path to reaching them. Digital architect and data guru Kyle Rickhoff, of Align Simple, joins host Nick Parker for part two of our data series.
Executive Editor Chris Coates and Senior Editor Michael Phillips of the Richmond Times-Dispatch Join the show to talk about how they're using e-editions to bridge gaps between traditional print readers and the digital subscribers. (As we've all learned in the news production business, there's no time like a deadline to experience technical issues. Host Nick Parker had some audio equipment troubles on his end during this interview. But we persevered and let Chris and Michael tell their story of producing the news every day in Richmond.)
OK, we've got the software and we know we can track data. But what should we be tracking? What do these numbers actually mean? And how do we use the numbers to take action in our orgs? These questions (and others) come flying more often than we want to admit. News Nirvana host Nick Parker sits down with data guru Allie Peters, senior product manager of emerging product for TownNews and Lee Enterprises. Note: this is the first of a two-part series on tracking data and how it can help us better our news organizations.
The Eastsider LA's Jesus Sanchez helps kick off season 2 of the News Nirvana podcast by joining host Nick Parker to talk about newsletters and how they've helped him grow and engage his audience throughout several neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area.
Host Nick Parker decided it was time to meet his newly hired News Nirvana benefactor, so why not make a show of it? Nick had a plan for this episode to focus on new approaches to sales revenue processes. And they stuck to it—for the most part. But what really came out was an unplanned and unrestricted conversation on leadership, mentors, and making sure we're opening the door for the next generation of industry leaders.
Let's be honest here. Most of us just aren't very good at selling our own news product to the audience. As an industry, we don't always do a good job bragging about the good work we do and the important role we play in our communities. But engaging our audience and clearly defining how we fit in their lives is essential to solving the ever-evasive dilemma of audience revenue. Bridget Sibthorp-Moecker, Director of Audience at TownNews, joins the show to talk about discovering and utilizing available tools to not only bring in audience, but keep them in the fold.
This week we're joined by Daily Herald Assistant Managing Editor for Watchdog Reporting, Jake Griffin. In his 20-plus years of covering suburban Chicago for the Herald, Griffin has established himself as one of the leading watchdog reporters and columnists using reader tips and deep data dives to cover everything from elected officials, taxing districts, and the local effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jed Williams and David Arkin are putting a new spin on local community media. The co-founders of Checkout DFW join host Nick Parker to talk about their fledgling publication and a new approach to both content and marketing partners (don’t call them advertisers!)
With new and refreshed approaches to revenue generation and audience engagement, the Richland Source, is carving out a successful model for community newspapers. Publisher Jay Allred and Engagement & Solutions Editor Brittany Schock join host Nick Parker to talk about their intentional approach to serving the community they cover.
A funny thing happens when student reporters are taught, and allowed, to act like professionals. Franklin College Pulliam School of Journalism director, John Krull, and senior reporter Taylor Wooten join Host Nick Parker to talk about how their program is leading the way through breaking news and statehouse reporting.
Emmy Award-winning digital news producer Cara Sabin, of WDRB in Louisville, joins host Nick Parker to talk about producing the news, driving traffic, and developing the next generation of reporters and producers.
Dr. Chad Stebbins, executive director of the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors, and past board chair Gary Sosniecki join the show for a conversation about community journalism, keeping newspapers in rural cities and the support role of their organization.
The Cohort's Alex Sujong Laughlin, joins host Nick Parker to talk about her new project through the Poynter Institute and the need to focus on gender and inclusion in media.
Wick Communications' Reilly Kneedler joins host Nick Parker for a conversation on the importance of data collection and how we use it to engage our audiences and create places for meaningful conversation on the news and issues of our communities.
Rob Curry, executive producer of digital at KHQ in Spokane, Wash., joins the show for conversations on newsrooms thinking digital first, shifting to meet changing audience demand and finding the best way to package stories for the communities we cover.
It's a time to offer real support. A time for change. It is, according to Larry Graham, a time for action. In his 25-year career in the news business, Graham has worked in newsrooms and industry associations across the country. In 2021, he launched the Diversity Pledge Institute to help news organizations increase diversity in their businesses as well as provide needed support for the under-represented workers.
Daniel Williams has spent his entire career working to build and retain news audiences. The game, he says, has changed and the focus now needs to be on the news consumer and creating sustainable relationships not only with them, but also between the reader and our organizations' business partners and advertisers. The co-founder of BlueLena sits down with Host Nick Parker for a conversation on audience building and retention.
Walk your beat. Cultivate your sources. Know the community you cover and the people you serve. For Bob Jacob, editor of the Cleveland Jewish News and Columbus Jewish News, these old school rules for journalists are the key for his papers' growth and success in these key Ohio markets.
Mike Blinder, from Editor & Publisher, joins host Nick Parker to talk about the state of the news industry and his passion for the work news organizations do across the country. There is a need, he says, to remind newspapers and broadcasters to celebrate the work they’re doing and the roles they play in the communities they serve.
Recorded prior to the start of the 2021 NCAA football season, B.J. Rains (Boise State beat writer for the Idaho Press) joined host Nick Parker for a conversation on sports writing. B.J. talks about the infamous blue turf of Boise State, what it was like covering college football in empty stadiums during the 2020 season and how he's had to shift the way he not only covers sports, but builds relationships when he's not always able to cover his beat "in person." (Note: we had some technical issues with this recording and apologize for the host's low audio.)
Anika Anand, deputy director of LION Publishers, joins the show to talk about her organizations efforts to support growth of the hyper-local and independently-owned news organizations across America.
Just months after his paper covered the social unrest of 2020, Seattle Times President Alan Fisco joins host Nick Parker to talk about the direction and state of his paper and what it could mean for other major metros. In the second half, Alan puts on his other hat, that of president of America's Newspapers, and talks of the latest efforts to encourage new legislation aimed to protect the fourth estate.
Eric Reinert, Director of Digital Media at WFMZ-TV in Allentown, PA, joins the show for conversation about the ever-changing technologies we use to collect and deliver the news. How we use the technology matters not only to how we gather the news, but also how we reach our audiences and better serve our advertising and business partners.
The way people consume news is changing. Just as the morning and evening editions were eclipsed by the 24/7 news cycle, the “I only want the news I want, and I want it NOW” mindset is sweeping away everything that came before. In a world of social media, podcasts, and on-demand digital TV, where does traditional journalism fit? Who will hold businesses and governmental institutions to account for their actions? And who will pay for the credible local reporting that makes our democracy work? Host Nick Parker speaks with the visionaries and thought leaders who are transforming the way news is created, distributed, and monetized. The News Nirvana podcast looks to uncover what content is most engaging, how modern technologies are changing news consumption, and how news organizations are reshaping their business models for tomorrow... and beyond. We don’t know what the future holds for news, but it’s out there. On the News Nirvana podcast, we’re going to find it.