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
🎙️ From News to Healing — Brandon Lee’s Transformation
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
🎙️ Life After News: From News to Healing — Brandon Lee’s Transformation
In this episode, Brandon Lee joins us to share his journey from the television news to the healing art therapy. Brandon now leads Art of Our Soul, using art and music therapy to help trauma survivors—including convicted felons—heal through joyful expression.
We explore how the isolation of the 2020 pandemic led Brandon to a pivotal relapse that unlocked the door to unprocessed childhood trauma. Through art therapy, community, and compassion, Brandon not only rebuilt his life, but also created a program that is reducing recidivism and transforming lives behind bars.
đź’ˇ Key Takeaways
- Brandon’s transformation from anchor to art therapist is a story of resilience and purpose.
- Art therapy is more than creativity—it’s a powerful therapeutic tool.
- The COVID-19 pandemic became a personal reckoning for Brandon, sparking deep emotional healing.
- A joyful healing environment fosters emotional safety and deeper therapeutic impact.
- Art of Our Soul is making a measurable difference in reducing recidivism through creative programs.
- Addressing trauma and incarceration with empathy can shift societal perceptions.
- Holistic healing programs are gaining attention from insurers and advocates.
- Brandon’s upcoming documentary, Blank Canvas, seeks to humanize and elevate the stories of incarcerated artists.
đź“Ž Related Links
- 🎨 Explore the art and mission of Art of Our Soul
- 📽️ Watch Blank Canvas, the documentary
- 📸 Follow Brandon Lee on Instagram: @brandonlee
đź”— Stay Connected with Life After News
- 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform
- đź“ş Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@LifeAfterNews
- 📱 Instagram: @MrJasonBall & @LifeAfterNewsPod
- đź’Ľ LinkedIn: Jason Ball
- 🗞️ Newsletter: Desert Dispatch – Read now
- 🏨 Stay: Old Ranch Inn — A boutique retreat in Palm Springs
- đź“… New episodes drop every Tuesday!
- 🙌 Love this episode? Share it with a friend.
🟣 Sponsored By: Chatmosa
Chatmosa.com isn’t just another chat app. It’s your go-to space for real connection—whether launching your own podcast, hosting a live stream, or hanging out in a curated digital lounge.
And yep—there’s a former news person behind the scenes. Stay tuned as we spotlight more about Chatmosa and how it’s reshaping community-powered media.
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.