Ep. 191 - Ben Feller – Behind the Scenes at the White House: The Emotional Impact of Life Transitions
What if you had a front-row seat to the world's stage in the Oval Office? Sounds like a cool gig. But what if it required giving up much of your personal life?
I welcome back former AP White House correspondent Ben Feller for a candid conversation about the evolving landscape of the media, the importance of journalistic integrity, and the personal journey of navigating high-stakes careers.
Ben shares stories from his front-row seat covering Republican and Democratic presidents and discusses why real-time press access to pivotal moments—like the Oval Office meetings with world leaders—matters for democracy and public accountability. We break down the history and unique mission of the Associated Press, unpack how information is shared and sourced across news organizations, and reflect on the increasingly complex challenge of finding and trusting unbiased news today.
Just as important, we dive deeper into broader themes of personal growth, identity, and the emotional transition from a demanding career into new chapters of life—touching on the difficulty of balancing ambition, self-reflection, and gratitude.
With plenty of wisdom for professionals, families, and anyone curious about the media's role in society, this episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to sort facts from noise and find emotional balance in a fast-paced world.
Please enjoy my conversation with Ben Feller.
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES YOU MAY LIKE
1 Big Idea to Think About
One insightful takeaway from this episode is the importance of distinguishing between facts and emotions—not just in consuming news, but also in how we interpret and respond to the world—because understanding both is key to making informed decisions and maintaining perspective amidst information overload.
1 Way You Can Apply This
To cut through the noise of today’s overwhelming media landscape, build your “information diet” by curating a few trusted, independent news sources and setting aside intentional time to engage with them. This practice not only fosters a healthier relationship with the news and reduces stress, but also empowers you to make informed decisions and focus more energy on what you can actually control, improving both your peace of mind and personal effectiveness.
1 Question to Ask
Am I focusing my time and energy on the things I can control and that truly matter to me, or am I getting caught up in external noise and uncertainty?
Key Moments From the Show
00:00 Journalism: Writing for the Public
03:51 "Accountability for Broken Promises"
09:11 "AP Coverage and Analysis"
10:04 "BP Oil Spill Crisis"
13:51 "Challenges of Independent News Work"
19:17 Navigating Media and Trust
22:33 Navigating Trust in Financial News
26:26 Understanding Events Factually and Emotionally
29:33 "Life's Changing Chapters"
32:06 Glamour vs. Reality of Sports
36:31 Athletic Legacy and Personal Growth
39:34 "Personal Growth and Career Fulfillment"
41:25 Morning Gratitude Habit
45:32 Embrace Control Amid Uncertainty
48:01 "Control Your Narrative Daily"
Resources Featured in This Episode:
Big Problems, Little Problems; A Father & Son Journey
The Gap and The Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success