Episodes
Jan. 15, 2025
E12 Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) Mental Health Initiatives: Insights from Tara Puckey & Christen DeBard
Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon talks with Radio Television Digital News Association's (RTDNA) Tara Puckey and Christen DeBard about the importance of mental health support in newsrooms, emphasizing the need for a supportive and empathetic culture. They explore innovative self-care practices at conferences, the significance of building relationships within teams, and the implementation of mental health strategies. The discussion also touches on future initiatives for mental health awareness.
Guests: Tara Puckey , Christen DeBard
Jan. 8, 2025
E11 The Resilient Newsroom: Agile and Appreciative Techniques with Ute Korinth
In this conversation, Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon and Ute Korinth discuss the pressing challenges faced by journalists today, emphasizing the importance of mental health, resilience, and compassionate leadership in the newsroom. They explore agile methods as tools for fostering collaboration and trust among team members, and highlight the need for safe spaces where journalists can express their vulnerabilities. The discussion also touches on the role of leadership in supporting mental health initiatives and the importance of advocacy for journalists' rights and wellbeing.
Guest: Ute Korinth
Dec. 31, 2024
E10: Kristen Hare’s Blueprint for Work-Life Chemistry at the Poynter Institute
In this conversation, Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon and Kristen Hare explore the importance of understanding personal drivers in decision-making, the shift to remote teaching in journalism, and innovative training approaches. They discuss success stories from the Work-Life Chemistry program, emphasizing the need for humanizing leadership in journalism. The conversation concludes with insights into the future directions of the program and the significance of compassionate leadership.
Guest: Kristen Hare
Dec. 25, 2024
E09 Emma Thomasson on Journalism Wellbeing: Addressing Burnout and Exploring Peer Support Solutions
In this conversation, Emma Thomasson shares her journey through burnout in the high-pressure world of journalism and the importance of peer support networks. She discusses her transition to leadership coaching, emphasizing the need for cultural change within newsrooms to support mental health and well-being. The conversation highlights the significance of role modeling healthy work practices, the value of vulnerability in leadership, and the essence of compassionate leadership in creating supportive environments for journalists.
Guest: Emma Thomasson
Dec. 18, 2024
E08 Shaping Resilient Newsrooms: Strategies from the American Press Institute
In this episode of The Compassionate Newsroom, Host Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon speaks with the American Press Institute's Sam Ragland, Vice President of Journalism Programs, and Emily Ristow, Director of Local News Transformation, to discuss the importance of cultivating a compassionate culture in journalism. They explore mental health conversations, the significance of reflection and delegation, and successful programs that promote well-being in newsrooms. The conversation also highlights resource...
Guests: Emily Ristow , Sam Ragland
Dec. 11, 2024
E07: Embracing Vulnerability: The Path to Authentic Leadership
In this episode, Dr. Kortni explores the transformative power of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership. Drawing insights from Yaza Jagiellowicz's article, she emphasizes how sharing our true selves can enhance connections, boost morale, and improve overall well-being. Dr. Kortni shares personal experiences and practical steps for leaders to incorporate vulnerability into their daily lives, fostering a culture of trust and compassion in the workplace. Takeaways Vulnerability and authentic...
Dec. 8, 2024
E06: Leading with Kindness: How Self-Compassion Enhances Leadership
In this episode, Dr. Kortni Alston-Lemon discusses the significance of self-compassion in leadership, particularly within the journalism field. She emphasizes how self-compassion enhances emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to lead with kindness. Dr. Kortni shares practical strategies for incorporating self-compassion into leadership styles, including meditation, self-reflection, and compassionate communication. The conversation highlights the transformative power of self-compassion in fostering a positive workplace culture and improving team engagement.
Nov. 27, 2024
E05: A Season of Thanks: Cultivating Gratitude in the Newsroom
In this conversation, Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon discusses the significance of positive thinking and gratitude in enhancing workplace well-being, particularly in journalism. She emphasizes the transformative power of gratitude practices in leadership and team dynamics, providing structured methods for integrating gratitude into meetings and professional routines. The discussion highlights how fostering a culture of appreciation can improve morale, resilience, and overall mental health in the workplace.
Nov. 20, 2024
E04: Leadership that Listens – Dr. Karen Ladley on Servant Leadership
In this conversation, Dr. Karen discusses the importance of empathy, open communication, and compassionate leadership in education and journalism. She emphasizes the need for understanding and support in challenging times, particularly in the context of mental health reporting and the well-being of journalists. The discussion highlights the significance of creating a supportive environment that values people over workplaces, fostering resilience and trust among team members.
Guest: Dr. Karen Ladley
Nov. 13, 2024
E02: Creating an Empathetic-Centered Newsroom with Poynter’s Kerwin Speight
Summary In this conversation, Kerwin Speight shares his insights on compassionate leadership in journalism, emphasizing the importance of empathy, self-care, and team well-being. He discusses the challenges faced during the pandemic, the need for connection in remote work environments, and the initiatives being implemented by Poynter to support mental health in newsrooms. The discussion highlights the evolving nature of leadership and the significance of understanding and caring for team members...
Guest: Kerwin Speight
Nov. 13, 2024
E01: The Compassionate Newsroom: A New Era in Journalism
Overview Welcome to the inaugural episode of "The Compassionate Newsroom" podcast. Today, Dr. Kortni Alston, a former television reporter and news director turned happiness scholar, introduces the concept of a compassionate newsroom. This episode sets the stage for understanding why building such an environment is not just beneficial but essential for the sustainability of our profession. Key Points Discussed: The Importance of Compassion in Journalism: How compassion can revolutionize wo...
Nov. 12, 2024
E03: Empathy as a Core Value: How Marie Torres is Shaping Newsroom Culture
In this conversation, Dr. Kortni and Marie Torres explore the vital role of compassionate leadership in the newsroom and beyond. They discuss the importance of recognizing individual gifts within teams, creating psychological safety, and the necessity of self-care for leaders. Marie shares insights on Spectrum News' initiatives to support journalist well-being, the impact of community and professional organizations like NABJ, and the significance of storytelling with compassion during crises. Th...
Guest: Marie Torres
Sept. 30, 2024
The Compassionate Newsroom Launch: Transforming Journalism Well-Being Together
Show Notes for The Compassionate Newsroom Podcast Trailer Introduction: Welcome to the trailer for "The Compassionate Newsroom," hosted by Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon. Discover a podcast where journalism meets empathy, designed to empower news leaders and journalists with strategies for a healthier, more supportive workplace. About Your Host: Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon is a happiness scholar, former news director, and seasoned journalist with extensive experience in markets like Philadelphia, Houston,...