In this episode, the second of five parts, Nick Chiles, the industry writing coach for the college of journalism at the University of Georgia, sits down with executive producer Charlotte Norsworthy to discuss newsgathering and where to look to find stories.

In this episode, the first of five parts, Nick Chiles, the industry writing coach for the college of journalism at the University of Georgia, sits down with executive producer Charlotte Norsworthy to discuss the importance of good storytelling. Why does it matter and how do we do it? 

In this final episode of season 9, Ian Urbina shares his experiences as an award-winning investigative reporter and founder of The Outlaw Ocean Project, a nonprofit journalism outlet sharing stories of lawlessness at sea from around the world. We talk about Ian’s decision to launch The Outlaw Ocean Project and the innovative storytelling that has followed through the Outlaw Ocean Music Project. This episode also recognizes Ian as the 2020 McGill Lecturer in honor of the late editor Ralph McGill and in celebration of journalistic courage, which Ian addresses in the episode.

In this episode, New York Times national politics reporter Astead Herndon shares insights on reporting on the 2020 presidential election. Astead also discusses the different roles of journalism and why we should get out of the college bubble to better understand communities and develop as journalists.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.