Hi, I’m Whitney…
I’m the award-winning journalist, creative thinker, trusted listener, and visual storyteller behind Joseph Journalism LLC.
I got my start fresh out of college as a TV-news reporter for a station in New York’s Hudson Valley. A few years later, I switched to print news—my true love—and I’ve been writing for periodicals ever since.
For 20 years, I was the editor of the historic Millerton News, one of the longest-running weeklies in Dutchess and Columbia counties. I stepped down only after returning to my native Florida. I’ve remained connected to that part of the world by writing for Main Street Magazine (at mainstreetmag.com), covering the people, places, and issues that matter most to the communities I know and love.
The few dull moments I’ve had since have quickly been filled with freelance assignments and magazine work here in the Treasure Coast. I’ve also started working on my memoir while rediscovering my creative self in the art studio, all while living life to the fullest with the boy who had a crush on me when we were 10. Forty years later, the crush became mutual—and so did our wedding vows. It’s been a blast to say the least.
Most recently, I launched Candor & Conviction on Substack, a place to explore the people, ideas, events, and experiences that shape our world and ourselves. Readers who follow my regular posts—or better yet, subscribe to my free newsletter—can expect to find reflections on current events, culture, relationships, reinvention, and the choices that define us, for better or worse.
Those who visit Candor & Conviction will also find occasional installments of Crushing It, a series about survival, second chances, and the ongoing process of rediscovering who we are.
A crush was the catalyst. Everything else is the conversation.
You can follow my journey and subscribe at https://candorandconviction.substack.com/
Be sure to check out my introductory Crushing It on Candor & Conviction
Crushing It by Whitney Joseph Shavelson
Read on Substack
Taking the Substack Journey, Together
I’ve always considered myself a bit of an oddity in the news business—a “techie” and a full-fledged newshound—and I’ve loved all parts of it. With more than 30 years in journalism, I’ve worked in radio, television, and print, but the most rewarding part has always been the people I’ve met and the stories they’ve shared.
It’s been a privilege and an honor—one I hope will continue through Candor & Conviction—and any other writing projects that come my way.
I look forward to channeling our insights and optimism as we embark on this journey together.
Professional References
She is humble and approachable and indomitable in terms of tracking down sources… I can tell you Whitney is a prodigious and disciplined worker with an extraordinary work ethic. She does what she says she’ll do, even if it means answering 400 emails first!
Jennifer Dowley
Past President of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation,
Sheffield, Mass.
Working with her closely as a reporter, writer and researcher, I have been able to observe first hand the dedication and professionalism with which she manages every aspect of the paper’s production. She is meticulous in editing and writing with no detail too small to demand her attention.
Carol Kneeland
Former Reporter, The Millerton News,
Millerton, N.Y.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Whitney professionally for the past 20 plus years in my capacity as Town Supervisor, County Legislator and lastly Chairman of the County Legislature. It is not often that a politician is asked to write a recommendation for a journalist, but it is my pleasure. Over the years I have been more than impressed with Whitney’s fair yet persuasive writing abilities.
A. Gregg Pulver
Deputy County Executive & Former County Comptroller,
Dutchess County, N.Y.
Whitney is an advocate for the community and at the same time will take on difficult subjects. She is skilled at creating and maintaining a productive dialogue between parties with different viewpoints; this ability to keep open lines of communication is no small challenge in these times.
Stancy DuHamel
Founder and Member of Dutchess County Chapter of
Ducks Unlimited in New York,
Dover, N.Y.
I consider myself fortunate to have worked with Whitney Joseph at The Millerton News. As editor, Whitney guided my earliest professional days with invaluable direction and mentorship… and held high expectations while imparting passion for our work. Her dedication to honest, quality journalism is something I’ll always carry… Whitney is kind and approachable—a balance any colleague would value.
Gabriel Napoleon,
Former Reporter, The Millerton News;
Marketing & Communications Manager,
Mahawie Theater Performing Arts Center,
Great Barrington, Mass.
Over the years of knowing Whitney, I have gained incredible respect for her honesty, accuracy and attention to detail. She has always been a supporter of the Millerton Police Department.
David Rudin
Former Chief, Millerton Police Department,
Millerton, N.Y.