Freelance Breakthroughs: Priya Joi on Science, Identity, and Motherhood

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What lessons can a two-decade freelancer in science and health communication offer to the next generation of freelancers?

In this episode we chat with Priya Joi, a distinguished science journalist and global health communications expert, about changes in the freelance marketplace worldwide.

Explore Priya's insights on adapting to changes like automation and AI in publishing, and discover her strategies for maintaining relevance and creativity by diversifying skills and exploring new media.

We also discuss some of the deeply personal aspects of her work, from her memoir M(other)land'—which explores themes of motherhood, race, and identity—to her transformative experiences reporting from places like Algeria and Cuba, which shaped her views on healthcare and social structures. Listen now!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to navigate the challenges and opportunities of freelancing in science journalism
• Strategies for adapting to technological changes, including the impact of AI on content creation
• Insights into balancing professional pursuits with personal responsibilities, such as caregiving
• And more!

About Priya Joi
Priya Joi is a well-respected science journalist with a career spanning 20 years and has worked for organisations including the World Health Organisation (WHO), The Lancet and New Scientist. She reported on the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the COVID-19 pandemic and has reported from the field on malaria, HIV, and TB. She has freelanced for The Guardian, BBC and Médecins Sans Frontières, and has chaired and spoken at science conferences. Joi has worked to shine a light on issues of race, sexism and discrimination her entire career.

Connect with Priya on LinkedIn and visit her website.
Full episode show notes here.
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Chapter

1. Freelance Breakthroughs: Priya Joi on Science, Identity, and Motherhood (00:00:00)

2. Meet science journalist Priya Joi (00:02:09)

3. How Priya Joi became interested in science journalism (00:03:18)

4. How local culture has influenced Priya Joi’s reporting (00:05:42)

5. Why Priya Joi became a communications consultant (00:08:12)

6. What it’s like transition from working independently as a freelancer to working within a large organization (00:10:56)

7. Navigating freelance and consultancy boundaries (00:12:24)

8. Balancing motherhood while running a freelance business (00:19:55)

9. Exploring identity and heritage in Priya Joi’s book, M(other)land (00:27:10)

10. Complexities of second-generation immigrant experience (00:33:15)

11. Navigating racial perceptions in science communications (00:39:20)

12. Opportunities and positivity in Science Journalism (00:42:47)

13. Adapting to AI and evolving as Freelancers (00:48:50)

14. Priya Joi’s advice for aspiring Freelance Science Journalists (00:55:02)