Behind the Scenes at the White House: The Emotional Impact of Life Transitions

Emotional Balance Sheet with Paul Fenner

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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