On the Rox

In this episode, David Ellis talks food PRs through what’s involved in getting a lead critic to into your restaurant. He explains why he's drawn to restaurants with a distinct atmosphere and personality over the food alone, how a relationship with a critic will pay off over time, and what earns his trust when a PR reaches out. You’ll also learn how follow-up etiquette can have a crucial bearing on the published piece.  

Host: Alessia Horwich (@lessybella)

Guest: David Ellis (@dvh_ellis)

In this episode, Alice Wilkinson, Deputy Head of Health Features at The Telegraph, talks us through how to pitch expert-led features to her desk. She explains why these interviews have taken off in the age of AI, what makes a quote sing, and how digging through their comments section can tell you what to pitch next.  Host: Alessia Horwich @lessybella

Guest: Alice Wilkinson @alicewilkinsonwrites

In this episode, we find out what it takes to land talent coverage on the Independent’s influential culture desk – from the rising star slot built for names nobody's heard of yet, to the video opportunities that are fertile ground for viral moments.  

He explains why he'd rather sit with a smaller, more candid guest than chase two rushed minutes with someone huge, how The Independent splits its focus between print and video, and why he's wary of quotes that only exist to plug a brand.

Host: Alessia Horwich @lessybella

Guest: Jacob Stolworthy @jacobstolworthy

In this episode, Angharad Carrick, the Business News Editor at This is Money (part of the Daily Mail), talks us through what makes a quote worth using. She explains what a journalist really wants when they ask you for a response, why anything self-serving will never be used, and which corporate PR team nails it every time.  

Host: Alessia Horwich (@lessybella)

Guest: Angharad Carrick

In this episode, Angharad Carrick, the Business News Editor at This is Money (part of the Daily Mail), talks us through what makes a quote worth using. She explains what a journalist really wants when they ask you for a response, why anything self-serving will never be used, and which corporate PR team nails it every time.  

Host: Alessia Horwich (@lessybella)

Guest: Angharad Carrick

Angus Mitchell, Lead Producer at Times Radio, tellsus what makes late-night different, the jaw-dropping stats about their viral video views, and breaks down who’s listening – it’s an impressive ABC1 audience, with thousands of American listeners, too.  He also shares how his day is structured, the subject line that gets an email opened first, and the one detail about a spokesperson that makes producers feel instantly reassured. Host: Alessia Horwich @lessybella

Guest: Angus Mitchell @angusdmitchell

The Times' new London section is a big opportunity for PRs – a national desk dedicated to capital-city stories, with space still up for grabs. Senior Commissioning Editor Sidonie Wilson tells us what she's looking for and how best to get in touch. Host: Alessia Horwich @lessybella

Guest: Sidonie Wilson @sidoniewilson

In this episode, Olivia Petter – an award-winning freelance journalist, podcast, author and columnist at The Independent – takes us inside the world of personal narratives and explains why they have become such a successful format. In the age of social media, readers are increasingly drawn to first-person stories. But the bar has been raised recently – it’s essential to find a fresh angle, a surprising stat, and a headline strong enough to stop someone mid-scroll.  

Host: Alessia Horwich @lessybella

Guest: Olivia Petter @oliviapetter

Summer is peak season for travel crises – from EU entry rules to wildfires to press trips gone wrong. Travel journalist James Stewart explains what PRs need ready, and why staying silent is the worst move you can make.

Host : Alessia Horwich @Lessybella

Guest : James Stewart

The Guardian is a treasure trove of opportunities for books features, interviews, and reviews. Books Writer Emma Loffhagen breaks down exactly what the slots are, and how PRs can make the most of them.

Host : Alessia Horwich @Lessybella

Guest : Emma Loffhagen @emmalofty