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
🎙️ Sharon Tay on the Good and the Bad of the TV Business.
An anchor from KCBS, KCAL, KTLA, and MSNBC, Sharon, gets candid about the shocking call from HR at Trader Joe's 🛒, the darker side of TV news, and her thriving career selling luxury real estate with the Altman Brothers. This is a conversation you won't want to miss.
The Shocking Layoff at Trader Joe's 🤯
🎧Sharon opens up about the moment her 13-year career at KCBS ended unexpectedly during the 2020 pandemic layoffs. She shares the raw emotions of receiving the news while grocery shopping and the surprising feeling of being "speechless." She also reflects on how the experience pushed her toward a new path.
📺 The Dark Side of TV News
Sharon discusses the double standards and mistreatment she faced as a young, on-air personality. She recounts how her lively morning show persona was a "blessing and a curse," leading to public ridicule and a lack of support from management. Sharon reveals how a personal comment from her mother ultimately led her to leave Los Angeles for a fresh start.
From Anchor to Agent: A New Chapter 🏡
After a successful second act in journalism, Sharon found her "life after news" in real estate. She talks about why she left the industry for good, her initial struggles with the career change, and how she's leveraged her communication skills and work ethic to succeed in the high-stakes world of luxury real estate. She shares what it's like to work with the Altman Brothers, likening the experience to a high-stakes blend of "Fast Five" and "Succession."
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Adaptability is key: Sharon's journey from broadcast journalism to luxury real estate shows that professional skills and a strong work ethic are transferable across industries.
- The importance of a fresh start: Sharon's move to the East Coast helped her rediscover her value and reclaim her identity after facing personal and professional attacks.
- Teamwork makes the dream work: Whether in a newsroom or a real estate firm, Sharon emphasizes the importance of a strong, collaborative team to achieve success.
🗣️ CTA & Social
Want to hear more stories of life beyond the news desk? Listen to the full episode and subscribe to Life After News at lifeafternews.com
What was your biggest takeaway from Sharon's story? Let us know in the comments! 👇
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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.