🎙️ Life After News — Second Acts in Palm Springs

🧵 Episode Summary

In this conversation, Jason Ball sits down with fellow boutique hotelier David Rios to Palm Springs’ hospitality scene. David opens up about his journey from interior design to working on The Trixie Motel and renovating his own hotel The Velvet Rope. Jason shares his journey from the newsroom to owning and operating Old Ranch Inn.

The day after this episode was recorded, a bombing at the American Reproductive Center rocked the Palm Springs community. The attack severely damaged dozens of surrounding businesses—including David’s hotel. Jason reflects on this tragic event and sets the stage for a powerful conversation about resilience, beauty, and the meaning of home. Jason shares how listeners can support ongoing recovery efforts.

✨ Key Takeaways

· 🌴 Palm Springs is home to more than 80 boutique hotels.

· 🤝 Collaboration between local hotel owners enhances the guest experience and strengthens community ties.

· 📈 Success in boutique hospitality requires both smart marketing and authentic engagement with the community.

About the Bombing (May 17)

🎙️ Life After News pauses to acknowledge the tragic May 17 bombing at the American Reproductive Center in Palm Springs. The explosion not only impacted the clinic but caused severe damage to multiple nearby businesses, including David Rios’s The Velvet Rope.

This episode is a tribute to the strength of Palm Springs—and to the individuals like David who are rebuilding in the face of adversity.

🙌 How You Can Help

🏗️ Rebuild Palm Springs Fund

🏨 David Rios’s Go Fund Me

🌐 Connect with David Rios

· 🖼️ Website: DavidRiosDesigns.com

· 📸 Instagram: @DavidRiosDesigns

🔜 Breaking News! Next on Life After News…

🎙️ Jackie Johnson McBride — Jackie has a big announcement, so we are dropping her episode on Sunday, June 1. From forecasting storms to stirring the pot in the kitchen, Jackie Johnson McBride joins Life After News to share her remarkable journey from television meteorologist to The Weather Chef, a cool new interactive experience you going to love.

She and Jason explore reinvention, seasonal living, and life’s most unexpected transitions.

📅 Don’t miss this one — Sunday, June 1!

🔗 Stay Connected to Life After News

· 🎧 Subscribe: Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more

· 📺 Watch: YouTube.com/@LifeAfterNews

· 📱 Follow: @MrJasonBall & @LifeAfterNewsPod

· 💼 LinkedIn: Jason Ball

· 🏨 Stay: Old Ranch Inn

· 🗞️ Read: Desert Dispatch – the newsletter on storytelling & reinvention

· 📅 New Episodes: Every Tuesday

· 💌 Love the show? Share it with a friend!

Let Life After News inspire your next chapter. Because leaving the news doesn’t mean the story’s over—it means a new one’s just beginning.

🎙️ Life After News

Building a Media Empire: From News Reporter to Social Media Star

📝 Episode Summary (How She Did It)

In this episode of Life After News, Jason Ball dives into the practical playbook behind Lora McLaughlin Peterson’s transformation from local news reporter to digital content powerhouse. Best known for her brand Lorafied, Lora didn’t just pivot careers—she engineered a lifestyle business from the ground up by leveraging her newsroom skills, identifying a relatable niche, and mastering content strategy across platforms.

She began by posting simple, relatable content around budget-friendly living and modern home hacks—filling a gap she noticed in everyday media. By focusing on short-form video, tapping into platform trends, and remaining deeply responsive to her audience, she grew a loyal following.

Lora shares how she built Lorafied by:

• Using storytelling tactics honed in TV news to make her content stand out.
• Listening to her followers and using their feedback to shape her content roadmap.
• Turning authentic engagement into monetization, without compromising her values.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Career Pivot with Purpose: Lora left local news to spend more time with her family and build a career on her own terms.
• Creativity is Currency: Standing out in the digital space requires innovation, resourcefulness, and a clear voice.
• The Birth of ‘Lorafied’: Inspired by modern home economics, Lora's brand focuses on practical solutions and down-to-earth content.
• Community First: Building trust and connection with followers is more important than going viral.
• Money-Saving Wisdom: From affordable dupes to healthy fast food tips, Lorafied delivers value in every post.
• Authenticity Wins: Lora emphasizes being real and relatable as a cornerstone of her content strategy.
• Find Your Lane: Knowing and embracing your niche can unlock growth and opportunities.
• Monetizing the Mission: Turning influence into income takes strategic thinking, consistent effort, and business acumen.
• Small Business, Big Workload: Behind the scenes, running Lorafied is more demanding than any 9-to-5.

👥 Connect with Lora / Lorafied

• 📸 Instagram: @lorafied
• 🎵 TikTok: @lorafied
• 🌐 Website: lorafied.com

🔗 Stay Connected to Life After News

• 🎧 Subscribe: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app
• 📺 Watch Episodes: YouTube.com/@LifeAfterNews
• 📱 Instagram: @MrJasonBall & @LifeAfterNewsPod
• 💼 LinkedIn: Jason Ball
• 🏨 Visit: Old Ranch Inn – A boutique retreat in Palm Springs
• 🗞️ Read: Desert Dispatch, our newsletter on storytelling and reinvention
• 📅 New Episodes: Every Tuesday
• 🙌 Support the Show: If you loved this episode, share it with a friend!

Let Life After News inspire your next chapter. Because leaving the news doesn’t mean the story’s over—it means a new one’s just beginning.

In this episode, Brandon Lee joins us to share his journey from the television news to the healing art therapy. Brandon now leads Art of Our Soul, using art and music therapy to help trauma survivors—including convicted felons—heal through joyful expression.

We explore how the isolation of the 2020 pandemic led Brandon to a pivotal relapse that unlocked the door to unprocessed childhood trauma. Through art therapy, community, and compassion, Brandon not only rebuilt his life, but also created a program that is reducing recidivism and transforming lives behind bars.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Brandon’s transformation from anchor to art therapist is a story of resilience and purpose.
• Art therapy is more than creativity—it’s a powerful therapeutic tool.
• The COVID-19 pandemic became a personal reckoning for Brandon, sparking deep emotional healing.
• A joyful healing environment fosters emotional safety and deeper therapeutic impact.
• Art of Our Soul is making a measurable difference in reducing recidivism through creative programs.
• Addressing trauma and incarceration with empathy can shift societal perceptions.
• Holistic healing programs are gaining attention from insurers and advocates.
• Brandon’s upcoming documentary, Blank Canvas, seeks to humanize and elevate the stories of incarcerated artists.

📎 Related Links

• 🎨 Explore the art and mission of Art of Our Soul
• 📽️ Watch Blank Canvas, the documentary
• 📸 Follow Brandon Lee on Instagram: @brandonlee

🔗 Stay Connected with Life After News

• 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform
• 📺 Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@LifeAfterNews
• 📱 Instagram: @MrJasonBall & @LifeAfterNewsPod
• 💼 LinkedIn: Jason Ball
• 🗞️ Newsletter: Desert Dispatch – Read now
• 🏨 Stay: Old Ranch Inn — A boutique retreat in Palm Springs
• 📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday!
• 🙌 Love this episode? Share it with a friend.

🟣 Sponsored By: Chatmosa

Chatmosa.com isn’t just another chat app. It’s your go-to space for real connection—whether launching your own podcast, hosting a live stream, or hanging out in a curated digital lounge.

And yep—there’s a former news person behind the scenes. Stay tuned as we spotlight more about Chatmosa and how it’s reshaping community-powered media.

Let Life After News inspire your next chapter. Because leaving the news doesn’t mean the story’s over—it means a new one’s just beginning.

🎧 Episode Summary

In this inspiring episode, Jason Ball sits down with broadcasting icon Jillian Barberie to revisit her remarkable career and the resilience that has shaped her journey. From a cultural awakening in Miami to groundbreaking success on Good Day LA, Jillian shares candid reflections on fame, loss, recovery, and rebirth.

She opens up about her breast cancer diagnosis, financial hardship, and particularly, the emotional and psychological toll of her IRS troubles, which she identifies as the hardest challenge she’s ever faced. Jillian speaks openly about how these experiences tested her at every level—and how she’s used creativity, community, and courage to rebuild.

This is a powerful conversation about embracing authenticity, staying present, and turning challenges into transformative growth.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Be Yourself: Jillian emphasizes the power of authenticity in standing out professionally.
• Cultural Awakening: Living in Miami was a turning point in Jillian’s personal and professional worldview.
• Career Highlights: Good Day LA was pivotal in establishing Jillian’s TV persona.
• Evolving Media: Social media changed how broadcasters engage with audiences.
• Life After Diagnosis: Breast cancer and recovery reshaped her identity and priorities.
• IRS Struggles: Her financial challenges with the IRS proved to be her most grueling life challenge.
• Support Systems Matter: Healing required community, therapy, and self-reflection.
• Creative Outlets: Art became a sanctuary during post-treatment life.
• Advice to Youth: Stay in the moment, be adaptable, and embrace life’s uncertainty.

🔗 Connect with Jillian

• 🎨 Art Portfolio: jillian-barberie.pixels.com
• 📸 Instagram: @askjillian
• 🎵 TikTok: @jillianbarberie

📣 Stay Connected to Life After News

• 📺 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@LifeAfterNews
• 📱 Instagram: @MrJasonBall & @LifeAfterNewsPod
• 💼 LinkedIn: Jason Ball
• 🏨 Visit: Old Ranch Inn – A boutique retreat in Palm Springs
• 🗞️ Subscribe & Read: Desert Dispatch – our newsletter on storytelling and reinvention
• 📅 New episodes every Tuesday
• 🙌 Love the show? Share it with a friend

Let Life After News inspire your next chapter. Because leaving the news doesn’t mean the story’s over—it means a new one’s just beginning.

🎙️ Life After News

Hosted by Jason Ball

Welcome to Life After News—the podcast where we dive into the extraordinary second acts of people who walked away from a life in local TV news to find something more.

I'm Jason Ball, and after an incredible 30-year career in local television news, I left the newsroom behind and started a new journey of reinvention. Like many others during the Great Resignation—sparked by the pandemic, social justice protests, a turbulent election, and even an insurrection—I felt the need to reassess what truly mattered. That decision led me to the Old Ranch Inn in Palm Springs, and now, to this podcast.

🧠 What We Explore

• The importance of journalism—and how to support those who stay or transition
• Reinvention after burnout and the pressure of deadlines
• The courage it takes to walk away and redefine success
• Second careers in art, coaching, business, and beyond
• Using newsroom-honed skills in deeply meaningful new ways
• Personal stories of healing, growth, and even beekeeping
• Small business and hospitality life—including our own journey buying and running a boutique hotel in Palm Springs

🎤 Sneak Peek: Meet Our First Guests

Brandon Lee – Founder, Art of Our Soul

Former Emmy-winning anchor turned healing visionary. Brandon shares how art and music therapy are transforming lives in the Arizona prison system—and how he’s using his journey of addiction recovery to train and empower others through creative expression.

Renee Washington – Executive Coach, Former News Director

Renee went from boss to coach. She’s taken the parts of journalism she loved—mentorship, development, leadership—and now helps professionals unlock their potential with the gift of time and mindset freedom.

Jillian Barberie – TV Personality

One of TV’s most vibrant personalities, Jillian opens up about leaving Good Day LA, overcoming cancer, issues with the IRS, and embracing a fully authentic new chapter. Expect unfiltered stories, Canadian nostalgia, and a killer Pamela Anderson impression.

Jackie Johnson – Former CBS2 Weather Anchor

Jackie stepped away from the green screen for gardening and motherhood. In this fun and heartfelt conversation, we talk about stillness, family life, and her clever new interactive project: “What’s the Weather? What’s for Dinner?”—where the forecast just might decide your meal.

📣 Stay Connected

• 🎧 Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen
• 📺 Watch the video version on YouTube: youtube.com/@LifeAfterNews
• 📱 Follow on Instagram: @MrJasonBall and @LifeAfterNewsPod
• 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: Jason Ball
• 🏨 Visit us at the Old Ranch Inn: oldranchinn.com – our boutique escape in the heart of Palm Springs
• 🗞️ Subscribe to Desert Dispatch: desertdispatch.beehiiv.com – reflections on storytelling, second careers, and desert life
• 📅 Launch Date: The first three episodes drop Tuesday, May 20, with new episodes every Tuesday after that
• 🙌 Enjoying the show? Share Life After News with a friend, colleague, or fellow journalist ready for their next chapter

Let Life After News inspire your next chapter. Because leaving the news doesn’t mean the story’s over—it means a new one’s just beginning.