#MediaMonday – Sondra Barr

Today’s #MediaMonday comes to us from someone near and dear to my heart: Sondra Barr.

A real-life friend, fellow Cronkite grad, rock-solid confidant and the ultimate happy hour partner in crime (well, loooong lunch that turns into happy hour would be more appropriate) who just happens to be in the media world, I have nagged Sondra to do a Media Monday for about 15 years, starting during her days at 202 Magazine. Then I asked her again when she headed North Valley Magazine. She recently reminded me about how I ghost wrote one of these for her a few years ago when she ran a handful of outlets across the country, including 85085 and 85086 Magazines here in town, and how she still said no.

But guess what?

Somehow, Natasha Beal of Eculeus Publishing finally convinced her to do one! Sondra is working with Natasha now at Epic Kids AZ, which she will get into below,

So, Sondra…time to share!

First, how did you come to Epic Kids AZ and what will you be doing for them?

Natasha and I crossed paths recently when she reached out to sell one of my clients advertising. I liked her follow through and persistence. When I heard Natasha was looking for someone with my particular skillset to help her with Epic Kids, I emailed her. Meeting Natasha in person sealed the deal. She’s full of energy and ideas and knows how to make business happen.

While my title at Epic Kids is managing editor, I’ll not only be writing and collecting content, coordinating distribution with schools, creating e-blasts and social media posts, etc., I’ll also be handling special advertising sales.

What sorts of pitches do you want?

Epic Kids is a fabulously fun publication geared to K-8. Think of it almost like the old Highlights magazine, with a mix of fun interactive content for kids and their parents––everything from puzzles, kid-friendly recipes, book reviews, a calendar of local events, etc. With that in mind, we’re looking for local (we have four zones: north, east, west, central) kid-centric pitches along with hi-res photos. Pitches that highlight the achievements of students are especially prized.

Okay, now let’s take it way back. How did you get into publishing?

Born in Scottsdale, I spent a large part of my childhood here. I went to Xavier College Prep and went on to graduate from ASU’s Cronkite School. Reading has always been a love and journalism struck me as a natural fit. My first job in media was at a luxury publication named Tycoon that went kaput when 9/11 happened. Next, I landed at the Arizona Republic and parlayed that into freelance work for local magazines before starting my company The Media Barr, Inc. in 2009. Over the years, TMBI has been contracted to start and manage magazines for a number of publishers, along with providing content-driven solutions to a diverse range of clients.

What are your passions outside of work (yes, this is where you talk about horses)?

There’s this horse named Jubilee…I started riding again as an adult after writing a series of articles on polo. A few polo lessons turned into buying a horse, truck, and trailer. I horse around a lot, when I’m not working.

Favorite type of music?

I listen to everything from Perry Como (seriously) to Cardi B and much in between. However, if you see me trail riding my horse around Scottsdale, I’ll have ‘70s tunes playing on my portable speaker.

Favorite TV shows or movies?

Apocalyptic-themed fare is high on my list. I’m also a bit of a crime junkie.

Favorite local restaurants or other haunts?

Where do I get started? I eat out often. Lately, I’ve been frequenting the DC Ranch Living Room for the chop salad, a glass of crisp sav blanc, and the fact I can bike there.

To connect with Sondra, email her at sondra@themediabarr.com or sondra@egpublishing.com.