Life After News
🎙️ Life After News is the podcast that dives deep into what happens after the headlines fade. Hosted by former broadcast journalist Jason Ball, this series explores the personal journeys, surprising reinventions, and powerful lessons from those who’ve stepped away from the newsroom. Through candid conversations and behind-the-scenes stories, Jason and his guests share what it really takes to find purpose and identity beyond a career in news. If you’ve ever wondered what comes next after chasing the story—this podcast is for you.
Life After News
🎙️ Bonus Episode: Barbara Walters – Legacy, Lessons & That Lewinsky Interview
🎙️ Bonus Episode: Barbara Walters – Legacy, Lessons & That Lewinsky Interview
📺 In this special bonus episode of Life After News, Jason reflects on the powerful new documentary Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything (🎬 stream it on Hulu), Barbara’s 2008 memoir Audition, and her complex, groundbreaking legacy in the news business.
🔍 Topics covered in this episode:
· 🛫 Barbara’s rise from “Today Girl” to Today co-host—over Frank McGee’s dead body (literally)
· 💰 Becoming the first million-dollar anchor at ABC—and the sexist backlash
· 🎤 How she redefined interviews, disarmed world leaders, and helped shape global headlines
· 📚 Jason’s reflections on Audition and why he still recommends it to young journalists (especially women)
· 🎭 The intense behind-the-scenes rivalry with Diane Sawyer
· 🎥 The record-breaking Monica Lewinsky interview—and how she outmaneuvered Oprah for the exclusive
· 🧠 How Barbara’s childhood trauma and complicated family life fueled her drive and perfectionism
· ❤️ Personal takeaways: what Barbara sacrificed, what she modeled, and the importance of balance
💬 Favorite quote:
“Mostly I just worked and didn’t whine.” – Barbara Walters
🧠 Jason's takeaway: “She wasn’t just the role model—she created the role and the model.”
🎁 Want Jason’s copy of Audition? Follow him on Instagram and DM your interest! First come, first mailed.
📸 https://www.instagram.com/mrjasonball
📸 @lifeafternewspod
· 📺 Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything on Hulu
· 📖 Audition: A Memoir by Barbara Walters → Find on Amazon
· 📹 2008 20/20 Special with Charles Gibson → Watch on YouTube (insert correct link if different)
🗨️ Have you seen the doc or read Audition? Let Jason know your thoughts—DM or tag him!
⭐️ If you enjoy Life After News, leave a 5-star review and share it with someone who grew up watching Barbara (or interviewing like her). Until next time…
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.