The Compassionate Newsroom

Join Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon as she explores the intersection of positive psychology and journalism. Discover how positivity isn't about ignoring challenges but building resilience through frameworks like PERMA. Dr. Kortni shares personal stories and insights on how journalists can thrive amidst the emotional weight of their work.

Key Points:

Understanding positivity beyond "Pollyanna" and its role in resilience. The PERMA framework: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement. Personal anecdotes from Dr. Kortni's journey in journalism and the support of her newsroom community. Practical exercises like the "Three Good Things" to enhance well-being.

Takeaway: Reflect on what brings you hope, joy, or gratitude today, and share appreciation with your team.

Call to Action: Visit thecompassionatenewsroom.com to leave a voicemail for Dr. Kortni and express your interest in a PERMA webinar.

Summary

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon reflects on her personal journey of grief following the loss of her mentor and friend, Rose Tibayan. As she navigates her emotions, she emphasizes the importance of pausing to honor one's feelings and the impact of grief on journalists. Dr. Kortni shares the profound lessons learned from Rose's life, her legacy of compassion, and the significance of supporting one another through loss. This episode serves as a reminder that healing is an integral part of the work we do, especially in the field of journalism.

Takeaways

It's okay to pause and feel what needs to be felt.
Grief is not something you just get over; it's something you grow through.
Living by the values of compassion and strength is essential.
You don't have to carry grief alone; support is available.
Honoring your grief is an act of strength, not weakness.
Your well-being is your most important job as a journalist.
Rose Tibayan's legacy continues to inspire and uplift others.
Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is to give ourselves permission to pause.
Mentorship can have a profound impact on personal and professional growth.
Grief can deepen your compassion for others.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Personal Loss and Grief
09:30 Honoring a Legacy: Rose Tobin's Impact

Rose Tibayan Scholarship Fund 

Rose Tibayan was an award-winning broadcast journalist and devoted member of the Asian American Journalists Association, who always sought to help younger journalists  grow and find success. Rose even wrote the book on the topic: “The Resume Tape Book,” a 700-page job-hunting guide for broadcast media that has helped countless people build their careers. And Rose knew the ropes, climbing the career ladder from TV markets in Guam, to Fort Myers, New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Milwaukee before settling down in Chicago, with her husband, Don Villar, the Secretary-Treasurer of the Chicago Federation of Labor — whom she met at an AAJA conference.   Rose passed away in 2024 after a 14-month battle with cancer, but her legacy as a mentor and supporter of young AAPI journalists and AAJA will continue with the Rose Tibayan Scholarship Fund.   Your generous gift during our fundraising drive will help us build an endowment to provide scholarships to support students and early-career journalists as they navigate a difficult industry.   Donate via PayPal with a message saying "Rose Tibayan Scholarship Fund" https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick...   Donate via check made payable to “AAJA Chicago” and mailed to: Chicago Federation of Labor Attn: AAJA/Tibayan Scholarship, 180 N Stetson Ave Chicago, IL 60601   Rose Tibayan Scholarship Facebook Page

In this deeply personal and timely episode of The Compassionate Newsroom, Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon — happiness scholar, former news director, and the great-granddaughter of a slave — reflects on the meaning of Juneteenth through the lens of compassion, resilience, and justice.

From her early reporting days in Houston covering Juneteenth on Galveston Island, to her ongoing work shaping mental health and well-being in journalism, Dr. Lemon invites listeners into a space of remembrance, healing, and leadership. She also honors the legacy of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who appointed Dr. Lemon to the Carter Center's Mental Health Journalism Fellowship advisory board and inspired her with the words:

“Do what you can to show you care about others, and you will make our world a better place.” — Rosalynn Carter

This episode is a call to action for journalists, changemakers, and news leaders who believe in the power of empathy to shape a more just world.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Why Juneteenth remains a powerful marker of Black freedom, education, and dignity

How compassionate leadership challenges systems of harm

What journalists and newsroom leaders can do to honor Juneteenth with intentionality

A mindfulness reflection inspired by Self-Compassion author Dr. Kristin Neff

Why your well-being is your most important job — and how to honor it.

In this episode of The Compassionate Newsroom, Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon explores the rising crisis of burnout among journalists and newsroom leaders. Drawing from the latest research conducted by the Reynolds Journalism Institute, Dr. Kortni shares insights about the widespread impact of burnout across the profession, the culture of silence that surrounds it, and the systemic challenges that perpetuate it. She also offers practical, evidence-based strategies for creating more compassionate, sustainable newsroom environments.

How burnout is affecting both journalists and newsroom leaders

Key findings from RJI's research on burnout in journalism

Cultural factors that contribute to burnout in the industry

Tangible steps for fostering psychological safety and well-being in newsrooms

Reynolds Journalism Institute’s burnout research

The KALM Institute for Workplace Wellbeing: www.kalminstitute.org

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for news professionals waitlist 

Follow us on LinkedIn: The Compassionate Newsroom Podcast Network

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Compassionate Journalism
02:51 Understanding Burnout in Journalism
06:18 The Impact of Burnout on the Industry
07:39 Strategies for Addressing Burnout
10:56 Creating a Culture of Wellbeing

Show Notes:
This week, we’re pressing pause—but with purpose.

There’s no new episode of The Compassionate Newsroom today because we’re practicing what we preach: self-care. Rest is a vital part of well-being, and sometimes the most compassionate choice is to take a step back and recharge.

But don’t worry—we’ll be back next week with another powerful conversation to support you and your newsroom.

In the meantime, this is a perfect opportunity to catch up—or better yet, binge—past episodes filled with insights, inspiration, and real-world strategies to help you create a happier, healthier newsroom.

🎧 Browse past episodes and rediscover what resonates with you
💛 Remember: self-care isn’t a detour—it’s part of the journey

🌟 Stay connected!
✔️ Follow the podcast
✔️ Leave a review if you’ve been inspired
✔️ Share your favorite episode with a friend or colleague in the industry
✔️ Join the conversation on LinkedIn: The Compassionate Newsroom Newsletter 
✔️ Explore Mental Health First Aid training and resources at the KALM Institute 

Thank you for being part of our compassionate community. We’ll see you next week!

Becoming a Mental Health First Aider in Your Newsroom
Part 3 of 3 – Mental Health First Aid Series
Hosted by Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon

In the final episode of this special three-part series, Dr. Kortni shares how Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training can transform newsrooms from the inside out. Drawing from her experience as a news director, happiness scholar, and certified MHFA Instructor, she explains how this evidence-based training equips journalists and news leaders to better recognize, respond to, and support mental health challenges within their teams.

She also introduces her nonprofit, KALM – The Kortni Alston Lemon Media Institute for Workplace Wellbeing, and how it is certifying journalists across all platforms — from TV and radio to newspapers and digital — through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

Why MHFA is a vital tool for journalists, editors, and newsroom leaders

What the training covers — from recognizing trauma to responding in crisis

How to lead with empathy using evidence-based mental health tools

Why journalist well-being is a pillar of press freedom and democracy

Signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges

How to interact with someone in a mental health crisis

How to connect someone to professional help

Expanded content on trauma, substance use, and self-care

$100 (normally $170)
Join the growing waitlist for upcoming sessions led by Dr. Kortni.

🔗 Learn More & Sign Up:

👉 www.kalminstitute.org

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health First Aid in Newsrooms
01:34 The Importance of Supporting Journalists' Wellbeing
03:39 The Birth of CALM: A Commitment to Journalists
06:09 Training for News Professionals: Mental Health First Aid
10:20 Creating Safe Spaces in Newsrooms
12:54 The Role of Mental Health First Aid in Journalism
14:22 The Connection Between Wellbeing and Journalism
16:17 Empowering Journalists Through Mental Health Support

Summary

In this second episode of our three-part series, Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon—former news director turned happiness scholar and certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor—breaks down the heart of MHFA and why it belongs in every newsroom.

You’ll learn what MHFA is (and what it isn’t), how the ALGEE action plan works, and hear powerful examples of real newsroom situations where the training can save lives and protect mental well-being. Dr. Lemon also shares insights from groundbreaking case studies and voices of journalists directly impacted by systemic injustice and trauma.

If you’ve ever wondered how to show up for your colleagues—or yourself—this episode is for you.

What MHFA is, and why it’s not therapy or a diagnosis

A breakdown of the 5-step ALGEE action plan

The power of listening nonjudgmentally in journalism

Why journalists from marginalized communities face compounded trauma

Why MHFA is urgent in today's political and social climate

CBS4 Denver: Black journalists share their experiences covering racism while enduring it personally
👉 Read the full article

AAJA (Asian American Journalists Association): Mental health challenges, cultural stigma, and the push for structural change
👉 Read the article

Providence St. Joseph Health: How 45 MHFA Instructors changed workplace culture

Missouri Department of Mental Health: Over 37,000 trained, statewide impact, and what true community engagement looks like

“Mental Health First Aid isn’t just a training—it’s a turning point. And our newsrooms can be next.” – Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon

Learn more about MHFA certification and the upcoming pilot program for journalists through the KALM Institute for Workplace Wellbeing:
👉 https://www.kalminstitute.org/ 

🎧 If this episode resonates with you, share it with your team. Because when we know how to help, we lead with empathy—and that changes everything.

Why Newsrooms Need Mental Health First Aid Now

Welcome to The Compassionate Newsroom! In this first episode of our three-part series on Mental Health First Aid, Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon shares why this life-changing training is a must-have in journalism today.

From breaking news to burnout, journalists face extraordinary levels of stress, trauma, and emotional exposure—yet few are trained to recognize when colleagues are in crisis or how to respond. This episode dives into the urgent need for psychological safety in the newsroom and introduces the tools that can help change that.

Dr. Kortni, a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and happiness scholar, also shares her own journey into MHFA training and how it connects to her mission of workplace well-being through positive psychology.

🌿 Learn more about Mental Health First Aid and upcoming certification opportunities through the KALM Institute for Workplace Wellbeing:
👉 https://www.kalminstitute.org/ 

📰 Read the article:
“Why Newsrooms Should Champion Mental Health First Aid” by Sandra E. Martin, published by the Canadian Journalism Forum on Violence and Trauma:
👉 Read the article here 

Why Mental Health First Aid is the “CPR for mental health”

The role of journalists as first responders to trauma—and how to protect their well-being

How newsrooms like the BBC and The Globe and Mail are leading the way

The connection between MHFA and positive psychology principles in journalism

A preview of what’s coming in Episode 29: The ALGEE action plan

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague or newsroom leader. Let’s make mental health part of the conversation—and the culture. 🧠💚

#MentalHealthFirstAid

In this episode of The Compassionate Newsroom, Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon takes you behind the scenes of two powerful speaking engagements that highlight the urgent need for systemic well-being in journalism.

Fresh from the NABJ Emerging Journalists and Investigative Reporting Summit at The New York Times and The Carter Center’s Executive Forum, Dr. Kortni shares why the NABJ Wellness Task Force must not be the first—or only—line of defense. Instead, it’s time to recognize the news leaders who are already building cultures of care and empower them to lead a movement across the industry.

Whether you’ve already integrated well-being into your newsroom or are just beginning, this episode outlines how your leadership can become the ripple effect journalism needs.

Why the NABJ Wellness Task Force sparked an industry-wide call to action

What Mental Health First Aid certification can mean for your newsroom

The five steps to scale care beyond your team and into the profession

How to move from “doing the work” to leading the movement

“It was a reminder—and an invitation. Because you’re already doing the work. But here’s the question: How do we turn your leadership into a movement?” — Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon

Mentor a fellow news leader

Share your well-being wins publicly

Normalize care across your team’s life cycle

Model vulnerability at the top

Advocate for newsroom metrics that reflect mental health and culture

In the next episode, we’ll explore Mental Health First Aid for Newsrooms—what it is, how it works, and why it's essential to sustaining your leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Compassionate Newsroom Podcast
14:41 The Importance of Leadership in Wellbeing
17:13 Creating a Culture of Care in Newsrooms
18:13 New Chapter

Learn more about the NABJ Wellness Task Force: www.thecompassionatenewsroom.com/nabjwellness 

Explore Mental Health First Aid Certification for News Professionals: https://www.kalminstitute.org/ 

In this conversation, Dr. Kortni discusses the importance of psychological safety in the workplace, emphasizing that it cannot simply be legislated but must be cultivated through actions and culture. She outlines practical tools for leaders to foster an environment of openness and trust, highlighting the significance of messaging, modeling, and mentoring. The discussion also touches on the role of leadership in creating a climate where team members feel safe to express themselves without fear of repercussions.

Takeaways

Psychological safety is a cultural practice, not just a policy.
Leaders must model the behavior they want to see.
Encouraging openness and honesty is crucial for team dynamics.
Mistakes should be seen as part of the learning process.
Feedback should focus on both performance and interpersonal dynamics.
Surveys can gauge psychological safety but are not the complete solution.
Building trust takes time and consistent effort.
Fear in the workplace hinders effectiveness and creativity.
Compassionate leadership fosters a safe environment.
Wellbeing is a leader's most important responsibility.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Psychological Safety
03:59 Cultivating a Culture of Safety
07:15 The Role of Leadership in Psychological Safety
09:59 New Chapter

Links Mentioned 

What People Get Wrong About Psychological Safety