Brittany Smith is Editor-in-Chief at Men’s Journal, where she spearheads coverage of travel, outdoor culture, and lifestyle innovation. With a decade of experience in digital storytelling, she’s renowned for making complex topics—from biomechanics to sustainable tourism—accessible to mainstream audiences.
“Storytelling isn’t just about places or products—it’s about the people who make adventures possible.”
Smith’s accolades include the 2023 Rockstar Award for editorial innovation and the 2024 PRSA Champion Award for boosting regional tourism. Her work continues to redefine outdoor media by centering accessibility and scientific rigor.
We’ve followed Brittany Smith’s work as a digital editor and storyteller whose career embodies the spirit of modern exploration. With a focus on empowering readers through actionable insights, Smith has carved a niche in travel, outdoor culture, and lifestyle journalism, blending rigorous reporting with an authentic voice that resonates with adventure enthusiasts.
Smith’s journey began with academic foundations in communications (Valdosta State University) and integrated marketing (West Virginia University), which she leveraged into roles amplifying nonprofit narratives at the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. Here, she honed her ability to distill complex community initiatives into compelling stories—a skill that translated seamlessly into her editorial leadership at Men’s Journal. As Editor-in-Chief since 2023, she oversees verticals ranging from fitness to expeditionary travel, ensuring content balances practical utility with aspirational storytelling.
This foundational piece exemplifies Smith’s approach to fitness journalism. By dissecting the biomechanics of pushups, she bridges beginner-friendly routines with advanced strength training. The article’s methodology leans on interviews with certified trainers and comparative analysis of muscle activation, offering readers a science-backed pathway to progress. Its impact is evident in its sustained traffic, cited by fitness coaches as a go-to resource for clients transitioning to weighted exercises.
Smith’s guide demystifies bodyweight training through modular programming—think progressions for pull-ups and mobility drills. She integrates user testimonials and injury-prevention tips, reflecting her commitment to accessibility. The article’s structure, which pairs video demonstrations with printable workout plans, has been replicated across competitor platforms, underscoring its industry influence.
While not a traditional article, this profile highlights Smith’s off-page contributions to youth advocacy and mentorship. It contextualizes her editorial philosophy: storytelling as a tool for empowerment. Her work with the YMCA Reach & Rise Program, detailed here, informs her coverage of community-driven outdoor initiatives.
Smith prioritizes gear and experiences that democratize outdoor participation. A recent piece on budget-friendly hiking tech (e.g., recycled-material backpacks under $100) aligns with her interest in inclusivity. Pitches should highlight affordability testing data or partnerships with community organizations. Avoid luxury product launches unless they introduce novel sustainability angles.
Her fitness articles often deconstruct peer-reviewed studies into actionable takeaways. Successful pitches might explore emerging research on high-altitude training recovery or injury prevention techniques for amateur athletes. Include interviews with researchers and real-world application case studies.
Smith’s curation of profiles on BIPOC-led adventure startups reflects her commitment to diversifying outdoor narratives. Pitches featuring entrepreneurs creating accessible trails or culturally informed guided tours will resonate. Provide multimedia assets—interview clips or route maps—to enrich these stories.
When covering macro trends like “workcation” culture, Smith grounds them in specific regions. A pitch about co-working spaces in national park adjacent towns should include economic impact data and interviews with local business owners. Comparative analysis with international models adds depth.
Her piece on urban green spaces’ mental health benefits exemplifies cross-beat reporting. Pitches intersecting environmental science and wellness (e.g., forest bathing retreats reducing cortisol levels) must include expert commentary and measurable outcomes.
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Travel, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
