The Lead

Emily Curl on chasing a dream

In this episode, digital host at iHeartRadio and Grady alumna Emily Curl talks about setting a goal and pursuing it in New York City. She also discusses the importance of being adaptable and shares how she has found purpose in unexpected circumstances.

Josina Guess on becoming a writer

In this episode, Josina Guess, managing editor of The Bitter Southerner, shares her journey of becoming a writer and joining the Bitter Southerner in December 2019. Josina discusses the value of long-form and reflective writing to help us consider different perspectives, and she invites us to take the first step in trying something new.

Jacqueline Howard on covering a pandemic

In this episode, CNN Health reporter Jacquline Howard shares her experience covering the Covid-19 pandemic. Jacquline discusses the challenges of analyzing scientific data, tracking medical studies and battling misinformation, and she also talks about the importance of clear communication and shares where she finds her silver linings.

Sue Ellen Christian on media literacy

In this first episode of Season 9, Professor Sue Ellen Christian of Western Michigan University joins host Caroline Odom to talk about concepts from her book, “Everyday Media Literacy: An Analog Guide for Your Digital Life.” Professor Christian shares why media literacy matters for journalism students and how the power of the story will always win the day.

BONUS: Introducing a new host

In this Season 8 bonus episode, Charlotte Norsworthy and Keith Herndon, director of the Cox Institute for  Journalism Innovation, Management & Leadership at the University of Georgia, celebrate Norsworthy's work as host, discuss her transition to producer and introduce The Lead's new host for seasons 9 and 10, Caroline Odom. 

Tanya Sichynsky on the flavors of food journalism

In this episode, Charlotte Norsworthy talks to Grady grad Tanya Sichynsky, a newsletter editor at The Washington Post and the author of Meal Plan of Action, a 12-week email series that helps readers plan, prep and cook more efficiently. In this episode we discuss the importance of culture journalism and how food news can bring people together. This episode also marks the final episode of Season 8 and the final episode of Norsworthy as host.

Laura James on global cultural trends

In this episode, Grady alumna Laura James discusses her work as the commerce editor for home and travel with Discovery. She produces original articles and photo galleries on trending travel and design topics for TravelChannel.com and HGTV.com. In this episode, we discuss reporting on cultural trends and how it connects us with the world at large. 

Randy Travis on the relevance of investigative news

In this episode of The Lead, I talk to Randy Travis, a Peabody Award-winning investigative reporter for FOX 5 Atlanta. andy joined WAGA in 1990. In 1994 he moved to the station's distinguished investigative unit, the FOX 5 I-Team. Since then, his stories have led to businesses closing that misled the public, exposed government waste and corruption and even sparked criminal investigations that ultimately sent people to prison. 

Note: this episode was recorded before the outbreak of COVID-19 and its subsequent impact on the University of Georgia's operations.

David McCraw on law and liberty

In this episode of the lead, I talk to The New York Times vice president and deputy general counsel David McCraw. As deputy general counsel, David is the primary litigator for the Times and is a tireless defender of the first amendment. He also gave the 41st McGill lecture at the Grady College in 2019. In this episode, we discuss press freedom and the future of journalism internationally. 

Mariana Heredia on Fenix Journalism

In this episode, I talk to Mariana Heredia, a Grady alumna and entrepreneurial journalist. We discuss her pivot to starting her own business, Fenix Journalism, which is centered around crowdfunded journalism.