Sabrina Crews

Writer/Editor

United States

Portfolio

Feature Writing

Next Avenue
03/12/2024
Judy Woodruff Reports on Her Next Chapter

In her new reporting role, the longtime NewsHour anchor examines America's political divisions - as well as challenges facing people with disabilities

Next Avenue
10/12/2023
These Are the Faces of Alzheimer's and Dementia

Photographer Joe Wallace says too many mainstream images of Alzheimer's and dementia make you look away; his new collection of portraits invites you to do the opposite

Next Avenue
12/06/2022
Master Chef Martin Yan: Serving Up Four Decades of One-of-a-Kind TV

The famed PBS host of 'Yan Can Cook' continues to beguile generations of viewers with his inspired and playful approach to Chinese cuisine He's this year's James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award winner. An international food ambassador. A celebrated TV host.

Next Avenue
09/23/2022
The Surprising History of Sesame Street's Prairie Dawn

Jim Henson's first woman puppeteer, Fran Brill, candidly reflects on a rich career Fran Brill never set out to play a Muppet; she just needed to pay the rent. "I had no interest in puppeteering at all," the iconic Sesame Street performer - Jim Henson's first woman employee - said recently, "but I started doing voiceovers immediately when I got to New York.

Next Avenue
PBS Food Shows: Still Cookin'

From Julia Child's 'The French Chef' to this summer's 'The Great American Recipe,' public television continues to celebrate the diversity of flavors that unite us.

Unearth Women
A Feminist City Guide to Porto

Dating back to Roman times, Porto is anything but antiquated. Nightlife doesn't start until morning, tourism is booming, and Port wine is flowing.

Editing, Lifestyle

Next Avenue
11/02/2023
I'm Old and I Love Taylor Swift

Taylor joins the tradition of Elvis Presley's magnetism, John, Paul, George and Ringo's Yeah-Yeah-Yeah revolution, Bob Dylan's anthems, Michael Jackson's Moonwalk and Prince's Revolution

Next Avenue
11/14/2023
Woman Life Freedom

A new anthology presents voices and art from the women's protests in Iran

Next Avenue
04/04/2023
Over the Borderline: I Got Kicked Out of a Madonna Concert

A fledgling entertainment reporter, I was thrilled to review Madonna's 'Who's That Girl' tour - unfortunately, my press pass went to my head I was 26, with a new master's in journalism, and I'd been hired by The Daily Commercial in Leesburg, Florida.

Next Avenue
11/08/2022
'Longmire's' Zahn McClarnon Soars in 'Dark Winds'

From 'Reservation Dogs' to 'Westworld,' the actor embraces playing Native American roles while honoring his heritage Surprises have been part of actor Zahn McClarnon's life since, well, before he was born. That's because his parents had no idea that they were going to have twins.

Next Avenue
07/18/2022
Intergenerational Relationships on Television Are Coming Back

Some new programs, like 'Hacks' and 'Slow Horses,' show how different generations can work better together than alone In her most recent book, "Breaking the Age Code," Yale psychologist Becca Levy bemoans that television is not doing a better job representing older adults despite the fact they are the demographic watching the most television.

Next Avenue
07/04/2022
Questlove's Summer of Soul

The multi-talented performer talks about bringing the seminal Harlem Cultural Festival footage to light Editor's note: In March, 2022, Questlove's "Summer of Soul" won an Academy Award for Best Original Documentary and in June, 2022, he received a Peabody Award for the film.

Next Avenue
02/16/2022
When It Comes to Dating, Grandma Knows Best

The granddaughter and grandmother team behind the 'Excuse My Grandma' podcast share what they are teaching each other about dating Kim Murstein, 25, was living in New York City when the pandemic began in March 2020. She wanted to get away, so she moved in with her grandparents in Florida.

Writing, Fashion + Beauty

The Zoe Report
03/03/2022
Trendy Clothes For Spring That Are Sexy, Comfy, & Super Affordable

Ahh, spring. No matter where you live, there's something so delightful about segueing into sunnier weather, hotter temps, and a lighter wardrobe. Although, as awesome as it can be to reunite with the warm-weather essentials you had packed away for the winter, as the anticipation of summer adventures loom, transitioning into the warmer months can serve as prime motivation to update your closet.

The Zoe Report
02/05/2022
50 Ways To Make Your Home Look Way Better With Almost No Effort

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team. When it comes to home improvement, it often seems like you've got two choices: Spend a lot of money, or invest a lot of time.

The Zoe Report
01/15/2022
Here Are The Cheap Hair & Makeup Products Even Beauty Snobs Love

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team. It's no secret that when it comes to hair and makeup products that deliver, even the most low-maintenance beauty lovers among us will spare no expense.

The Zoe Report
01/09/2022
I'm A Beauty Snob & I'm Obsessed With These 40 Cheap Beauty Products That Work Shockingly Well

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team. The world's foremost dermatologists, makeup artists, and hair stylists can all agree that it's simply a fallacy that the best beauty products need to cost hundreds of dollars.

The Zoe Report
01/08/2022
These 50 Cheap Things Are So Comfy & Well-Made, You'll Wear Them For Years

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team. Originally Published: With the emergence of trends like pajamas-as-clothes and fashionable loungewear, it's clear that an era of elevated comfort has descended upon us.

The Zoe Report
01/02/2022
35 Cheap Sweaters & Tops That Are Also Super Cute

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team. From the chic knits of iconic '60s French girls to Princess Diana's iconic black sheep jumper, it's no exaggeration to say that cute sweaters make history.

The Zoe Report
12/26/2021
40 Trendy Clothes That Seem Expensive But Are Actually Cheap As Hell

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team. Staying on top of what's trending in fashion is as easy as it is addicting.

The Zoe Report
12/08/2021
60 Awesome Gifts That Look Expensive But Are Under $35

"You spent too much!" is one of the best things you can hear from a gift recipient, when, in fact, you didn't spend very much at all. The expression on your giftee's face when you reveal that actually, you found that perfect item for much less than expected ("Can you believe it?") is its own gift, too - as is the satisfaction of keeping the bargain you scored your own little secret.

The Zoe Report
11/20/2021
40 Weird Beauty Products That Are Totally Genius

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team. We're often made to believe that there are people who set the trends and people who follow them, but maybe the two aren't so different.

The Zoe Report
11/13/2021
60 Clever Gifts That Are So Popular, They Keep Selling Out

Remember when, growing up, it seemed like even the most functional item you owned had a cute, clever twist? Sometimes the cold, harsh realities of the adult world get in the way of incorporating the unexpected into the mundane.

Copy Editing + Fact Checking, Beauty

Byrdie
Sabrina Crews, Profile

Expertise Extensive experience creating, editing, sharing and analyzing stories that matter most to digital audiences Originated and defined a new audience engagement editor role for digital publishing at PBS Developed and implemented new community guidelines to inform and enhance PBS editorial standards and best practices Sabrina launched her career with an academic-year internship at the Whitney Museum of American Art, where she cultivated her passion for the digital arts, publishing and...

Byrdie
No More Flimsy Nails: These Are the 14 Best Nail Strengtheners

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. There's no shortage of things that can contribute to dry, brittle, breaking nails.

Byrdie
The 11 Derma Rollers That Make At-Home Microneedling a Breeze

Few treatments in the skincare world are lauded for delivering as many benefits as microneedling. As a quick reminder, microneedling is a procedure in which teeny-tiny needles are rolled across the skin, creating microscopic holes. This in turn triggers the body's natural wound healing response to kick in, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.

Byrdie
The 12 Best Acrylic Nail Kits for Your Freshest DIY Mani

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. In the age of DIY, you don't have to head to a salon to get pro-level beauty treatments-including long-lasting manis and pedis.

Byrdie
These Natural Shampoos Work Just as Well as Traditional Formulas

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. If you haven't yet tried a natural shampoo, we don't blame you.

Byrdie
Thank Us Later: These Leave-In Conditioners Make Curls Come Back to Life

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Dry hair, breakage, damage-these things happen. Those beautiful curls, coils, and waves are certainly particular, and finding the right care and styling products is the first step to curl appreciation.

Byrdie
This Smoothing Shampoo Worked Wonders on My Wavy Hair

We put Ouidad's Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review. I'm a hairstylist and I have a confession to make: I've never consistently used products that cater to my hair type.

Byrdie
12 Foundations That Won't Trigger a Rosacea Flare-Up

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Rosacea is tricky. It can look like acne, feel like an allergic reaction, and in some cases, it can cause painful flare-ups.

Byrdie
11 Hair, Skin, and Nail Vitamins Worth Adding to Your Wellness Routine

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Let's get one thing out of the way: When looking for specific supplements to support hair, skin, and nail health, research is limited.

Byrdie
This Is the Primer That Made Me Believe in Primers

We put Milk Makeup's Hydro Grip Primer to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review. Primers are somewhat controversial in the beauty space; some people swear by them, while others don't notice a difference in the longevity of their makeup after using even a high-quality primer.

Byrdie
Found: The 15 Best Essential Oils on Amazon for a Range of Skin Concerns

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Essential oils have become a fan-favorite in the wellness space-and it's not hard to understand why.

Byrdie
You Won't Believe How People Treated Acne in 1776 B.C

While today's acne treatments are streamlined, easy to use, and sometimes even enjoyable (especially when they work quickly), that certainly hasn't always been the case. Diving into the many methods humans have employed to combat acne, we were shocked to learn of their remedies of choice, some of which are true head-scratchers.

Byrdie
Zumba: Everything to Expect From Your First Class

Going on a run or doing a bunch of crunches might not be your definition of fun, and I can't say I blame you. If you're looking for a workout that doesn't feel like a workout, Zumba might be right up your alley.

Byrdie
If You Have Oily Skin, These 11 Toners Are Worth Every Penny

In the midst of majestic overnight masks, crystal deodorants, Botox-esque serums, and yes, even electric lip plumpers, it's no surprise toners get somewhat neglected in our skincare and beauty routines. After all, they can't offer bespeckled-with-glitter selfies, and the application is somewhat anti-climactic.

Byrdie
These 12 Cuticles Removers Are the Secret to Great Looking Nails

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products, and articles are reviewed by healthcare professionals for medical accuracy. You can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Get ready, because we're about to let you in on a little beauty insider secret.

Byrdie
The 15 Best Eye Creams Dermatologists Actually Use on Themselves

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. When on the hunt for the very best eye creams, you kind of have to play Goldilocks.

Writing, News + Culture

Nonprofit Quarterly
#InstaSwap Sweeps NYC Museums

Instagram is revolutionizing the art world, and Tuesday's #MuseumInstaSwap initiative is yet another example. For 24 hours, museums across New York shared images from another institution's collection.

Star Tribune
Seeing the world: 31 highlights from the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival

Gripping narrative films from the U.S. to South Korea to Syria. Documentaries about some legendary creators and critics. The proverbial "everything in between." The 38th annual Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (through April 20) has it all, with 150-plus features and over 100 short films from more than 100 countries and cultures.

Academic Essays

Torture and Enhanced Interrogation: A Reference Handbook
Ten Myths About Torture

It all started with a simple question: "Dad, what are you doing for human rights?" By Sabrina Crews

Writing, Newsletters

Next Avenue
The echoing impact of Muhammad Ali

In his prime, no one could touch him. Everybody everywhere knew Ali. This comes through in the four-part documentary "Muhammad Ali," a Ken Burns production premiering on PBS this Sunday. Also on PBS: Sky Bergman's "Lives Well Lived," which features interviews with 40 extraordinary people age 75 to 103. One prevailing theme: Stay positive, no matter what curveballs life hurls your way. Both documentaries come highly recommended from Next Avenue writers and editors; read their reviews below....

Next Avenue
The Odd Couple: Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett

Are you sorting through your or your parents' closets filled with clothing from as far back as the 1970s? What do you plan to do with all those unwanted clothes or fabrics?

Next Avenue
Meet this 66-year-old 'In the Heights' dancer

Have you seen this summer's hot new movie, "In the Heights?" Watch, and you'll be sure to spot the effervescent 66-year-old dancer - and the first-ever Latina Rockette - Lillian Colón. Her story, below, is proof that there is no expiration date on your dreams. "Look at me," Colón told us, "I did my first blockbuster film and I'm just getting started."

Radio/Audio/Podcast