The Compassionate Newsroom: Our Story

Hosted by Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon, this podcast journeys into the heart of journalism well-being. As a former news director and television reporter turned happiness scholar, Dr. Kortni brings her expertise to train news leaders and journalists on enhancing workplace well-being through positive psychology.

Here, you'll discover vital insights and strategies for fostering resilience, happiness, and compassion within the media industry. Each episode is designed to empower you with effective techniques for managing stress, practicing mindfulness, and cultivating a positive workplace environment.

Recognized by Journalism.co.uk as one of the Top 40 Media Podcasts That Should Be on Every Journalist’s Radar in 2025, The Compassionate Newsroom features interviews with news leaders, journalists, and experts. The podcast delivers actionable tips and evidence-based strategies, making it essential listening for news professionals committed to creating a supportive and thriving workplace.

Tune in to transform your newsroom environment, and subscribe now to ensure you never miss an episode. Join Dr. Kortni and start leading the change in journalism today.

About the Host

Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon

Host & Happiness Scholar

Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon is a Happiness Scholar, TEDx speaker, and Transformational Trainer. Her area of research is interdisciplinary, combining positive psychology, business administration, and media management. Her research concentrations value happier workplaces, well-being, and meaningful work.

She is a Podcast Host for Kourting Happiness, which helps listeners learn how to commit to well-being one episode at a time fueled by positive psychology. According to Feedspot, the podcast is among the top 80 for happiness and the workplace.

Dr. Kortni is an advisory board member with the Carter Center's Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, where she guides journalists globally on effective, empathetic, and accurate reporting on behavioral health. Furthermore, she is an active and dedicated member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), where her husband, Ken Lemon, serves as the 23rd President. She is the founding Co-Chair of the NABJ Wellness Task Force. As a Happiness Scholar, her extensive experience in journalism and expertise in positive psychology have positioned her to train journalists, news managers, and media professionals in workplace well-being and resilience and foster a positive newsroom culture. She has coached leaders and journalists for Report for America, 19th News, the American Press Institute, and the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York (CUNY).

With nearly 20 years of experience in the journalism industry, Dr. Kortni has worked as a news … Read More