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
🎙️ 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.