Thursday: The sweetest way to end off this week + wrapping up several pieces today!
Happy Thursday!
This week has pretty much flown by, hasn’t it?
I can also kind of tell that my inbox is already entering Friday mode but wanted to send out a quick note to everyone still around because I have a few big stories wrapping up today (including my guide to graduation season restaurant deals).
But first, a really sweet post I wanted to share — yesterday the lovely Message Received Instagram page did a dedicated post about me and my Substack, saying, in part:
“If you’re in comms or PR and not subscribed to Aly Walansky daily newsletter… what are you doing? It’s cool, we got you!
Every weekday, Aly delivers active media requests, sourcing needs, journalist moves, PR/media job leads, plus quick-hit commentary on what’s happening in the industry. It’s one of those must-read emails that keeps you informed and in the loop.
Check it out if you’re looking to build smarter media relationships, stay on top of current coverage, or just need that daily pulse-check on the industry.”
I have to say, our world has often felt pretty tough and thankless — just right now in my inbox is a sea of wild emails that would make your head explode — some so egregious, they just may make it to a future newsletter topic, too. But posts and messages like this? It means the world to me and it feels so nice to feel seen and appreciated.
So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Also fun today, for Forbes I wrote about one of my favorite topics - The Dirty Martini Has Entered The Breakfast Game — if you live in a city that has a PopUp bagels, you need to try their limited-time-only dirty martini schmear!
They actually sent over a breakfast delivery including it this morning and it was…so good. (And as a bonus I now have a freezer full of their bagels!)
Limited-time deal on ad placement!
I’m also offering a seasonal special on advertising in this newsletter. I’d love to place your sponsored posts and advertising in this substack, which goes out to nearly 10,000 media professionals every single day; Note: I do limit advertising to only what would be of interest to my readers, but am open to both short paragraph blurbs and dedicated posts - if you are interested in chatting details and scheduling something, please email me at alywalansky@gmail.com today!
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Thank you for helping get the word out!
We loved how many of attended you took the time to attend our webinar event last month, covering the upcoming ShareASale to Awin migration. We covered an overview of the migration process and timeline, pricing of networks, and choosing a network for your specific client needs. If you missed it, we do have a recording available for paid subscribers. Email if interested and I’ll share how to grab that recording as well!
Looking to up your affiliate marketing game?
Affiliate marketing is complicated, and it seems that the landscape keeps changing. If you are looking to be prepared for gift guide season and all other shopping-related content, you may want to try the Ultimate Masterclass and Introduction to Affiliate Marketing for Publicists. It's a brilliant course and it'll answer all your questions (including some you didn't know you had!)
Newly published or freshly updated
Since people are often asking about the status of stories from a while ago, and I only share stories in this newsletter that were published or updated in the current week, I have created a list of my author pages at various publications to which I contribute. Bookmark it and make your life a bit easier.
Forbes.com: New York City's Best Salads To Enjoy This Summer
Travel & Leisure: Travelers Swear by This Personal Safety Device
Travel & Leisure: 88 Best Amazon Memorial Day Sales on Travel Gear -
Forbes.com: 17 Lemon-Centric Cocktails To Enjoy All Spring
Today.com: Best drugstore wrinkle creams 2025, according to experts
Forbes.com: Chefs Nationwide Are Honoring Ramp Season In Some Delicious Ways
HerMoney: How To Get Cheap Hotels When You Travel.
Travel & Leisure: I’m a Travel Writer, and I Swear by These Packable Ballet Flats for Comfort, Support, and Long Days on My Feet
Travel & Leisure: This Flight Attendant-approved Jumpsuit Is My Go-to Comfy Airplane Outfit — and It’s Only $25 Right Now$150 and Under
Forbes.com: Brother’s Bond Bourbon Looks To Stir Up Sustainability During Earth Month
Apartment Therapy: I Tried the “Weight Rule” for Decluttering, and It Keeps My Small Apartment Clutter-Free
Travel & Leisure: This Flight Attendant-approved Jumpsuit Is My Go-to Comfy Airplane Outfit — and It’s Only $25 Right Now.
Travel & Leisure: I Travel Solo Often, and I Won’t Stay in Another Airbnb Without Packing This 1 Safety Device
Travel & Leisure: I Found the Perfect Walking Shoes to Prevent Sore Feet During Travel — Score Styles on Sale Up to 62% Off
Travel & Leisure: In-flight Theft Is Unfortunately a Thing, but These 12 Items Give Me Peace of Mind When I'm Traveling by Plane
Southern Living: The Unexpected Reason I Always Travel With Duct Tape—And You Should Too
If you or your client are featured in any of these stories, I super appreciate any social media shares! Please remember to tag @alywalansky and the outlet.
Here’s what I’m working on:
Be sure to read the below list carefully. Many are stories I posted about yesterday, but some of yesterday's stories are no longer listed and a few new ones have been added since yesterday. This (below) is everything that is still a currently open opportunity as of today.
Please remember when pitching me: Email me at alywalansky@gmail.com - do NOT just hit reply on this newsletter, or there’s a good shot your email will be lost in the heap. Give your email a subject line that makes it clear which story you are pitching me for — it’ll help you in the long run.
Please consult my industry insights guides on submitting expert commentary, sending emails that will catch a journalist’s attention, how to craft pitches journalists will say ‘yes’ to, and the right and wrong way to submit photos, if you need any extra guidance before sending your pitches.
Food Network
I’m rounding up restaurant and fast food/food retail chains offering freebies, discounts and deals in honor of graduation season. If you have anything, please email me with the restaurant, description of the deal, and how you claim it.
Southern Living
For Southern Living, I’m sourcing southern chefs (that’s chefs FROM the south or currently working in the south, but ideally both!), to chat about their favorite baked beans and how they like to enjoy them. I’m not looking for restaurant baked beans, but more, stuff you can pick up at the grocery store that maybe they love straight from the can because it feels nostalgic — or maybe they chef it up a bit. I’d love if they can share what that favorite baked bean brand/variety is, how they prep it/serve it/eat it, and why they love it so much. Thanks!
Saatva
I’m working on a story on how to train yourself to sleep on your back, and I’d love physical therapists and chiropractors to weigh in on some questions, including why sometimes it’s NOT a good idea (i.e. maybe someone with sleep apnea or other contraindications?), but also to speak to back sleeper positioning tips and tips for STAYING on your back all night long (as a tosser and turner, this one especially interests me!), as well as how to adjust to this new position and how long it takes to get used to it - will it be uncomfortable or feel unnatural at first? Please email me :)
I’m working on a story on How to Go to Sleep Fast: Tips to Help You Fall Asleep Quickly - and I’m looking for a sleep expert or two to weigh in, as far as: some reasons why you can’t fall asleep, special considerations, tips for falling asleep faster, long-term sleep strategies, and more. Please don’t send commentary without emailing me first, as I have specific questions (and I’ll need experts unaffiliated with other mattress brands for this one, please).
Forbes
I’m working on two Father’s Day-gift guide type projects - As in, they are for Father’s Day, and will involve gift ideas and products, but aren’t going to be a product-specific guide in the most classic of senses.
How to plan the perfect Father's Day for the carnivore in your life -- For this story, I’m looking to round up some products (meats, marinades, spices, perhaps), but also get some chef input as far as ideas for making the day special and unique.
Dad has wanderlust? Here's some foodie ideas for honoring his love of travel - Maybe if he's craving a trip to NYC, send him pastrami from a Jewish deli, or if he's craving lobster, send him a lobster pot pie from New England, but also some ideas for having a travel-themed food experience right at home this Father's Day. Would totally be open to chef input for this one as well!
I’m also rounding up Pride cocktails - both those on the restaurant and bar menus (similar format as always) but also Pride-Inspired Cocktails to Make at Home. Would love to hear from you!
Also: National Lobster Day and National Martini Day are both within the next few weeks. I’m also rounding up some creative sushi rolls/presentations/dishes around the US in honor of National Sushi Day. Creative spins on omakase are great too. Have anything fun for me for any of these? Email me with a description, location, chef quote, and an image. Thanks!
<3
aly
Holy crap! I need this PopUp Bagel Dirty Martini Schmear NOW! Already hunting down the closest one to me!!!!! Thank you for sharing! :-)