Some journalists spend their careers behind a desk.
Thats a fine way to work, depending on the beat, but its not for everyone.
Its not for Gianna Toboni and Isobel Yeung, who travel the world as correspondents forVICE on HBO.
The work is difficult and necessary.
With the fifth season of VICE premiering earlier this year, Yeung and Toboni are as busy as ever.
We managed to catch up with them to learn a little about how their work.
Howd you end up in documentary news?
In between, I worked at Al Jazeera as a correspondent.
IY: Right after I graduated, I moved to China.
I wasnt sure what I wanted to do, except travel and learn a language.
I started freelancing for various publications and broadcasters.
China is a goldmine for fascinating and complex stories.
In 2014, I pitched a piece for Vice News on the Hong Kong protests.
That immersive style of long-form docs really won me over.
So I moved to New York to do that full-time.
What apps, software, or tools cant you live without?
GT: Pen and notebook.
Zoom mic to do voiceover on the road.
I also have an unhealthy relationship with most forms of social media.
Whats your workspace setup like?
Obviously workspace can mean a lot of things, especially when youre out in the field.
GT: I like having multiple drinks at oncewater, juice, coffee, tea, etc.
Having a sweatshirt and comfortable shoes are key.
Notebook and pen on one side.
Research packet and usually one book on the other side.
MacBook Air front and centerit helps that its small and easy to whip out.
Phone with charger case usually within arms distance.
I love working there.
That way you could half-predict what might arise.
You obviously work from the road a lot.
How you manage that?
Bring everything and the kitchen sink, or stick to the essentials?
GT: Definitely stick to the essentials.
I usually only bring a backpack regardless of whether the trip is 3 days or 2 weeks.
Packing light is always worth it; sinks are for mid-trip laundry.
Comfort and preparedness are the key.
IY: Im a terrible packer.
Fifteen minutes before I leave the house I throw everything in a bag.
Once I arrived on a two-week shoot with one pair of socks!
Generally though, I keep it as light as possible and just take the essentials.
Oh, and I always take mini bottles of Tabasco wherever I go.
Besides your phone and computer, what gadget cant you live without and why?
GT: My mobile voiceover microphone.
IY: My Kindle/iPad.
I need a library of books and articles for a long journey.
Whats your favorite to-do list manager or way to keep things organized?
GT: I rely on my iPhone calendar and notebook.
I also send myself text messages and emails.
IY: I sometimes use theSwipes app.
Its quite satisfying when youve completed a task to swipe it clean.
Mostly though, I just revert to good ol pen and paper.
What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else?
IY: I make killer eggs.
Not to brag, but people do say theyre the best theyve ever had.
What do you listen to while you work?
Obviously it depends on the work youre doing, but do you have a favorite playlist?
Or do you prefer silence?
GT: Usually silence.
But sometimesBlood Orange,Solange, andLykke Li.
I love NPR and podcasts but cant multitask well while listeningI gotta focus on one or the other.
IY: When Im working in the office or on a plane or cafe, I need zero distractions.
What are you currently reading?
Im just startingRatfuckedby David Daley.
And Im almost done withOriginalsby Adam Grant.
How do you recharge?
Working in the news can be brutal when you actually want to disconnect for a moment.
What do you do when you want to forget about work?
IY: I exercise, run, and cookits my magic formula for switching off.
Whats your sleep routine like?
Are you a night owl or early riser?
GT: Ive always been early to bed, early to rise.
I use the regular old phone alarm clock but am usually up anyway.
IY: Its messy.
I recently started using theSleep Cycle app, which just confirmed how irregular my sleep is!
Fill in the blank: Id love to see _____ answer these same questions.
GT:Shane Smith.
IY:Rowan Atkinson.
Hes a genius and he barely ever does interviews.
Whats the best advice youve ever received?
Doesnt have to be work or productivity-related.
GT: Especially in times of struggle or angst, remember to enjoy the journey.
IY: Do what you love.
I know its corny, but its true.
Is there anything else youd like to add that might be interesting to readers and fans?
GT: I wouldve been namedKirby PuckettToboni if he had won the MVP in the 1987 World Series.
To put it mildly, I come from a family of baseball fans.
