For depth, accuracy, and emotional impact, there’s no substitute for intimate, open-minded, patient field reporting. — For my stories now, I’m digging for numbers and calling sources for maps and contacts. All done at my desk, eyes on a screen. Maybe I won’t need to get out. But, of course not. Robert Caro, the renowned biographer and journalist, was writing about the changes that electricity brought…

You want to soar as a freelance science journalist in Southeast Asia? It’s tough but fun! My advice is to start small and aim big. Listen and take your pick of the tips dished out by Dyna Rochmyaningsih and Sandy Ong in Episode 3 of Monsoon. — After we described in Monsoon Episode 1 what we do as freelance science journalists, Dyna, Sandy, and I talk about taking the start of our careers in this episode. We share tips and strategies for others who wish to report on science in Southeast Asia.

Three journalists chat about the joys and pain of their careers — Monsoon is a podcast that explores Southeast Asia through science and science journalism. Listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Stitcher. Episode 1 | 26 Feb 2021 Guests Dyna Rochmyaningsih, freelance science journalist, Executive Director of Society of Indonesian Science Journalists Sandy Ong, freelance science…

The region has eleven species of wild pigs, the most worldwide. But they face a grave threat in the lethal African swine fever. — Monsoon is a podcast that explores Southeast Asia through science and science journalism. Listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Stitcher. Episode 2 | 26 Feb 2021 Guests: Matthew Linkie — deputy director for the Wildlife Conservation Society, Indonesia; Asia Coordinator for the International Union…

A self-reflection on turning around a disappointing end to the year. I wrote this to remind my future self, in case I ever get carried away again. If you like this, it’s a bonus for me. By April 2020, the year was looking pretty bad for my freelance science journalism…

The quick answer: money and power. — I spent nine months this year investigating forest-use changes in Peninsular Malaysia. The project was sponsored by a grant from the Pulitzer Center’s Rainforest Journalism Fund and the stories — about 10,000 words across four parts — were published on Macaranga. Here’s a condensed version written for those who prefer…