We welcome to the show independent journalist Hollie McKay.
In this interview, Hollie discusses her diverse career, starting from her beginnings in the U.S. after studying in New York, to her time at Fox News, and her eventual shift to independent journalism after becoming disillusioned with the “clickbait factory” her work environment had become (her words ha ha).
Hollie shares her experiences reporting from global hotspots such as Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Sudan, emphasizing the challenges and importance of covering peoples around the world that otherwise are not given the time of day by the Gatekeepers of Polite Society aka “mainstream” media.
Together we explore the hardships of journalism, the need for a conscientious approach to journalism (or whatever work we are engaged in,) and the essential need for authentic, on-the-ground reporting on matters that affect the quality of life in the world’s most neglected regions.
Hollie also highlights the impact of her work on her personal life and the valuable lessons she's aiming to pass on to her 14-month old daughter.
We oftentimes ask ourselves, “What can I do?” when we hear of suffering around the world.
Supporting Hollie’s work is a great way to help people who are truly in need.
Hollie is a person who genuinely desires to improve the world through her work, and has shown tremendous Vojdaan, not to mention personal sacrifice, with her career choices.
Subscribe to Hollie’s free newsletter, and also consider supporting her work financially. This enables people who otherwise fall through the cracks from mainstream news reporting to get the attention they deserve, even if it’s a tiny fraction of the population.
A little Vojdaan goes a long way!
Episode highlights:
00:39 Hollie's Background and Career Beginnings
02:42 The Evolution of Digital Journalism
05:19 Hollie's Unexpected Path to Journalism
09:26 The Universal Language of Music and Soccer
14:29 Challenges in Mainstream Media
19:17 Transition to Independent Journalism
20:57 Experiencing the Fall of Kabul
22:33 Challenges of Freelance Journalism
25:10 Building a Niche in Journalism
31:28 The Reality of War-Torn Regions
37:33 Human Resilience Amidst Hardship
41:16 Supporting Independent Journalism
44:12 Parenting and Professional Life
46:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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