From Music Festivals to Major By-Lines | Morena Duwe | Writer & Journalist

Morena Duwe has built a career telling stories that transport you. From the front row of the world’s biggest music festivals to deeply reported features on culture, travel, and lifestyle. A writer and journalist whose work has appeared in Vice, LA Weekly, HuffPost, and more, she’s proof that persistence, curiosity, and a clear voice can open unexpected doors. She talks about navigating the changing media landscape, why she chased stories others overlooked, and the leap of faith it took to leave a “safe” job for freelance life. We get into what makes a great pitch, how she builds trust with sources, and the role of curiosity in finding your own voice as a creative. Chapters: 00:00 Starting out in journalism 02:15 Early assignments and first by-lines 04:30 Covering music festivals worldwide 07:00 Building a freelance portfolio 09:15 Breaking into Vice and LA Weekly 11:45 Shifts in the journalism industry 14:10 The power of curiosity over passion 16:45 How to pitch stories editors want 19:30 Balancing lifestyle writing with investigative work 22:00 Lessons from working in travel media 24:30 Creative risks that paid off 27:15 Managing the business side of freelance work 29:45 Staying inspired in a changing media landscape 32:00 Advice for aspiring writers and journalists The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices