Life After News
What happens when the newsroom lights go out—and life begins again?
Life After News explores the raw, funny, and deeply human stories of journalists who’ve walked away from the adrenaline of breaking news to reinvent themselves in surprising ways. Hosted by former TV news director Jason Ball, the podcast goes behind the headlines to talk with anchors, reporters, producers, and executives about identity, resilience, and what it takes to start over.
From career pivots to personal awakenings, these conversations reveal how the skills learned under deadline pressure translate into entirely new chapters of life. It’s not just about leaving the news—it’s about discovering what comes after.
Whether you’re in media, on the edge of a career change, or just fascinated by reinvention, Life After News is your invitation to listen in, learn, and maybe imagine your own next chapter.
Life After News
🎙️ Jillian Barberie: Facing Life’s Challenges Head-on
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🎙️ Life After News — Jillian Barberie: Facing Life’s Challenges Head-on
🎧 Episode Summary
In this inspiring episode, Jason Ball sits down with broadcasting icon Jillian Barberie to revisit her remarkable career and the resilience that has shaped her journey. From a cultural awakening in Miami to groundbreaking success on Good Day LA, Jillian shares candid reflections on fame, loss, recovery, and rebirth.
She opens up about her breast cancer diagnosis, financial hardship, and particularly, the emotional and psychological toll of her IRS troubles, which she identifies as the hardest challenge she’s ever faced. Jillian speaks openly about how these experiences tested her at every level—and how she’s used creativity, community, and courage to rebuild.
This is a powerful conversation about embracing authenticity, staying present, and turning challenges into transformative growth.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Be Yourself: Jillian emphasizes the power of authenticity in standing out professionally.
- Cultural Awakening: Living in Miami was a turning point in Jillian’s personal and professional worldview.
- Career Highlights: Good Day LA was pivotal in establishing Jillian’s TV persona.
- Evolving Media: Social media changed how broadcasters engage with audiences.
- Life After Diagnosis: Breast cancer and recovery reshaped her identity and priorities.
- IRS Struggles: Her financial challenges with the IRS proved to be her most grueling life challenge.
- Support Systems Matter: Healing required community, therapy, and self-reflection.
- Creative Outlets: Art became a sanctuary during post-treatment life.
- Advice to Youth: Stay in the moment, be adaptable, and embrace life’s uncertainty.
đź”— Connect with Jillian
- 🎨 Art Portfolio: jillian-barberie.pixels.com
- 📸 Instagram: @askjillian
- 🎵 TikTok: @jillianbarberie
đź“Ł Stay Connected to Life After News
- đź“ş Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@LifeAfterNews
- 📱 Instagram: @MrJasonBall & @LifeAfterNewsPod
- đź’Ľ LinkedIn: Jason Ball
- 🏨 Visit: Old Ranch Inn – A boutique retreat in Palm Springs
- 🗞️ Subscribe & Read: Desert Dispatch – our newsletter on storytelling and reinvention
- đź“… New episodes every Tuesday
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Let Life After News inspire your next chapter. Because leaving the news doesn’t mean the story’s over—it means a new one’s just beginning.