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Welcome to my writing portfolio!

I am a writer in Portland, Oregon. I specialize in shopping, health and wellness, entertainment, lifestyle, and career-related topics. I also have extensive experience writing for SEO purposes.

I also work with clients to help them land podcast guest opportunities. I'd love to work with you if that's a goal for you or your clients. Check out my services.

Please contact me if there's a resource you'd like to share, if you'd like to commission me for any upcoming pieces, or if you are interested in my podcast services. You can send me an email to npyles86[at]gmail[dot]com or nicole[at]worldofmyimagination. 

I also share a weekly newsletter of podcasters looking for guests. Subscribe below to get a list of new calls for guests every Monday.

Career and Business

Health and Wellness

Lifestyle

Entertainment
Tom's Guide •

Everybody's forgotten that 'Psycho' has a sequel. I finally watched it — and it wasn't what I expected at all

Some films become so iconic that they permanently imprint themselves on pop culture, living on through remakes, spinoffs, Halloween costumes and characters that linger long after the credits roll. While I can't recall the first time I saw "Psycho," I'll never forget how deeply it resonated with me, instantly becoming one of my all-time favorite horror movies.The 1960 original was never intended to spawn a franchise like "Halloween" or "Final Destination."
Tom's Guide •

Everyone hated this disaster thriller when it came out. They were wrong

I'm a sucker for a disaster flick. Admittedly, these films get notoriously bad ratings from audiences and poor reviews from critics. But I can't resist a movie where the wildest weather-based problems slam into our little blue-and-green planet, causing absolute chaos — with the solution to save us all discovered by just a handful of people. The high stakes and overdone special effects make these films the ultimate popcorn flick experience.
Tom's Guide •

You might think a movie about fired millionaires is unwatchable, but I was surprisingly moved by this underrated drama on Prime Video

Ben Affleck has been creating quite the buzz lately between his $1 million win on "Celebrity Jeopardy" and his ongoing bromance with "The Odyssey" star Matt Damon. My own Affleck fandom kicked off way back when I first saw him in "Good Will Hunting." Honestly, gotta love a guy with a Boston accent, right?Since then, I’ve always kept an eye out for his projects. One film I feel stands as one of his most underrated roles is 2010's "The Company Men."
Tom's Guide •

I stumbled on a dark fantasy hidden gem streaming free on Tubi. I may never sleep again

I've always been a fan of obscure films. Some movies happen upon me like a dream, and the 1989 British dark fantasy flick "Paperhouse" was one of those rare finds. I stumbled across it late one night back when flipping around channels was still a thing — one of the true casualties of the streaming age, where these hidden cinematic gems are so much harder to come by organic discovery.The moment I tuned in, I was completely entranced by the eerie concept of a young girl’s drawings coming to life....
Tom's Guide •

Before 'Fight Club,' Ed Norton starred in a legal thriller with a shocking twist — stream it now on Paramount+

Edward Norton is often praised for his iconic role in "Fight Club," and it's exciting to see his name popping up for his role in Olivia Wilde’s hit indie comedy "The Invite." Yet, there is another film that I consider one of his finest hours: "Primal Fear." Shockingly, his turn as the accused killer Aaron Stampler marked his feature acting debut — a performance so powerful it even earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Better Report •

Is Mouthwash Bad for You? - Better Report

Most of us brush twice a day, and some of us floss at least once. You may even include a quick swish of mouthwash in your routine, whether it’s to freshen your breath after lunch or give your mouth that super-clean feeling at the end of the night. But what if your mouthwash is doing more harm than good? There are two main categories of mouthwashes: cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic mouthwashes briefly relieve bad breath, while therapeutic mouthwashes address concerns such as halitosis (chronic...
Better Report •

7 Medicare Mistakes You May Be Making - Better Report

More than 70 million Americans are on Medicare. Whether you’re 65 or older or have an eligible disability, Medicare can be a necessary lifeline that helps reduce the costs of medical care, prescriptions, and more. But the amount of information and the necessary steps involved in signing up or navigating a potential change in your plan can be overwhelming. We talked with Danielle Roberts, co-founder and Medicare insurance expert at Boomer Benefits, about the mistakes you could be making when it comes to Medicare — and how to avoid them.
Better Report •

The Least Healthy Alcoholic Beverages - Better Report

The best option is to avoid alcohol completely — after all, “no drinking means no alcohol-related risks, such as liver damage, sleep problems, and heart or cancer issues,” Thomas says. But it isn’t always so simple, because everyone’s lifestyle is different. “If abstaining from alcohol means you avoid social situations and instead spend time on screens or feeling lonely, this is not likely the healthiest route,” says nutritionist Amelia Winslow, M.S., MPH, VP of marketing at Pop & Bottle.
Tom's Guide •

Move over, 'Fatal Attraction.' This free movie on Tubi has a truly twisted revenge plot

I’ve always been a big fan of movies about relationships gone frighteningly wrong, especially those that capture the raw intensity of an affair-turned-sour, much like the classic "Fatal Attraction." As I hunt for something to watch each night, I’m always on the lookout for similar themes of obsession and psychological suspense. Recently, I stumbled upon a hidden gem that I hadn't seen before, and it's one I highly recommend adding to your evening lineup.Best of all, you can stream "Web of Decept...
Better Report •

Which Sweetener Is the Healthiest? - Better Report

Most of us know — even if we’re loath to accept — that sugar is not good for us. While the occasional sweet treat is fine, many of us have too much sugar in our diets: According to statistics published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average daily added sugar intake for Americans 2 and older was 17 teaspoons (or roughly 71 grams) in 2017–2018. That’s well over the Food and Drug Administration’s recommendation of no added sugar for children under 11 and only 10 grams of added sugar per meal for adults.
Better Report •

8 Things Your Dentist Wishes You Wouldn’t Do - Better Report

You want to keep your teeth healthy for as long as possible, and that requires practicing good oral habits. Most of us know the basics: Brush twice a day, floss at least once, and visit your dentist for regular checkups. But there are certain things that put our pearly whites at risk, from what we’re not doing (flossing, ahem) to dangerous DIY hacks. We spoke with Dr. Ann Nguyen-Chung, dentist and founder of the dental and body care brand Hippotanicals, and cosmetic dentist Dr. Bill Dorfman abou...
Better Report •

The Healthiest Meal Options at 15 Fast-Food Restaurants

To that end, we asked registered dietitian nutritionists Talia Follador and Vanessa Imus for their picks at some of the top fast-food restaurants nationwide. Keep in mind, however, that “most fast-food meals exceed sodium targets,” Follador says. “The goal isn’t perfection but rather making choices that include protein, carbs, fat, and fiber when possible. That combination helps promote satiety and prevent potential rebound eating.”
Better Homes & Gardens •

These Lightweight Dresses Make Us Excited for Summer—and They’re All Under $40

Whether you’re planning a picnic in the park, a barbecue with your neighbors, or a day on the beach, the warm weather can compel you outdoors. When it does, you deserve to step into the sunshine feeling cool (literally) and confident, not weighed down by heavy fabrics. Donning that breezy sundress or a cute, sleeveless number can be a simple but convenient way to step out looking fabulous.
Better Report •

6 Odors Around Your House That Could Be Unsafe

Not all smells around the house are good ones — and we’re not talking about the burnt casserole from last night’s dinner. Certain odors indicate dangerous issues that require immediate attention. Here are a few of the most common, unsafe smells around your home that you shouldn’t ignore.If you smell sulfur, don’t check your fridge for rotten eggs: The smell comes from an additive to natural gas (which is itself odorless) and usually indicates there’s a dangerous gas leak.
Better Report •

How To Put Out Every Kind of Fire - Better Report

A fire can cause immense damage to your home and property and even put your life at risk. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were more than 300,000 residential fires between 2014 and 2023, which caused over $11 billion in damage. The right fast-acting response can save your home and your life.However, not all fires should be handled the same way. Nicholai Allen, an active wildland firefighter and CEO of the fire safety company MAUS USA, says that “using the wrong method can make a...
Better Report •

Why You Should Never Go To Bed With Wet Hair

Anyone who goes to bed with wet hair could face these issues, but those with long or thick hair have increased risk. “[Long] hair holds moisture way longer, especially toward the mid-lengths and ends. So if you have long or thick hair, it’s likely staying wet for hours while you sleep,” Davis says. “Short hair usually dries faster, so the risk is lower, but your scalp is still sitting in that damp environment for a bit, so it’s not totally risk-free.” 


To make matters worse, the bacteria from...
Better Report •

Should You Freeze Your Credit?

Thanks to conflicts around the world — which bring an increased risk of cyberscams — experts have suggested keeping a close watch on your credit. 


Having a good credit score carries a lot of weight in the modern world. It makes it easier for you to buy a home, lease a car, and even get approved for an apartment. So, if you’ve received a notification that your information has been compromised, you’ve lost your purse or wallet with all of your personal identification, or you’ve started getting...
Better Report •

Why Are People Rubbing Banana Peels on Their Faces?

Studies have shown the peel itself has even greater levels of antioxidants. However, “there is zero scientific evidence to suggest rubbing a banana peel on your face will help with any … skin conditions or signs of cellular aging,” Dr. Shamban says. She adds that the “banana or peel won’t penetrate the matrix or that skin barrier.”


The comparison to Botox is also faulty. Botox is derived from a toxin produced by bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The targeted injections weaken or paralyze facia...
Better Homes & Gardens •

This Cozy Velvet Quilt Feels Like Your ‘Favorite Flannel Shirt’—and It’s on Sale at Amazon

The holiday season has come and gone, and now we're in the midst of the longest month of them all: January. It's not only the time of year that I begin to question my outspoken love of winter, but it's also the season I fight an ongoing battle with my bedtime temperature. My body tends to fluctuate between being too hot and too cold throughout the night. This often results in me needing about eight different blankets, but with my window cracked open a bit to feel just right. I'm always drawn to...
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Get in Touch

Have a project I may be a great writer for? Need a contributing freelance writer? Want my PR expertise? Write me and let me know what you have in mind. Send me an email to npyles86[at]gmail[dot]com.