The Lead

CNN’s Grace Walker on finding her storytelling voice

How do you find your personal audio voice, and what goes into great audio stories? Grace Walker, an Associate Producer at CNN Audio and a graduate of UGA’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, answers in this episode. Plus, how she unexpectedly came into audio storytelling from a background in digital reporting, and how the virtual workspace has changed the way she views collaboration.

The AJC‘s Tyler Estep on covering communities and maintaining the human connection

How do you approach covering evictions, and how do you maintain the human connection with your sources? Tyler Estep from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has the answers in this episode. Plus, why it's important to have widespread county coverage, and his advice for people looking to break in to the journalism industry. 

UGA’s Kyser Lough on trends in photojournalism and studying the visual communications field

What trends are we seeing in photojournalism today, and why is it important to study visual communication as a profession? Dr. Kyser Lough from the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication has the answers in this episode. Plus, a discussion on solutions journalism and his advice for people considering continuing their education beyond their undergrad.

WSB-TV‘s Maureen Sheeran on the investigative reporting process

What does it take to produce an Emmy award-winning investigation, and why does investigative reporting matter? Atlanta's WSB-TV Investigative and Special Projects Producer Maureen Sheeran answers, plus, she shares her networking strategies and her advice for people looking to jumpstart their journalism career.

Season 11 Trailer: Welcome Back!

Welcome to a new season of The Lead, a podcast about how to get ahead in the news industry from the people who did. This season we're going to continue bringing you stories from seasoned news professionals, where we'll dive into how they broke into the journalism world and hear their advice for aspiring media professionals. New episodes begin on Wednesday, September 8.

Hosted by Kyra Posey, and executive produced by Keith Herndon, Ph.D.

BONUS: Introducing Kyra Posey as host

In this season 10 bonus episode, Caroline Odom passes the microphone to incoming host, Kyra Posey. Kyra will host seasons 11 and 12 of The Lead in her role as the Morris Chair in News Strategy and Management graduate assistant. Kyra tells us about her decision to pursue a master’s degree in journalism, what she will bring to The Lead, and why leadership matters in the journalism industry. 

Michelle McLoughlin on photography and storytelling

In this episode, independent photographer Michelle McLoughlin joins us to talk about shifts in technology, covering personal and traumatic events, and offers advice on working as an independent contractor. She also shares tips on storytelling that apply to any medium.

Will Carr on preparing for pressure

This episode features Will Carr, an ABC News Correspondent based in Los Angeles, California. Will talks about covering the California wildfires in 2020 and how he prepares to report on dangerous situations. He also shares how he found a passion for broadcast journalism, his approach to work-life balance and the importance of critical thinking and adaptability.

 

Ralitsa Vassileva on communicating well

In this episode, UGA lecturer of journalism and former anchor with CNN International  Ralitsa Vassileva joins us to talk about her career journey reporting for diverse audiences, offer advice communicating well and share her interest in sustainability.

Greg Bluestein (Part 2/2) on impeachment and insurrection

In the second episode of our two-episode conversation, Greg Bluestein of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution continues to find the local angle on national stories like the impeachment of former President Donald Trump and the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol. He also tells us more about the book publishing process and offers advice on dealing with controversy.