Calm News with Jessica Yellin: Stay Sane AND Informed
Feb 12, 2025
auto_awesome
Jessica Yellin, founder of News Not Noise and former chief White House correspondent for CNN, emphasizes a mindful approach to news consumption. She discusses the importance of calming the nervous system before engaging with the news. Yellin also highlights how to channel emotional responses into productive activism and navigate the overwhelming nature of current events. Additionally, she shares insights on privacy concerns related to technology's influence in governance, urging listeners to prioritize mental well-being while staying informed.
Quitting social media can lead to a clearer and calmer mindset, fostering authentic community connections beyond digital platforms.
The concept of 'calm news' offers a healthier way to stay informed by presenting information without overwhelming emotional reactions.
Adopting a 'witnessing mindset' encourages mindfulness and composure, allowing individuals to engage with news thoughtfully rather than reactively.
Deep dives
The Impact of Quitting Social Media
Quitting social media has led to a significant transformation in the speaker's emotional state and mindset. The speaker describes feeling calmer, braver, and clearer since leaving these platforms, likening the experience to quitting drinking. This change prompted a desire to find more authentic ways to build community connections without relying on social media channels. As a response, the speaker has created a new newsletter to facilitate direct communication and foster a sense of togetherness within the community.
Introducing Calm News
The concept of 'calm news' is explored as a response to the overwhelming and often distressing nature of traditional news media. The speaker highlights how conventional news delivery can hijack one's nervous system, leading to panic and fear rather than informed engagement. In collaboration with Jessica Yellen, the aim is to present news in a manner that respects both the truth of the information and the humanity of those involved. This new approach seeks to provide clarity without overwhelming the audience, presenting a healthier way to stay informed.
The Witnessing Mindset
The discussion introduces a 'witnessing mindset' that encourages individuals to observe news from a place of calm rather than panic. This perspective allows listeners to differentiate between their immediate emotional reactions and the broader context of the news being reported. By practicing mindfulness and self-connection, individuals can maintain their composure and make informed decisions about how to respond to current events. This mindset supports the idea that personal calmness leads to more effective leadership in times of crisis.
The Role of Compassion in News Delivery
The need for compassion in news reporting is emphasized as a way to counteract the fear-driven narratives often presented in traditional media. Both speakers agree that compassion and empathy should be used as tools to engage audiences while conveying important information. By changing the language and framing of news stories, the aim is to create a space where individuals are informed yet feel empowered rather than overwhelmed. This shift seeks to drive engagement through understanding and community, rather than through fear.
The Threat of Constitutional Crisis
A critical discussion arises around the potential for a constitutional crisis stemming from the actions of influential figures in government, particularly Elon Musk. The concept of checks and balances is explored, indicating a risk of executive overreach if the courts become disregarded. Current challenges to these actions in the legal system raise questions about the future of democratic governance and the importance of maintaining constitutional norms. Highlighting historical precedents, the discussion encourages vigilance and engagement from citizens to ensure that democratic processes remain intact.
Calm News with Jessica Yellin: Stay Sane AND Informed
By popular demand, we present Calm News with our dear friend, and Award-Winning Journalist, Jessica Yellin. Together, we explore a new approach to consuming the news that keeps you (and us) informed without winding up our nervous systems.
-What to do if you find yourself on “the ride” of the news cycle
-Why calming your nervous system before consuming the news is crucial—and an effective way to do it
-The two top news stories you need to know about—and how to respond proportionately
-How to have a witnessing mindset when engaging with the news
On Jessica: Jessica Yellin is the founder of News Not Noise, a pioneering Webby award-winning independent news brand. Over 1M+ subscribers and followers across Instagram and other digital media rely on Jessica and News Not Noise to understand what matters, which experts to trust, and to manage their “information overload.” She is the former chief White House correspondent for CNN and an Emmy and Gracie Award-winning political correspondent for ABC, MSNBC and CNN. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @JessicaYellin. You can also find the News Not Noise Newsletter on Substack here: https://newsnotnoisejessicayellin.substack.com/