Why Media Pitches Fail (And What I Finally Understood)
Ever send a pitch email and immediately want to hide under a rock? Yeah, me too. For months. Turns out, trying to sound "professional" was exactly what kept me from connecting. This is what I learned about authentic outreach—and why connection beats credentials every single time. Just thinking out loud about what actually works when reaching out to people.
PODCASTING
Joe
7/22/20251 min read
Let's get real for a moment.
I used to write the most embarrassing pitch emails. Like, cringe-level bad.
Remember sending a message and immediately wanting to disappear? That was me for months.
This isn't about shame. This is about understanding.
What Actually Happened
I was so focused on sounding "professional" that I forgot to be human.
"Dear distinguished host, I hope this correspondence finds you in optimal wellness..."
Yeah. I actually sent that. Multiple times.
The silence was brutal.
The Shift
Ever notice how the messages that make you respond aren't the polished ones?
They're the ones where someone clearly listened. Where they made you feel seen.
Key insights:
Authenticity beats polish every time
They care about their audience, not your credentials
Connection happens when you make it about them
People started responding. Actual conversations instead of digital crickets.
Simple Truth
This isn't about crafting the perfect template.
It's about genuinely caring.
Start with their world: "I heard your episode about parent burnout. That hit close to home."
Be specific: Not "I'd love to be on your show" but "I figured out how to turn bedtime battles into connection time."
Make it easy: Remove every obstacle. Show up ready to serve.
Quick Reflection
Your journey with this might look different. Maybe you're more naturally authentic than I was.
Either way, connection beats credentials.
Just thinking out loud. What makes you actually want to respond when someone reaches out to you?
Still working through this? There's a
if you want to explore together.