Digest

CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins joins Heather McMahon on the Absolutely Not podcast to discuss the intense realities of White House reporting. Collins details her demanding schedule, characterized by minimal sleep and constant travel, and the unique pressures of being on the road with the President. She explains the function of the media pool and the experience of traveling on Air Force One, including an incident involving an electrical issue. The conversation touches on the practicalities of journalism, such as maintaining a presentable appearance and the intimate nature of the White House press room. Collins reflects on her unexpected journey into journalism, her Southern roots, and early career experiences in D.C. The discussion highlights the importance of developing trusted sources, maintaining composure under pressure, and the public's interest in cases like Epstein's. Collins shares strategies for handling difficult interactions, particularly with Donald Trump, and emphasizes the impact of such cases on victims. The hosts also explore the challenges of navigating the 24/7 news cycle, gendered expectations in the media, and the importance of self-care for journalists. Camaraderie within the White House press corps is emphasized, dispelling misconceptions about adversarial relationships. The conversation concludes with lighthearted discussions on personal style, skincare, and travel gadgets, alongside reflections on women's global challenges and future solutions.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and White House Reporting Realities

Heather McMahon welcomes CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins, who shares insights into her demanding schedule, minimal sleep, and constant travel as a White House correspondent. She discusses the pressures of the job, the admiration from colleagues, and the unique challenges of life on the road with the President, including the experience of flying on Air Force One and the concept of the media pool.

00:07:36

Journalism Practicalities and Career Path

Collins discusses the practical aspects of journalism, such as maintaining appearance under pressure and the intimate setting of the White House press room. She shares her unexpected journey into the field, starting as a chemistry major before finding her passion for writing, and reflects on her Southern roots and early career experiences in D.C., including interning at the Daily Caller.

00:16:40

Southern Culture and Transition to White House Reporting

The conversation delves into shared Southern backgrounds, including nostalgia for sweet tea and Southern cuisine. Collins then discusses her transition into White House reporting and the initial feelings of imposter syndrome she experienced, emphasizing the importance of staying focused on public issues and maintaining composure when questioning powerful figures.

00:24:13

Navigating Public Interest and Difficult Interactions

Collins highlights the Epstein case as an example of an issue with significant public resonance. She shares her decade-long experience covering Donald Trump, detailing strategies for remaining stoic and focused on questions amidst personal attacks and deflection tactics, and underscores the importance of accountability and justice for victims.

00:27:17

The 24/7 News Cycle and Press Corps Camaraderie

The hosts discuss the overwhelming nature of the modern news cycle and the difficulty of staying informed without feeling consumed. Collins outlines her strategy for returning to the press room after intense periods and explains the crucial skill of developing trusted sources. The discussion emphasizes the strong camaraderie and solidarity within the White House press corps, dispelling the notion of constant adversarial relationships.

00:42:59

Personal Life, Style, and Gendered Expectations

Collins addresses the challenges of maintaining a social life amidst a demanding career and discusses personal routines for skincare and health on the go. She shares her preference for comfortable, practical clothing and delves into the unique challenges women face in media, including gendered expectations and constant feedback, stressing the importance of resilience and a strong support system.

00:55:15

Interview Strategies, Decompression, and Travel Gadgets

Collins shares her approach to preparing for high-stakes interviews, emphasizing adaptability and finding moments for reflection. She discusses how journalists decompress after intense moments and the supportive environment within the press corps. The conversation touches on humorous aspects of press corps life, like the "lavateria," and concludes with discussions on drink preferences, the Dyson Airwrap and international travel issues, and optimism for future solutions.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the media pool and how does it function when traveling with the President?

  The media pool is a small group of journalists who accompany the President on trips to ensure constant coverage. They travel on Air Force One, stay with the President, and are responsible for reporting on events in real-time, often with limited sleep and constant vigilance.

• What are the biggest challenges Kaitlan Collins faces as a White House reporter?

  Collins faces challenges such as extreme sleep deprivation, constant travel, the pressure of the 24/7 news cycle, and maintaining composure when questioning powerful figures. She also navigates gendered expectations and the need to develop trusted sources in a demanding field.

• How does Kaitlan Collins maintain her composure during difficult press briefings, especially with President Trump?

  Having covered Trump for years, Collins has developed a thick skin and focuses on the substance of her questions rather than engaging in personal attacks. She prioritizes the victims' perspectives and the importance of accountability, reminding herself that the focus should be on the issues, not her personal reactions.

• What advice does Kaitlan Collins have for young women entering the journalism field?

  Collins advises young women to find something they are passionate about, to be adaptable, to develop trusted sources, and to cultivate a strong support system of friends and family. She also stresses the importance of developing resilience and not taking every piece of feedback to heart.

• How does Kaitlan Collins manage her personal life and well-being amidst her demanding career?

  Collins emphasizes the importance of prioritizing sleep, exercise, and time with loved ones. She understands that sacrifices are necessary but believes that maintaining these connections and self-care practices ultimately makes her a better reporter.

• What is a common misconception about the White House press corps?

  A common misconception is that members of the press corps are constantly battling each other and don't get along. In reality, there is a significant amount of camaraderie and solidarity among reporters, photographers, and other media professionals due to their shared experiences and close working environment.

• What are some of the challenges of working in the White House press briefing room?

  The press briefing room can be cramped and unglamorous, with shared facilities like a kitchen and bathrooms. This close proximity leads to humorous situations and unwritten rules, such as avoiding strong-smelling foods like fish, to maintain a tolerable environment for everyone.

• Why is solidarity important among journalists, especially in the White House?

  Solidarity is crucial because it provides mutual support when journalists face difficult situations or unfair treatment from public figures. Standing together, for example, by allowing follow-up questions or collectively addressing inappropriate remarks, reinforces the press's role and sends a message of resilience.

• How do journalists cope with the intense demands of the 24-hour news cycle?

  Journalists cope through various self-care practices to "refill their cup." This can include simple, normal activities like working out, reading, spending time with friends, or enjoying a drink, which help them recharge and maintain their well-being amidst the constant pressure of their profession.

• What is a common problem encountered when using the Dyson Airwrap internationally?

  A frequent issue with the Dyson Airwrap when traveling internationally is that it can blow up or malfunction due to differences in electrical voltage and wattage. Standard adapters do not always convert the power sufficiently, leading to the device being damaged.

Show Notes