Informed Reporting

Dr. Gretchen Hoak | Specialist in Journalist Wellbeing
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Listen each week as Dr. Gretchen Hoak, former TV journalist, researcher, and professor, talks with other researchers, working journalists, and newsroom managers about mental health, newsroom culture, and journalist wellbeing. This podcast connects the real world with what academic research shows about life as a journalist and the toll the stress can take. From local journalist to national correspondent, we talk about the consequences of covering the trauma that makes the headlines and leads the newscasts. If you want to join the conversation and learn about how we can use research to make the news industry better and keep good journalists in the field where we need them, then this podcast is for you. Follow us on Instagram @informedreportingpodcast, or email us at informedreportingpodcast@gmail.com.

الحلقات

  1. "Disaster Journalism" with Dr. Mimi Perreault

    قبل يومين

    "Disaster Journalism" with Dr. Mimi Perreault

    Description: On this episode, I team up with Dr. Mimi Perreault from the University of South Florida to talk all things disaster reporting. We dig into the vital role journalists play before, during and after natural disaster hits, as well as how to build relationships with your community that pay dividends in the aftermath. We also discuss how coverage of the victims can lead to meaningful change despite those stories being the most difficult to do. Dr. Perreault has been fascinated by natural disaster since she was a child, and I hope you find her information fascinating as well! Chapter List: 00:00 Intro 01:18 A Career Dictated by Disaster 04:11 The Vital Role of Journalists During Disaster 08:01 Journalists are also a part of the Community during Disaster 11:31 Misinformation and Hurricane Helene 16:00 Journalists and PIOs during Disaster 20:04 Thoughtful Selection of Stories during Disaster 22:41 Creating Relationships Prior to Disaster 25:48 Reporting on and Supporting a Community 28:06 The Role of Journalists in Disaster Recovery 31:51 Thoughtful Coverage of Victims 35:40 The Importance of Positive Storytelling 38:17 Stories can have lasting impact 43:20 News Deserts and Connecting with your Community 45:36 Coping with Disaster as a Journalist 48:55 How to Connect with Dr. Perreault 49:19 Closing   Show Notes: Learn more about Dr. Mimi Perreault here. Follow her on Instagram: @mediatingmimi Her articles we spoke about: Perreault, M. F. (2026). The dynamic between journalists and disaster communicators: Best practices in crisis and disaster information sharing. Journal of Applied Communication Research, 54(1), 70–78. https://doi.org/10.1080/00909882.2025.2573959 Walsh, J. F., & Perreault, M. (2023). What’s with the water: The nature of reporting on the problem of nitrates in Nebraska. Newspaper Research Journal, 44(1), 53-70. https://doi.org/10.1177/07395329221143381 Perreault, M. (2021). Journalism Beyond the Command Post: Local Journalists as Strategic Citizen Stakeholders in Natural Disaster Recovery. Journalism Studies, 22(10), 1279–1297. https://doi.org/10.1080/1461670X.2021.1950565 Other resources mentioned: Local News Go-Bag Toolkit: https://rjionline.org/news/introducing-the-local-news-go-bag-toolkit/ Global Center for Journalism and Trauma: https://gcjt.org/ Journalism Education and Trauma Research Group (JETREG): https://jetreg.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk/

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  2. "From Pandemic to Protests" with Anna Huntsman

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    "From Pandemic to Protests" with Anna Huntsman

    Description It’s never easy starting out in your first job as a reporter, but trying doing it right as a historic pandemic takes hold of the country. Follow that up with two police-involved fatal shootings, and you have the first few years of Anna Huntsman’s journalism career at Ideastream Public Radio in Cleveland, Ohio. In this episode, she talks candidly about how hard her first years were and how she coped with everything from isolation to protests and bodycam footage. She also shares valuable lessons for new and younger journalists, plus some of her favorite stories. Chapters 00:00 Show Open 01:15 Anna Welcome 01:49 Anna's Career Journey 03:25 Falling in Love with Audio Storytelling 05:40 New Reporter Covering the Pandemic 08:27 Life without a Newsroom 11:06 Navigating a Pandemic 12:45 From a Pandemic to Civil Unrest 16:14 High Stress/High Emotion as a New Reporter 19:37 Another Police-Involved Shooting 21:55 Reporting on Graphic Body Cam Footage 23:37 Staying Focused on the Role 24:55 Coping with the Emotional Burden 26:51 Finding Joy in Hobbies 30:04 Lessons Learned about Boundaries and Capacity 35:20 Reflecting on Growth 38:54 Reflecting on Best Work 43:31 Conclusion Show Notes Anna’s Bio: https://www.ideastream.org/news/people/anna-huntsman Anna’s Series, “Hidden History”: https://www.ideastream.org/hidden-history On Instagram: @ideastreamneo Anna’s Story “Wooster Woman Shares Barriers Deaf Immigrants Face in Citizenship Process”: https://www.ideastream.org/community/2025-03-03/journey-is-not-yet-over-wooster-woman-shares-barriers-deaf-immigrants-face-in-citizenship-process Names/Organizations/Events Mentioned: Kent State University School of Media and Journalism: www.kent.edu/mdj News21 Fellowship: https://news21.com/join-our-team/ Amanda Rabinowitz: https://www.ideastream.org/news/people/amanda-rabinowitz 2022 – Jayland Walker: https://www.ideastream.org/tags/jayland-walker 2024 – Jazmir Tucker: https://www.ideastream.org/tags/jazmir-tucker

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  3. "Black Journalists and the Trauma of Covering George Floyd" with Dr. Denetra Walker

    ٢٧ أبريل

    "Black Journalists and the Trauma of Covering George Floyd" with Dr. Denetra Walker

    Description In this episode, Dr. Denetra Walker breaks down the findings of her study, “’I saw a modern-day lynching’ – Black Journalists’ experiences of trauma #reportingwhileblack,” which was published in Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly in 2025. She provides a fascinating look into the emotional trauma the story caused for her study participants, plus the delicate balancing act Black journalists faced while reporting under such volatile conditions. It’s an eye-opening look into how journalists of color navigated such a racially polarizing story. Chapters 00:00 Open 01:06 Intro to Dr. Denetra Walker 05:17 Academia is NOT like News! 07:09 Why did she do her study? 10:00 Black Journalists' Reactions to the Video of George Floyd 14:02 The Emotional Toll of Covering Black Deaths 15:58 Black Journalists' Struggle with the Decision to Watch the Video 18:18 Contributions of Newsroom Culture 21:16 Needing a Break but not wanting to Take One 26:37 The Compounding of Emotional Burden 27:56 Black Journalists and Extreme Self-Monitoring 33:14 Black Journalists Caught in the Middle 35:28 Seeking Emotional Support 36:53 The Pursuit of "Objectivity" 40:15 The Personal Connection in Storytelling 43:09 More on Extreme Self-Monitoring 46:06 Added Pressure and Trauma Symptoms 47:37 Bringing Research to the Classroom 52:04 Bringing Research to the Newsroom 56:38 George Floyd Still Resonates 58:11 Future Research Directions 01:01:51 Closing Show Notes Learn more about Dr. Denetra Walker here. Contact Dr. Walker: DenetraWalker@uga.edu Article Citation: Walker, D. (2025). “I Saw a Modern-Day Lynching”: Black Journalists’ Experiences of Trauma #ReportingWhileBlack. Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly (online first August 27, 2025), DOI: 10.1177/10776990251361797

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  4. "It's Okay to Talk About PTSD" with Former ABC News Producer Jesus Ayala

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    "It's Okay to Talk About PTSD" with Former ABC News Producer Jesus Ayala

    Description Jesus Ayala was an award-winning TV news producer with ABC News before becoming a broadcast journalism professor (where he continues to win awards).  In this episode, he speaks candidly about his battle with complex PTSD that eventually drove him from journalism, and how he now uses his experience to help better prepare his students and other journalists for the potential dangers of the job. He also offers key takeaways from his study of journalists who covered the Uvalde school shooting on how to recognize if trauma is taking its toll on you. Chapter List 00:00 Introduction to the Journey 01:17 From National TV News to Academia 05:38 Battling Complex PTSD 10:35 Difficulty Finding Support at Work 14:16 Emotional Numbing as Coping 15:20 The Path to Recovery 19:17 Too Good to get a Needed Break 22:15 Industry Challenges to Trauma Awareness 25:18 Why Study Uvalde? 29:24 Study Results: Physical Symptoms of Trauma 33:27 Study Results: Evolution of Symptoms Over Time 36:30 Study Results: Compassion Fatigue and Guilt 39:58 Study Results: Journalists Don't Need Permission to Feel 42:46 Best Practices for Newsrooms: Debriefing 47:22 Incorporating Research in the Classroom 49:08 The Importance of Mindfulness Techniques 51:27 What's next for his research? 54:06 How to Connect with Jose 54:44 Conclusion Show Notes Jesus Ayala Bio One Year in Uvalde: Mapping Journalists' Trauma Responses in the Aftermath of a Mass Shooting

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  5. "Learning from the Victims" with Dr. Lisa Krantz

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    "Learning from the Victims" with Dr. Lisa Krantz

    In this episode of Informed Reporting, Dr. Lisa Krantz discusses her transition from an award-winning career in journalism to academia, focusing on the intersection of journalism and trauma. She shares her experiences covering mass shootings, particularly in Sutherland Springs and Uvalde, and the emotional toll it takes on journalists. The discussion highlights findings from her dissertation that included interviewing both the victims from Uvalde and the journalists who covered them. She emphasizes the importance of building trust with communities, the need for trauma-informed journalism education, and the myth of maintaining objectivity in the face of tragedy. Chapters 00:00 Opening 01:10 Introduction 03:13 Trauma & Journalism - Sutherland Springs 06:43 Discovering a Curiosity for Trauma Research 10:14 Research Focus: Uvalde Mass Shooting 13:24 Revisiting Uvalde 17:20 Research Findings: Victims' Experience 22:17 Not All Journalists are the Same 24:15 Research Findings: Journalists' Experience 29:07 Do journalists know they can be traumatized? 32:09 The Myth of Objectivity 40:32 Training and Education 48:26 Conclusion 49:51 Close Show Notes For more information on the Ochberg Fellowship: https://gcjt.org/programs/fellowships For more information on the Nieman Fellowship: https://nieman.harvard.edu/fellowships/ The Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma is now known as the Global Center for Journalism and Trauma: https://gcjt.org/ Learn more about Dr. Krant’z Pulitzer Prize: https://www.umt.edu/news/2024/05/051424puli.php To learn more about Dr. Kratz’s Photojournalism: https://www.lisakrantz.com/

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  6. "Lessons Learned from an Unconventional Career Path" with Stephanie Weaver

    ٦ أبريل

    "Lessons Learned from an Unconventional Career Path" with Stephanie Weaver

    Description: In this candid conversation, Meteorologist and Journalist Stephanie Weaver talks about her successes and challenges in her career, balancing work and home as a mom, covering the LA wildfires in 2025, and learning to be her own best advocate. She also talks about her podcast, “I am Not a Weather Girl,” and offers advice for journalists who are new to the field. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:07 Getting to Know Stephanie Weaver 02:33 Her Winding Path to Journalism 05:17 Starting off in Film Making 06:27 Sometimes it's not a straight path 07:39 Adding Meteorology to the Mix 12:21 Covering the Los Angeles Wildfires 16:42 Balancing Emotions in Reporting 20:56 How the Fires Compared to Other Stories 23:50 Challenges of Perfectionism and Identity 27:10 Managing Anxiety 29:55 Embracing Change and Career Pivots 31:05 The Transition to Parenthood and Professional Life 34:02 Shifting Perspectives as a Parent 36:03 Managing Anxiety in High-Stress Environments 38:34 Finding Work-Life Balance as a Journalist 40:02 Advocating for Yourself in Your Career 41:56 Lessons Learned 44:25 Navigating Career Setbacks and Uncertainties 46:42 "I am not a Weather Girl" Podcast 49:21 Journalists are Humans, Too 50:41 Looking Ahead 51:38 Conclusion Show Notes Stephanie Weaver Bio - https://www.livenowfox.com/person/w/stephanie-weaver I am Not a Weather Girl Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-not-a-weather-girl-podcast/id1800807293 Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py5UrDpav80 Instagram: @stephweaverTV

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  7. "Journalists and Moral Injury" with Dr. Kari James

    ٣٠ مارس

    "Journalists and Moral Injury" with Dr. Kari James

    Description Dr. Kari James is an accomplished clinician, researcher, educator and advocate for resilience after trauma. In this fascinating conversation, we dig into her main area of research – moral injury – and how it applies to journalists. We talk about what causes moral injury and how it’s different from, but often confused with, PTSD. We also talk about symptoms and how to build resilience against moral injury, along with what newsrooms and journalism education programs can do to help. I hope you enjoy this really interesting episode filled with a lot of actionable information and tools. Kari was a pleasure to talk with and she deserves special thanks for working through a 15-hour time difference to get this episode recorded! Chapter List 00:00 Introduction 02:55 How she began to study Moral Injury 04:31 Moral Injury Defined 06:42 Moral Injury and PTSD are not the same 08:36 Origins of Moral Injury Research 11:01 Causes of Moral Injury 15:44 Symptoms of Moral Injury 17:40 The Evolution of Moral Injury Symptoms 21:12 The Importance of Debriefing 21:45 Differences in Treatment 31:43 Consequences of Failing to Seek Treatment 35:45 Susceptibility to Moral Injury 37:37 Moral Injury and Identity 45:10 Organizational Support and Moral Injury 47:20 Factors Influencing Resilience 49:13 Seeking Treatment 52:25 The Importance of Open Dialogue 55:30 Future Research Directions in Moral Injury 56:49 Conclusion Show Notes Mission Resilient with Dr. Kari James - https://missionresilient.com/ Dr. Kari James LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kari-james-61a7b9299/ Follow Dr. Kari James on Instagram - @drkarijames Global Center for Journalism and Trauma - https://gcjt.org/ Center of Excellence for Trauma Research and Policy - https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/

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  8. "Learning the Tools" with journalist and professor Charlie Scudder

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    "Learning the Tools" with journalist and professor Charlie Scudder

    Description Charlie Scudder is an award-winning journalist from Dallas, Texas. He’s covered many tragedies including the 2016 Dallas police shootings, the 2019 shooting spree in Midland-Odessa, and the school shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde in 2022. In this episode Charlie candidly discusses his struggles with mental health because of his work, and the tools he learned to use to keep him healthy and able to continue doing important journalism. He also talks about how he applies his experiences to his teaching at Southern Methodist University. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to understand more about how journalists can struggle with mental health and the best ways to deal with it. Chapter list 00:00 Charlie Scudder's Background and Career 03:27 Covering the 2016 Dallas Shootings 07:40 Charlie's Trauma Journey 12:26 Escalating Symptoms of Trauma Exposure 15:24 The Role of Newsrooms 17:51 Seeking Help for Trauma Exposure 22:24 Journalists Are First Responders 26:18 Covering Uvalde 31:48 Learning the Tools for Resilience 34:50 Trauma Informed Journalism Education 40:08 Advice for Journalists 43:54 Charlie's Other Projects 51:01 Conclusion Show Notes Charlie’s Bio https://www.smu.edu/meadows/areasofstudy/journalism/faculty/scuddercharlie Check out Charlie’s work on Seasons 2 & 4 of “The Unforgotten” Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-unforgotten/id1752378130 https://open.spotify.com/show/6eTkJLdWysymSWKLQd9R5z Follow Charlie on Instagram - @cscudder15 Other mentions in the podcast Global Center for Journalism and Trauma https://gcjt.org/ Dallas Morning News Coverage of the 2016 Police Shootings https://www.pulitzer.org/finalists/staff-190

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  9. "Let's Talk about Trauma" with Dr. Adrienne Garvey

    ١٧ مارس

    "Let's Talk about Trauma" with Dr. Adrienne Garvey

    Description In this inaugural episode of the “Informed Reporting” podcast, Drs. Gretchen Hoak and Adrienne Garvey explore the often-overlooked issue of trauma in journalism, discussing personal experiences, coping mechanisms, and the role of academia in addressing these challenges. The conversation highlights the importance of peer support, the impact of newsroom culture, and the need for mental health resources. They also discuss innovative approaches like therapy dogs in newsrooms and the necessity of integrating trauma education into journalism training programs. Chapter List 00:00 Getting to know Dr. Garvey 03:17 Unpacking Trauma in the Newsroom 07:18 Dr. Garvey's Introduction to Trauma Research 09:52 Trauma is Not Just for War Journalists 14:03 Coping Mechanisms 21:14 Newsroom Culture 23:01 Who doesn't love dogs? 28:44 Teaching Trauma Literacy 37:23 Closing 38:27 Credits Show Notes Links to studies and information mentioned during the show: 2006 Amish school Shooting – Lancaster, PA Freinkel, Koopman and Spiegel (1994) Dissociative Symptoms in Media Eyewitnesses of an Execution. Dworznik and Garvey (2019) Are we teaching trauma? Anderson and Bourke (2020) Teaching collegiate journalists how to cover traumatic events using Moral Development Theory Newman, Madrigal and Hight (2023) The inconsistency of trauma-related journalism education goals and instruction Aoki, et al. (2012) Mental illness among journalists: A systematic review Pyevich, et al. (2003) The relationship among cognitive schemas, job-related traumatic exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder in journalists

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  10. مقطع ترويجي

    Trailer - Informed Reporting

    Coming March 16, a new podcast for journalists, journalism students and educators. Join host Dr. Gretchen Hoak, former reporter turned journalism professor, to talk candidly about what it's like to chase the story. Each week, hear from researchers, professors, and working journalists about the harder parts of the job that journalists don't get trained for.

    **ASE.Web.Podcasts.Duration.Minute.two**

مقطع ترويجي

حول

Listen each week as Dr. Gretchen Hoak, former TV journalist, researcher, and professor, talks with other researchers, working journalists, and newsroom managers about mental health, newsroom culture, and journalist wellbeing. This podcast connects the real world with what academic research shows about life as a journalist and the toll the stress can take. From local journalist to national correspondent, we talk about the consequences of covering the trauma that makes the headlines and leads the newscasts. If you want to join the conversation and learn about how we can use research to make the news industry better and keep good journalists in the field where we need them, then this podcast is for you. Follow us on Instagram @informedreportingpodcast, or email us at informedreportingpodcast@gmail.com.

المعلومات

  • صناع العمل
    Dr. Gretchen Hoak | Specialist in Journalist Wellbeing
  • سنوات النشاط
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  • الحلقات
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  • التقييم
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  • حقوق النشر
    © 2026 Dr. Gretchen Hoak | Specialist in Journalist Wellbeing
  • موقع البرنامج على الويب
    Informed Reporting