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
🎙️ Second Acts in Palm Springs: My Life After New
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🎙️ Life After News — Second Acts in Palm Springs
🧵 Episode Summary
In this conversation, Jason Ball sits down with fellow boutique hotelier David Rios to Palm Springs’ hospitality scene. David opens up about his journey from interior design to working on The Trixie Motel and renovating his own hotel The Velvet Rope. Jason shares his journey from the newsroom to owning and operating Old Ranch Inn.
The day after this episode was recorded, a bombing at the American Reproductive Center rocked the Palm Springs community. The attack severely damaged dozens of surrounding businesses—including David’s hotel. Jason reflects on this tragic event and sets the stage for a powerful conversation about resilience, beauty, and the meaning of home. Jason shares how listeners can support ongoing recovery efforts.
✨ Key Takeaways
· 🌴 Palm Springs is home to more than 80 boutique hotels.
· 🤝 Collaboration between local hotel owners enhances the guest experience and strengthens community ties.
· 📈 Success in boutique hospitality requires both smart marketing and authentic engagement with the community.
About the Bombing (May 17)
🎙️ Life After News pauses to acknowledge the tragic May 17 bombing at the American Reproductive Center in Palm Springs. The explosion not only impacted the clinic but caused severe damage to multiple nearby businesses, including David Rios’s The Velvet Rope.
This episode is a tribute to the strength of Palm Springs—and to the individuals like David who are rebuilding in the face of adversity.
🙌 How You Can Help
🌐 Connect with David Rios
· 🖼️ Website: DavidRiosDesigns.com
· 📸 Instagram: @DavidRiosDesigns
🔜 Breaking News! Next on Life After News…
🎙️ Jackie Johnson McBride — Jackie has a big announcement, so we are dropping her episode on Sunday, June 1. From forecasting storms to stirring the pot in the kitchen, Jackie Johnson McBride joins Life After News to share her remarkable journey from television meteorologist to The Weather Chef, a cool new interactive experience you going to love.
She and Jason explore reinvention, seasonal living, and life’s most unexpected transitions.
📅 Don’t miss this one — Sunday, June 1!
🔗 Stay Connected to Life After News
· 🎧 Subscribe: Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more
· 📺 Watch: YouTube.com/@LifeAfterNews
· 📱 Follow: @MrJasonBall & @LifeAfterNewsPod
· 💼 LinkedIn: Jason Ball
· 🏨 Stay: Old Ranch Inn
· 🗞️ Read: Desert Dispatch – the newsletter on storytelling & reinvention
· 📅 New Episodes: Every Tuesday
· 💌 Love the show? Share it with a friend!
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.