Best Lily Canter Podcasts (2025)

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Interview with a book publisher 33:52

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6d ago33:52

33:52

In this special bonus episode we chat to Martin Hickman the director of Canbury Press. The independent publisher specialises in working with journalists and publishes a range of non-fiction books. Canbury Press championed Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport - the book written by podcast hosts Lily Canter and Emma Wilkinson. In thi…

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Using AI 52:40

13d ago52:40

52:40

In the podcast today we dig into the hot topic of using AI as a journalist. We have expert advice from AI Media trainer Harriet Meyer and award-winning freelance health journalist Rosie Taylor. We talk about AI generated content, whether the robots are coming to take our jobs and how to use AI to your advantage. It's a meaty episode! Guests Harriet…

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Transcription apps 38:38

21d ago38:38

38:38

In the podcast today we talk to two experts about transcriptions apps. How, where and why to use them, and what some of the pitfalls may be. Sage Lazzaro a freelance tech journalist shares her tips on getting the best out of Otter.ai while Jack Dearlove explains why he developed a transcription tool for Journo Resources. Guests Sage Lazzaro https:/…

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Freelance Rights Guide 47:59

28d ago47:59

47:59

This week we have two returning guests to talk all about the new best practice guidelines for editors working with freelancers. These vital guidelines are a benchmark for freelance journalists to use when discussing rates of pay, contracts, briefs and more, with commissioning editors. Donna Ferguson from Women in Journalism and Jem Collins of Journ…

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Financial support for freelance journalists 37:28

1M ago37:28

37:28

This week we look at the financial and practical support available for freelance journalists. We speak to Mary Kearns of the Journalists' Charity and Sophie Pacellini of the Rory Peck Trust to understand how they can help freelance journalists and the wide range of grants and workshops they offer. Get your free portfolio today. We also have a speci…

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Accessing paywall and membership-only content 40:39

1M ago40:39

40:39

In today's episode we discuss how to access paywalled content and membership-only resources. We glean useful tips and tricks from Ellie Broughton, an award-winning freelance journalist - and hear about the fascinating work of David Clarke who has spent many years researching in the National Archives. Get your free portfolio today. We also have a sp…

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Using trends to find stories 44:55

2M ago44:55

44:55

We're back for series 15 and kick off with a great episode all about using trends to find stories. We get excellent advice from Fleurine Tideman, a freelancer who specialises in trend-driven stories and Malvika Padin who has bags of experience using SEO for a range of national titles. Find out how to distinguish between a fleeting fad and a rising …

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We've Written a Book! 38:23

6M ago38:23

38:23

In this special bonus episode Lily and Emma discuss the big secret project they have been working on for the past two years. They have written a new book! It's called ULTRA WOMEN: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport and it combines their passion of endurance sport and advocacy. The book tells the hidden stories of female endurance from the fir…

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Best Broadcast Journalist: Bhavani Vadde 38:00

1y ago38:00

38:00

This week we speak to the winner of the Best Broadcast Journalist category at the 2024 Freelance Journalism Awards. Bhavani Vadde tells us about her work on local television and how she juggles working across multiple platforms. Guest Bhavani Vadde https://x.com/BhavaniVadde Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bhavanivadde/?hl=en YouTube https://ww…

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Best Print and Specialist Journalist: Liz Cookman 38:43

1y ago38:43

38:43

This week we speak to another double award winner at the Freelance Journalism Awards 2024. Liz Cookman won the best print journalist and best specialist journalist awards for her incredible reporting on the Ukraine war. She talks to us about the difficulty of generating interest in an ongoing conflict and how to ensure your safety as a freelance jo…

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Best Opinion Writer: Melissa Parker 32:58

1y ago32:58

32:58

This week in our special award series we chat to Melissa Parker winner of the Best Opinion Writer category at the 2024 Freelance Journalism Awards. Melissa speaks about her shift to opinion writing during the pandemic and her passion for disability rights. Guest Melissa Parker https://x.com/MelissaKParker1 Resources One of Melissa's award winning p…

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Best News & Feature Journalist 48:16

1y ago48:16

48:16

In today's episode we speak to double award winner Nicola Kelly who scooped up two prizes at the 2024 Freelance Journalism Awards. Nicola won the best news story and best feature categories for her work on Turkish border forces, and Deliveroo drivers. We found out how her previous career as a diplomat set her on the path to freelance journalism. Gu…

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Best Campaigning Journalist: Liz Perkins 32:30

1y ago32:30

32:30

This week we sit down and chat to Liz Perkins, winner of the best campaigning journalist category at the 2024 Freelance Journalism Awards. Liz led the End This Injustice campaign which called for an overhaul of the family court system. She talks about working on the campaign and the challenges of changing the law. Guest Liz Perkins https://x.com/li…

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Best Investigation: Sahar Zand 37:53

1y ago37:53

37:53

In this week's episode we speak to the winner of the Best Investigation category at the 2024 Freelance Journalism Awards. Sahar Zand won the award for her investigation into interpol's misuse of power which was released as a podcast series for Sky News. She discusses fleeing Iran as a child and her drive to uncover abuses of power, often in hostile…

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Best Early Career Journalist: Hatty Willmoth 37:24

1y ago37:24

37:24

In the latest series of the podcast we speak to the winners of the 2024 Freelance Journalist Awards. We start with Hatty Willmoth who won the Best Early Career Journalist category. She wrote a stunning observational feature for The Independent about why some Gen-Z Christians are making the decision to give up all their money and possessions to join…

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Public Speaking 51:44

1+ y ago51:44

51:44

In the final episode of this series we speak to two freelance journalists who have carved out a side income as public speakers. Award-winning podcaster Hannah Ajala and BBC freelancer Dhruti Shah discuss how they find work as inspirational speakers and take us behind the scenes of the planning process. The guests Hannah Ajala thisishannahajala.com …

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Newsletter publishing 52:58

1+ y ago52:58

52:58

In this week's episode we chat to two freelance journalists / authors who also make a living via self-publishing on Substack and Patreon. Adharanand Finn, award-winning author of Running with the Kenyans, and former Telegraph Women editor Claire Cohen, author of BFF: The Truth About Female Friendship, discuss the appeal of writing direct to an audi…

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Social media management 48:53

1+ y ago48:53

48:53

Ever wondered what social media management actually is? On the podcast this week we talk to two freelance journalists who also work in social media marketing and SEO writing. Nicole Letts is a lifestyle journalist based in Atlanta who works with clients on Instagram and Britt Jones is a UK freelancer who provides bespoke social media services. Gues…

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Report writing and translation 40:24

1+ y ago40:24

40:24

On the podcast this week we delve into the world of report writing and translation. We speak to experienced health journalist Priya Joi who has written global reports for the World Health Organisation, United Nations and Global Vaccine Alliance, and freelance journalist Judith Zerdin who also works as a Spanish/French to English translator. We disc…

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Copywriting 46:46

1+ y ago46:46

46:46

In the podcast this week we discuss the world of copywriting and how freelance journalists can find work in this field. We chat to journalists Peter Ranscombe and Ella Delancey Jones about the difference between copywriting and content writing, and how to flit between writing for the audience and writing for a client. Guests https://www.peter-ransc…

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Breaking into lecturing 48:22

1+ y ago48:22

48:22

Welcome to series 13! This season we discuss how to diversify your income stream when working as a freelance journalist. The first episode delves into the world of lecturing and how to break into it. We share tips and experiences with entertainment journalist Jamie Body and lifestyle writer Beth Neil who both teach at a number of universities. The …

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Arts and Culture Journalism 34:27

2y ago34:27

34:27

In the final episode of this series we speak to Precious Adesina about arts and culture journalism. Curating an interest in the arts from an early age, Precious went on to work for The Telegraph before going freelance. She talks about the challenges faced by black journalists, how she champions arts writing and her passion project as a radio presen…

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Motoring Journalism 44:31

2y ago44:31

44:31

In the penultimate episode of the series we speak to award-winning motoring journalist Charlotte Vowden. She tells us how inheriting a classic car dramatically changed her career and how she has built a niche in a male dominated industry. She also speaks candidly about calling out sexism and discusses her exciting new challenge of presenting a tele…

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Science and Technology Journalism 36:17

2y ago36:17

36:17

In our journalism specialism season we speak to science and technology reporter Chris Baraniuk who regularly writes for the BBC, New Scientist, BMJ, the Economist and Wired. Chris discusses how to write about complex issues when you have no scientific background and how he comes up with story ideas like farming fish on the moon. The guest https://c…

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Music Journalism 35:04

2y ago35:04

35:04

In the pod this week we chat to Arusa Qureshi about carving out a career in freelance music journalism. Arusa talks about diversity in the industry, transferable skills and life as a night owl covering gigs in Edinburgh. The guest https://www.arusaqureshi.com/ https://twitter.com/arusaqureshi Resources https://freelancing-for-journalists.captivate.…

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Travel Journalism 33:40

2y ago33:40

33:40

This week we speak to award-winning travel writer Shafik Meghji about press trips, country specialisms and how to write a guide book. He shares his top tips for breaking into travel journalism and tells us what he's currently working on. The guest https://www.shafikmeghji.com/ https://twitter.com/ShafikMeghji Crossed Off the Map: Travels in Bolivia…

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Court Reporting 40:01

2y ago40:01

40:01

We launch our specialism series by chatting to court reporter Charlie Moloney. We discuss how to cover Crown Court trials, how the commissioning process works and just how fast your shorthand needs to be. Charlie also talks about media law and how to challenge your right to report. The guest https://www.charliemoloney.com/ https://twitter.com/Charl…

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Time Management 43:49

2y ago43:49

43:49

In the final episode of the series we discuss the elusive art of time management. How can we get better at managing our time as freelance journalists and what are the best tricks and tools to employ. We seek advice from radio and YouTube presenter / personal trainer / ultra marathon runner Anna Harding and freelance journalist / author / agency co-…

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What commissioning editors want #2 43:37

2y ago43:37

43:37

In the podcast this week we quiz two commissioning editors about what they want to see from freelance journalists. Rebecca Liu, commissioning editor at the Guardian, and Mun-Keat Looi international features editor at the British Medical Journal, discuss the winning formula for pitches plus how to make yourself indispensable as a freelancer. They al…

1
Rejection and resilience 37:35

2y ago37:35

37:35

In the podcast this week we talk about practical solutions to help cope with rejection as a freelance journalist. How can we become more resilient and turn rejection into positive action? Expert advice is on hand from freelance marine science writer Melissa Hobson and rural affairs and human interest reporter Kate Chapman. The guests Melissa Hobson…

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Rethinking social media 41:59

2y ago41:59

41:59

With Elon Musk seemingly destroying Twitter, we decided it was time to ask two experts whether we need to be rethinking social media as freelance journalists. Can we live without Twitter and what are the alternatives? Should we be more mindful about how our data is used? And how on earth does Mastodon work? We spoke to tech and internet journalists…

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Long Reads 39:34

2y ago39:34

39:34

On the podcast this week we discuss the art of Long Reads and how to pitch, research and write them. We receive excellent insights from GQ features editor Oliver Franklin-Wallis and Guardian writer Samira Shackle. The guests Oliver Franklin-Wallis Website: https://oliverfranklinwallis.com/ Book: The Wasteland https://oliverfranklinwallis.com/wastel…

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Freelance Rights 42:55

2y ago42:55

42:55

We're back for another series and in our first episode we talk about the nitty gritty of freelance rights. What can you do about late payments, poor contracts and unfair rates? We discuss the problems and the solutions with Sheron Boyle, founder of Can Pay Won't Pay Facebook group, and Natasha Hirst, president of the National Union of Journalists. …

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Best Specialist: Hannah Summers 32:17

2y ago32:17

32:17

In the final episode of our awards season special we speak to the winner of the Best Specialist Journalist category. Hannah Summers talks about the challenges of family court reporting and how she has curved out a niche in this unreported field. Show notes https://twitter.com/hansummers https://www.theguardian.com/profile/hannah-summers Hannah's aw…

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Best Feature: Amelia Tait 36:22

2y ago36:22

36:22

The winner of our Best Feature award, Amelia Tait, spoke to us about how she researches and writes her quirky features. She also gave some top advice on how to keep editors happy. Show notes https://ameliatait.com/ https://twitter.com/ameliargh Amelia's winning article https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/feb/04/its-a-control-thing-why-are…

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Best Investigation: Lucy Osborne 35:07

2y ago35:07

35:07

In this episode we talk to journalist Lucy Osborne about her award winning investigation into sexual abuse in the fashion industry. She explains how the story unfolded in both print and broadcast media. Show notes Lucy Osborne https://twitter.com/Lucy_Osborne Lucy's Guardian profile https://www.theguardian.com/profile/lucy-osborne Lucy's Guardian r…

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Best Early Career Journalist: Lara Olszowska 37:53

2y ago37:53

37:53

Today we speak to Lara Olszowska who won the Freelance Journalism Awards prize for best piece of work by a student or early career journalist. She talks about reporting on Ukrainian schools during the war and how her journalism training is developing. Show notes https://twitter.com/LaraOlszowska https://laraolszowska.wordpress.com/ Lara's award-win…

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Best Print Journalist: Gabriella Jozwiak 34:10

2+ y ago34:10

34:10

In the latest Freelance Journalism Awards series we speak to the winner of the Best Print Journalist category Gabriella Jozwiak. She tells us how she ended up in Ukraine reporting on the impact of the war on young children and the challenges she faced as a freelancer. Show notes Website http://www.gabriellajozwiak.com/ Twitter https://twitter.com/G…

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Best News Story: Rachael Healy 29:19

2+ y ago29:19

29:19

In this special Freelance Journalism Awards series the winner of Best News Story, Rachael Healy, talks to us about her exclusive investigation which led to David Walliams leaving Britain's Got Talent. Show notes Rachael Healy https://www.theguardian.com/profile/rachael-healy Twitter https://twitter.com/ohrhealy Website http://www.rachaelhealy.co.uk…

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Best Broadcast Journalist: Anna Lawlor 34:32

2+ y ago34:32

34:32

In this episode we talk to Freelance Journalism Awards winner Anna Lawlor who won Best Broadcast Journalist 2023. She chats to us about moving from print to radio broadcasting and developing her award-winning documentary Typical! Show notes Anna Lawlor https://www.weareluminescence.com/our-team/anna-lawlor/ https://twitter.com/AnnaL_Media https://w…

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Broadcast journalism 45:20

3y ago45:20

45:20

In this special bonus episode we talk to two members of the Freelancing for Journalism team, Madeleine Drury and Helen Quinn, who are both freelance journalists working in the broadcast industry. Maddie works as a freelance journalist and audio producer for broadcasters such as BBC World Service and Sky News, and Helen divides her time between writ…

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Writing for your dream publication 51:15

3y ago51:15

51:15

In this week's episode we ask how do you get a byline in the publication you’ve always wanted to work for? We discuss this with award-winning freelance journalist Donna Ferguson who writes regularly for her dream publication The Guardian, and Karen Edwards, a freelance journalist, editor and author who started in the entertainment industry and made…

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Negotiating rates 50:58

3y ago50:58

50:58

This episode looks at how to negotiate rates and when to push back against poor rates. We chat with Elle Hunt, who writes for the Guardian but also has bylines in Tortoise, New Scientist and Grazia and Tayla Blaire, a freelance content and copywriter based in South Africa. They both have excellent tips and strategies about the best way to negotiate…

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One story multiple ways 39:16

3y ago39:16

39:16

This week we look at how to sell one story in multiple ways. How do you get more bang for your buck, maximise your income and make the most of a topic you have been looking into? We have Gabriella Ferlita, a journalist writing about women’s health, sex and entertainment and Florian Sturm, a freelance journalist based in Germany writing about scienc…

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Supercharge your pitching 45:01

3y ago45:01

45:01

In this episode we explore what makes a winning pitch and how to improve your chances of getting a commission. Learn about the most common mistakes freelancers make when pitching as we chat with two experienced freelance journalists, Punteha van Terheyden who specialises in true-life stories and Flic Everett, a self-employed journalist and editor. …

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Generating ideas 38:44

3y ago38:44

38:44

In this week’s episode, we look at how to generate ideas for stories. Writer and lecturer Ellie Levenson and freelancer feature writer Amelia Tait talk us through how they get some of their best ideas and where they find inspiration. The Guests Ellie Levenson Twitter: @EllieLevenson Instagram: @ellie_levenson Amelia Tait Twitter: @ameliargh Website…

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Going Freelance 41:59

3y ago41:59

41:59

It's series 9 of the podcast and we are going back to basics. In the first episode of the new series we discuss how to go freelance. How do you take the leap into the freelance world? What is the best way to do it, and how do you overcome the freelance imposter syndrome? Our guests this week, Laura Cooke and Charlotte Scotland, are experienced jour…

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An interview with Terri White 55:13

3y ago55:13

55:13

In the final episode of the series we chat to Terri White the former editor of Empire magazine and Time Out New York, about her first book, Coming Undone. The book is a brutally honest and moving memoir about her breakdown in New York and how her early life experiences shaped where she is today, both professionally and personally. Terri is currentl…

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An interview with Angie Simms & Stuart Quinn 33:42

3+ y ago33:42

33:42

In the latest episode we speak to photojournalists Angie Simms and Stuart Quinn about their photography work and their self-published cookbook. The Australian couple, who are currently travelling across Oz, talk about taking control of their passion project and the importance of hiring a strong team and calling in favours. The Authors Angie Simms a…

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An interview with Polly Morland 41:01

3+ y ago41:01

41:01

In this episode we speak to Polly Morland, a documentary maker turned writer, about her new book which she wrote during lockdown. The book documents the life of a GP working in a rural practice. Polly chats about the benefits of long research chats and how to maintain the anonymity of contributors when needed. Polly is a regular contributor to news…