We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Will Heffernan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Will below.

Will, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

Working and pursuing the entertainment journalism/pr industry for the last several years has made me realize that people can give up so easily. Persistence and following up is KEY. I always send follow ups for interview requests for job applications, it’s the only way to stand out, especially coming into the industry with no connections, if you’re starting from scratch with no connections, you have to stay motivated and consistent. Only then you’ll start seeing results, it takes time, but the reward is so much more significant because of that. Keep calm and persist on!!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I attended Suffolk University in Boston, MA, where I majored in journalism. It was during my time there that I discovered my passion for entertainment journalism and public relations. I was drawn to the creative energy of the industry and found it fascinating to see how actors, musicians, and influencers express themselves through their art and hustle. That combination of creativity and determination truly inspires me, and it’s what led me to pursue a career where I could both tell these stories and amplify these voices.

My time at Suffolk was pivotal in sharpening my skills as a journalist and storyteller. It gave me the hands-on experience I needed to dive into the entertainment world with confidence. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to interview and feature incredible talents like Ava Max, Ross Lynch, Kelly Clarkson, Aidan Bissett, and Noah Beck. One of my favorite moments was meeting Benson Boone before his rise to stardom—a reminder of the beauty in witnessing someone’s journey unfold firsthand.

One of my proudest achievements has been co-founding ECHO (readechoonline.com) with Amelia Cordischi. ECHO is an entertainment publication dedicated to sharing authentic and compelling stories with a Gen-Z and young Millennial audience. With an average of 10k-15k monthly viewers, it’s been fulfilling to grow this platform and showcase emerging and established talent alike. ECHO allows me to combine my love for journalism and entertainment in a way that feels deeply personal and impactful.

For me, what sets ECHO apart is its heart: we’re not just telling stories; we’re amplifying voices and connecting with audiences in a genuine way. Whether it’s covering an emerging artist or diving into a behind-the-scenes look at a creative process, we aim to create a space that feels fresh, relatable, and inspiring.

Ultimately, I’m proud to be part of an industry that thrives on creativity and connection. My goal is to keep sharing stories that matter while growing ECHO into a platform that resonates with even more people. And while I’m always dreaming of what’s next, I’m focused on letting this journey evolve naturally and enjoying every step along the way.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In 2019, a year after graduating college, I made the bold move to Los Angeles to expand my network and immerse myself in the entertainment industry. It was a leap of faith, filled with excitement, challenges, and unforgettable moments. Living in LA from 2019 to 2023 taught me resilience in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

During my time there, I experienced incredible “fever dream” moments—like serving coffee to Helen Mirren, being serenaded by Jeff Goldblum at a photo studio in Downtown LA, and meeting childhood icons like Dylan Sprouse and Hilary Duff. I also made lifelong friends and explored some of the most breathtaking places, from Big Sur and Joshua Tree to Zion in Utah. Even simple drives along the Malibu coast were moments of pure magic.

But like any journey, it wasn’t without its challenges. LA is a notoriously expensive city, and by late 2023, I began to feel the strain—financially, emotionally, and creatively. I realized I needed to take a step back to avoid burning out. Fortunately, my remote job and supportive family gave me the opportunity to move back home to reset and save money. For some, moving back home might feel like a setback, but for me, it was a strategic move to prepare for the next chapter.

This decision has been one of the most resilient choices I’ve made. It allowed me to focus on my long-term goals—building financial stability and laying the foundation for a better life when I return to LA or potentially move to NYC. I’ve reframed this period as an investment in myself, and I’m proud to say I’m on track to make that leap again in 2025, this time with a renewed sense of purpose and preparation.

Have you ever had to pivot?

During my time at home, I found myself diving into new interests—one of which was real estate. It all started while binge-watching Selling Sunset (finally!) and reflecting on my firsthand experiences visiting the stunning châteaus in Bel-Air. The idea of working in an industry that’s as dynamic and creative as entertainment—where you get to showcase your personality and play matchmaker for people and their dream homes—sparked something in me. The thought of helping someone find a place where they can build their life and memories truly warms my heart.

Encouraged by friends and family who insisted I’d be a natural in real estate, I decided to pivot and explore this new path while continuing to work remotely. I began studying and taking real estate courses, and I’m currently pursuing licenses in both Massachusetts and California. Hopefully, by the time this is published, I’ll officially have my MA license!

What I’ve realized through this pivot is that I can pursue multiple passions simultaneously. With ECHO, I’ll always have an outlet to channel my love for entertainment and storytelling, but real estate offers a practical and fulfilling way to work toward the life I envision for myself. It’s a space where I see endless opportunities for growth, connection, and creativity—and I couldn’t be more excited to embrace this new chapter.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://readechoonline.com
• Instagram: @willscitylife | https://www.instagram.com/willscitylife/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/readechoonline
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-heffernan-6a9748a4/
• Twitter: @readechoonline

Image Credits

Amelia Cordischi