Fall 2025 Upod Weekend
September 20-21, 2025
9-4 pm PT both days
via Zoom
$500
Distinguished Speakers
Laura Blake Peterson, Vice President, Curtis Brown Agency
Seeking authors of memoir and biography, natural history, literary fiction, mystery, suspense, women’s fiction, health and fitness, children’s and young adult, faith issues and popular culture.
Jay Mandel, worldwide head of WME Books
Represents a wide range of both fiction and nonfiction—from international literary work to suspense thrillers, investigative journalism, political theory, history, popular science, business, technology writing, memoir and sports.
Joanna Weiss, editor, Harvard Magazine
The alumni publication assigns a significant number of its articles to freelance writers. Founded in 1898, the magazine covers research, teaching, and the lives at Harvard and in the extended Harvard community.
Jen Ortiz, deputy editor, The Cut (New York Magazine)
Jen is a return speaker because she was so phenomenal when she chatted with us two years ago. She assigns reported essays, personal essays, features and news stories on fashion, culture, nightlife, sex and much more.
Marques Harper, Deputy Editor, The Los Angeles Times
Marques is another phenomenal return guest. He is Deputy Editor of The Los Angeles Times, where he oversees features, the Weekend section and L.A. Affairs (a great alternative to pitch if Modern Love isn’t biting). He’s been amazingly helpful with Upod writers.
Stephanie Ponder, Editorial Director, Costco Connection
With over 15 million copies mailed out each month, Costco Connection is the third-largest magazine in the United States by circulation. Another three million copies are distributed at Costco warehouses. Stephanie runs the U.S., Canada and international editions. The magazine pays well and gets your name in print!
Tony Rotunno, Styles desk editor, New York Times
Tony is a fashion and news editor on the Styles desk at The New York Times. He focuses on expanding the desk’s service journalism as well as its coverage of design, trends and the ways fashion and style travel from the runway to our everyday lives on the street and at home. He’s here to take your questions and pitches.
David Cohn, Director of AI Innovation, Advance Digital
David trains newsrooms to deploy AI with intention and integrity. He will take questions and share strategies about prompts, using different free and paid AI platforms and getting the most out of the technology that’s evolving by the second. His editorial systems are used by hundreds of publishers and millions of subscribers.
More Speakers TBA!
From the Upod archives: New York Times journalist Wesley Morris at Upod Academy in 2021
Ready to Break Through as a Writer?
Join a select group of writers for our 59th Upod weekend, where careers actually change.
Scholarships available for writers who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color.
The Writing World is Brutal Right Now
AI is everywhere. Media companies are folding. Everyone wants more work for less pay. If you're a writer feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or underpaid, you're not imagining it. It really is that harder than ever out there.
But here's what I've learned after 30 years in journalism: The writers who thrive aren't necessarily the most talented. They're the ones who know how the game works. They also know how to change course when prevailing winds change.
What You'll Get This Weekend
Live Access to Industry Insiders
Ask meaningful questions of editors, agents and industry experts via Zoom. Get feedback on your actual pitches. Instantly grow your contact network.
The SOYCAT Method
Learn to identify and pitch "Stories Only You Can Tell"—the secret to standing out in crowded markets.
Follow the Money
Stop accepting terrible rates. We'll map out where the legit opportunities are hiding.
Your New Writing Family
25 writers max. Small enough that everyone gets attention. Big enough to create lasting connections and accountability.
From Idea to Dream Publication
Whether it's a book, podcast or major magazine piece, we'll create your actual roadmap to make it happen.
The Track Record Speaks
Since 2011, our 58 previous weekends have helped hundreds of writers sell dozens of books and place work in:
The New Yorker • The New York Times • The Atlantic • The Washington Post • Netflix • This American Life • National Geographic • Wired • GQ • Bon Appétit • The Moth • TEDx • and dozens more top outlets.
Why This Works
Small groups. Important industry contacts. Practical strategies that actually work. And a community that stays connected long after the weekend ends.
Ready to stop spinning your wheels?
Spaces fill quickly—we cap attendance at 25 writers to ensure everyone gets focused attention.
Fall 2025 Upod Weekend
September 20-21, 2025
9-4 pm PT both days
via Zoom
Early Bird Savings Through 9/5
$475
After 9/5 - $500
WATCH PREVIOUS UPOD SESSIONS
Meg Guroff
Executive Editor
AARP
Meg Guroff is one of my favorite magazine people. She assigns features, essays, and investigative work at AARP The Magazine and AARP.org, and is herself a talented author, writer and teacher. This is her second visit to Upod Academy.
Patia Braithwaite
Senior Editor
NYT Well Section
Patia Braithwaite is a senior staff editor at The New York Times’ “Well” section, where she covers all aspects of health and wellness. Before 2022, Patia explored the intersection of health and culture as a senior health editor at SELF magazine. There, her work on Black maternal mortality and Black mental health earned National Magazine Award nominations in 2020 and 2021.
Zach Helfand
Staff Writer
The New Yorker
Zach is wrapping up his role as Talk of the Town editor at The New Yorker and transitioning to writing full-time for the iconic publication. While he’s no longer accepting Talk pitches, he’ll offer invaluable insights into the art of crafting compelling ideas and stories. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to shape your ideas with guidance from one of The New Yorker’s top editorial voices.
Danielle Stein Chizzik
Deputy Editor
Town + Country
Danielle is Deputy Editor at Town & Country, where she's spent 14 years covering money, power, philanthropy, culture, health, travel, beauty, and all things .01 percent. Prior to T&C she was a senior editor at W covering arts, culture, and Hollywood; before that she held titles at Depatures and Radar magazines
Patrick Healy
Deputy Opinion Editor
New York Times
Patrick is the New York Times’ Deputy editor of Opinion, which includes commentary, analysis, and perspectives from a wide range of voices, including staff columnists, guest contributors, and members of the public. Before that, he served as the Politics editor
Julie Pfitzinger
Essays Editor
Next Avenue
Julie Pfitzinger is the managing editor for Next Avenue's lifestyle coverage.
She assigns personal essays and other stories on family and relationships; arts and entertainment; travel; fitness and wellness tech; grief and loss, pets, social media and the internet.
Jancee Dunn
Health writer
New York Times
Jancee Dunn has always had the coolest gigs in the biz, dating back to the days we worked together at Wenner media when she was living the ‘Almost Famous’ life for Rolling Stone. She now writes the Well newsletter for the New York Times and covers wellness and mental health for the Times. A gifted and thoughtful writer and human. Can’t wait for her visit!
Sam Farkas
Literary Agent
Jill Grinberg Agency
Actively seeking submissions across genres, Sam looks for essay collections, food memoirs and work memoirs that make you want to change careers, deep-dive cultural and family histories, and self-help that meets the moment. She’s looking for strong new voices in fiction that grab you from paragraph one—whether it’s swoony romantasy, twisty suspense, immersive historicals, or fast-paced thrillers with a speculative edge. She’s also got a soft spot for Middle Grade and YA. (I told you she's got lots of range).
Email davidhochman@mac.com if you have questions.
Refund policy:
A $100 fee will apply for any cancellation before February 5, 2025, as long as a replacement is found.
If no replacement is found, full tuition fee will be charged.
No refunds after February 5, 2025.
Legal disclaimers: Speakers occasionally cancel. This is extremely rare but know that their participation is not guaranteed. Also know that the sessions will be recorded and available for purchase after the weekend for those who missed the opportunity. By signing up for the workshop you are granting permission to have your name and likeness appear as part of the video library of speaker sessions. There are no guarantees that your participation will result in publishing your work or even in getting responses from the speakers. Like everything else in the realm of freelance writing, success is determined by your ability to come up with good ideas, pitch well, follow-up, etc.
Questions: davidhochman@mac.com
Watch Upod Academy's past Speaker sessions
Upod Academy's workshops and webinars give you the support and direction to make remarkable things happen in your freelance life.
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Sorry you missed the Spring 2025 Upod Academy Workshop…
But You Can WATCH All
Ten Speaker Sessions Here
It’s not easy being a freelancer right now. Here’s an immersive weekend to figure out your best way forward.
Scholarships available for writers who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color.
Here's what people say about their Upod Academy experience
For writers and other media people, these are challening times. The advent of AI, the collapse of media giants, and the relentless pressure to do more for less have combined to create a perfect storm for freelancers. It's tough, and if you're feeling the squeeze, you're not alone.
Think of Upod Academy as your career survival plan, a beacon of hope and strategy amidst the chaos. The weekend is designed to pull you through the storm with practical advice, invaluable connections, and insider tips I've accumulated over three decades in the trenches.
Here's what I'm offering you:
* Blueprint for Traction: I'll share the simple, actionable steps that have helped me make meaningful progress on the projects that matter. You'll learn how to identify and pitch Stories Only You Can Tell, or “SOYCATS” as I call them.
* Direct Access to Gatekeepers: Ask your burning questions to some of the most influential figures in the media world. I'm talking about feedback on your pitches, ideas, and the kind of direct advice that can pivot your career.
* Beyond the Freelance Treadmill: We'll identify paths to more lucrative projects and assignments. This is about breaking free from substandard pay rates and figuring out how to follow the money.
* Your New Support Squad: Seriously the best part of these weekends. Your fellow freelancers will become more than peers—they'll be your motivators, your accountability partners, and perhaps your closest friends, as we navigate this journey together.
* The Credibility Leap: I'll show you how to land major bylines that can transform your career, providing instant recognition and opening doors.
* From Idea to Reality: Whether it's a book, podcast, TED talk, This American Life piece, or some other creative venture, we'll map out the journey from concept to completion. It's finally time to bring your ideas to life.
* A Much-Needed Push: Sometimes, we all need that kick to get out of a rut. I'm here to offer it, with all the empathy, understanding, and tough love you need.
These workshops are intimate, impactful weekends with a group that will become your support circle for months, if not years. Spaces are limited to 25 max to ensure that everyone gets the attention and pitch guidance they deserve, and these sessions fill up fast.
This is your moment to take control, to equip yourself with the tools and knowledge to thrive as a freelancer.
I see this as more than a course; it's a community, a strategy, and perhaps the most important step you'll take this year. Let's navigate these rocky waters together.
Over the course of more than 55 Upod Academy weekends since 2011, hundreds of attendees have sold or placed thousands of articles, opinion pieces, books, TV shows, podcasts, radio segments and more with the cream-of-the-crop of media outlets, including The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Esquire, Wired, Slate, Salon, GQ, Travel + Leisure, Food + Wine, Bon Appétit, Politico, AARP, Longreads, the Atavist, McSweeneys, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The New York Times (including Modern Love and Tiny Love Stories), National Geographic, Discover, Sports Illustrated, Smithsonian Magazine, Texas Monthly, This American Life, Netflix, All Things Considered, The Moth Radio Hour, TEDx, Shondaland, Huffpost, Today.com, Insider, and many many MANY more.