Freelance photojournalist Valerie Plesch, based in Washington, D.C., has documented a range of topics, including politics, refugee resettlement and immigration, through her photos. Valerie also serves as vice president of Women Photojournalists of Washington, whose mission is to educate the public about the role of women-identifying visual journalists and cultivate their professional success.

In this episode, Valerie talks about the changes faced within photojournalism in an ever-evolving digital age. She encourages journalists and photojournalists to never lose their curiosity and to continue learning from each story they go out to cover.

Find The Lead podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts at the link in bio.

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Guest: Valerie Plesch, freelance photojournalist Host: McKenna Edwards

As editor in chief of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Leroy Chapman Jr. sits at the top of the newsroom, overseeing every aspect of life in Georgia. Chapman began his political journalism career in his home state, South Carolina, before moving to Atlanta and working his way through several different roles at the AJC.

In this episode, Chapman discusses the future of the AJC, particularly their digital future as the publication ceased producing printed newspapers in December of 2025. Leroy talks about meeting his audience where they are at and sees the future of journalism as increasingly more digital. He urges young, aspiring journalists to be adaptable, flexible and knowledgeable of this ever-changing field.

Find The Lead podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts at the link in bio.

bit.ly/m/coxinstitute

Guest: Leroy Chapman Jr., Editor in Chief at the AJC Host: Sophia Eppley

Jenni Watts, executive producer at CNN International, took an unconventional path into journalism. Beginning as a philosophy major at Auburn before moving into radio and eventually television. Her work spans environmental, cultural and technology features, with a career defined by adaptability and curiosity rather than following a linear path.

In this episode, Watts reflects on how her early career shifts shaped her approach to storytelling and why technical knowledge and strong interpersonal skills are essential in modern journalism. She also shares how covering the events of 9/11 solidified her commitment to the field, and offers advice to early-career journalists on embracing opportunity, staying curious and maintaining integrity as AI reshapes the industry.

Find The Lead podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts at the link in bio.

bit.ly/m/coxinstitute

Guest: Jenni Watts, Executive Producer at CNN International Host: Sidney Josephs