The Compassionate Newsroom

The Compassionate Newsroom

Welcome to "The Compassionate Newsroom" podcast, hosted by Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon, a former news director and television reporter turned happiness scholar. She trains news leaders and journalists on workplace well-being fueled by positive psychology. This podcast provides essential insights for news leaders and journalists on fostering resilience and compassion within the media industry. Join Dr. Kortni as she explores effective strategies to manage stress, mindfulness, and foster a positive workplace. With expert interviews, actionable tips, and evidence-based strategies this podcast is a must-listen for news professionals seeking to create a supportive and thriving workplace. Tune in to transform your newsroom environment. Subscribe now to catch every episode and start leading the change in journalism.

Episodes

January 22, 2025 35 mins

Summary

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon and Beverly White Higgs delve into the transformative impact of compassion in journalism, focusing on the challenges faced during natural disasters such as the Southern California wildfires. They explore the crucial role of mental health support for journalists, discussing the evolution of newsroom culture towards prioritizing the psychological safety and wel...

Mark as Played

Summary

In this conversation, Eden Fineday and Dr. Kortni discuss the importance of building trust and safe spaces in journalism, particularly for Indigenous voices. They explore embracing one's identity, the significance of self-care, and incorporating Indigenous values into newsroom culture. The dialogue emphasizes the need for compassionate leadership and the impact of trauma-informed practices in journalism, ultimately...

Mark as Played

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 a...

Mark as Played

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 ...

Mark as Played

Summary

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 o...

Mark as Played

Summary

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 vulnerabi...

Mark as Played

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 ...

Mark as Played

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 tru...

Mark as Played

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 communica...

Mark as Played

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 appreciati...

Mark as Played

Summary

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 ...

Mark as Played

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 le...

Mark as Played

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:

 

    ...
Mark as Played

Summary

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 organization...

Mark as Played

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 seaso...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Today’s Latest News In 4 Minutes. Updated Hourly.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.