Jessica Soho | The Howie Severino Podcast

Summary

In this insightful interview, Jessica, a respected broadcast journalist and social media figure, reflects on the impact of the pandemic on her life and career. Despite her struggles with health, including bouts with pneumonia, she has remained active in her work and even explored her passion for learning French. She discusses her shift in media presence, balancing her role in traditional journalism with her growing social media following, which she approaches cautiously due to past traumatic experiences. Jessica shares her pride in mentoring future reporters, as well as her regrets about not enjoying her journey more. She also expresses optimism about the younger generation’s potential to create a better world post-pandemic.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jessica, a well-respected journalist, emphasizes the challenges of managing her health, especially with weak lungs and past bouts of pneumonia during the pandemic.
• 😀 She reflects on the importance of health precautions and the difficulty of balancing work and self-care during these challenging times.
• 😀 Despite health concerns, Jessica has continued to cover significant stories, like the floods in Cagayan, always following necessary protocols.
• 😀 Jessica shares her experience learning French again, revealing her passion for revisiting subjects from her past, especially after taking French in college.
• 😀 Jessica's transition from a veteran journalist to becoming a popular figure on social media reflects her learning from a younger generation of colleagues.
• 😀 Her unexpected rise to social media prominence, despite her reluctance towards the term 'sensation,' is partly attributed to her involvement in viral content.
• 😀 Jessica credits the youth staff at KMJS for helping her stay relevant among younger audiences, especially through her engagement with Korean drama culture.
• 😀 While not personally active on social media, Jessica manages the KMJS Facebook page and engages with fans through the official channels.
• 😀 Jessica opens up about her traumatic experience with body shaming on social media and how it has shaped her cautious approach to digital platforms.
• 😀 Reflecting on her career, Jessica expresses pride in being able to support her family and mentor future generations of journalists, which she views as her most meaningful contribution.

Q & A

How has the pandemic affected Jessica's life and work?

Jessica shared that, despite having weak lungs and two serious bouts of pneumonia, she's doing relatively okay. She takes extra precautions advised by her doctors, including distancing herself and following health protocols. However, she still had to cover the floods in Cagayan and Isabella, where she followed all necessary safety measures.

What is Jessica's relationship with social media?

Jessica has a complicated relationship with social media. She doesn't have personal accounts, but engages with fans through the KMJS Facebook page. Her experience with social media has been traumatic, especially after being body-shamed for a comment she made about the iPad, leading her to be cautious about online interactions.

How did Jessica become involved with Korean culture?

Jessica became interested in Korean culture early on, even before the widespread K-pop and Korean drama phenomenon. She was one of the early adopters of Korean dramas in the Philippines and had the opportunity to interview Korean stars like Song Hye Kyo and Rain, which deepened her interest.

How does Jessica feel about the younger generation of her team at KMJS?

Jessica appreciates the younger, mostly millennial staff at KMJS. She mentions that they teach her a lot, especially in terms of staying relevant to younger audiences. She credits their influence for helping her remain connected with modern trends.

What does Jessica feel most proud of in her career?

Jessica is most proud of helping her family and paving the way for a generation of news reporters and producers. She takes pride in knowing that the foundation she helped build has allowed others to succeed in their careers, which she believes is the most important aspect of her work.

Does Jessica have any regrets in her career or life?

Jessica wishes she could have told her younger self to relax more and not be so intense. She admits that she was always focused on achieving results and often overlooked the journey. She now wishes she had been more 'go with the flow' and enjoyed the process instead of just the destination.

What advice would Jessica give to her 20-year-old self?

Jessica would advise her 20-year-old self to relax and not take life too seriously. She regrets not enjoying the journey and being so focused on the end goal. She believes that it’s important to be less intense and take the time to enjoy life's moments.

What does Jessica think about millennials?

Jessica has high hopes for millennials, despite some generational differences. She believes that, although they may have certain entitlements, they possess a lot of creativity and knowledge, which can help them make a better world. She is optimistic that millennials will use technology to drive positive change.

How does Jessica balance her career with her health concerns?

Jessica follows her doctor's advice and takes extra precautions due to her health condition. She has learned to balance her work and personal health by adhering to strict protocols when necessary, like during field assignments, while also making sure to rest and take care of herself.

How does Jessica view the future of the media industry, especially in the context of her own career?

Jessica is optimistic about the future of media, particularly with the younger generation taking over. She believes that, while the industry is evolving, the storytelling aspect remains important. She views the role of new media and platforms like social media as key in shaping the future of journalism.