Carol Lin became part of history as the first national journalist to report the attacks of September 11, 2001. In this powerful episode of Plot Twist Radio, Carol takes listeners behind the scenes of that unforgettable morning at CNN, sharing what it was really like to anchor live television with almost no information as history unfolded in real time.
We discuss the extraordinary moments that shaped her award-winning journalism career, from reporting on 9/11 and covering war zones to living with tribal leaders near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Carol also opens up about the deeply personal journey behind her memoir, When News Breaks: A Memoir of Love and War, revealing how motherhood, marriage, grief, ambition, and identity transformed her far beyond the newsroom.
This conversation explores the emotional realities of journalism, the pressures women face balancing career and family, the cost of success, and why our greatest plot twists often happen away from the headlines.
In this episode you'll discover:
• What it was like being the first journalist to report the 9/11 attacks live on CNN
• How breaking news really unfolds behind the scenes
• The emotional toll of covering wars, disasters, and human tragedy
• The inspiration behind When News Breaks
• Why Carol chose to reveal deeply personal moments in her memoir
• The challenges women still face in journalism and leadership
• Lessons learned from reporting in Afghanistan and Pakistan
• Why finding your "tribe" can change everything
If you've ever wondered what happens after history is made, or how people rebuild their lives after life's biggest plot twists, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Guest: Carol Lin
Book: When News Breaks: A Memoir of Love and War
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