Key Moments
Lisa Ling — Exploring Subcultures, Learning to Feel, and Changing Perception | The Tim Ferriss Show
Tim FerrissKey Moments
Lisa Ling discusses exploring subcultures, emotional processing, and challenging perceptions.
Key Insights
Journalism requires emotional resilience and careful boundary setting when covering difficult topics.
Understanding one's own family history and emotions is crucial for personal growth and empathy.
Open communication and a willingness to feel are vital in a culture that tends to avoid discomfort.
Media has the power to challenge assumptions and foster understanding across diverse communities.
Mental health and emotional well-being are paramount, and seeking help, like therapy, is a strength.
Empathy can be developed and is essential for personal growth, societal connection, and success.
EARLY EXPOSURE TO GLOBAL CONFLICT
Lisa Ling's journalistic journey began at age 21 covering the civil war in Afghanistan for Channel One News. This experience, occurring in a country deeply affected by U.S. foreign policy, was profoundly impactful, exposing her to the realities of war and the stark contrast between global events and domestic awareness. It served as a surreal and eye-opening introduction to her career, highlighting the vastness of the world and her country's role in it.
NAVIGATING THE EMOTIONAL TOLL OF REPORTING
Covering deeply disturbing subjects like gang rape, bride burning, and child trafficking takes a significant emotional toll. Ling describes building bonds with the people she profiles, often receiving intimate details of their lives. While she has developed coping mechanisms and compartmentalization skills, the emotional weight is immense. She emphasizes the importance of her team's support in processing these experiences, finding solace in knowing her work can raise consciousness about critical issues.
ESTABLISHING BOUNDARIES AND PERSONAL CONNECTIONS
Providing personal contact information, like a cell phone number, to subjects can lead to complex situations, including requests for money or even threats, as Ling experienced with an inmate. She has learned to set clearer boundaries, offering resources and support rather than direct financial aid, and recognizing the risk of being exploited, especially when individuals are under the influence. This highlights the delicate balance between maintaining professional distance and showing genuine human care.
THE ESSENCE OF FEELING AND EMPATHY
Ling advocates for the importance of feeling emotions, even difficult ones, as a way to feel more alive and connect with humanity. She notes a cultural tendency to avoid discomfort through medication. Her own journey, rooted in a traditional Asian family that was not openly communicative about emotions, led her to therapy. Exploring her mother's difficult past fostered deep empathy, teaching her to view individuals not just by their current actions but by their underlying experiences and traumas.
CHALLENGING NARRATIVES AND FOSTERING UNDERSTANDING
Ling's work, particularly her CNN show 'This Is Life,' aims to immerse viewers in communities different from their own, challenging preconceptions. By providing a platform for marginalized or misunderstood groups, she hopes to foster empathy and understanding. Examples include stories on gender fluidity and the MS-13 gang, where understanding root causes and individual stories humanizes subjects often demonized in mainstream discourse, prompting viewers to question their own assumptions.
THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERGENERATIONAL UNDERSTANDING
Ling stresses the profound impact of understanding one's parents' pasts, a lesson learned through a trip to Taiwan with her mother. This process helped Ling release resentment and gain a deeper appreciation for her mother's experiences, illustrating how unresolved family history can affect individuals. She encourages others to explore their parents' lives, believing it brings clarity and can positively influence how they navigate their own relationships and parenting.
ADDRESSING THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS
The rampant prescription of medications like benzodiazepines, often without adequate knowledge of withdrawal management, deeply frustrates Ling. She points out the irony of increased anxiety despite widespread medication. This highlights systemic issues in healthcare, where symptoms are often treated over root causes. Ling also advocates for accessible mental health support, including therapy and peer support groups, as crucial outlets for emotional release and well-being.
INFLUENCE OF ESTEEMED WOMEN AND PERSONAL GROWTH
Ling draws inspiration from influential women like Barbara Walters and Oprah Winfrey. Walters' advice to prioritize personal life over relentless career ambition profoundly impacted Ling, especially after experiencing multiple miscarriages and becoming a mother. This realization underscored the importance of balancing professional drive with personal fulfillment, leading her to value her family above all else.
THE HUSTLE OF ACCESS AND AUTHENTIC STORYTELLING
Ling describes herself as persistent and aggressive in securing access for her stories. However, she emphasizes that her show, 'This Is Life,' is known for being non-sensational and offering subjects a genuine opportunity to tell their own stories. This earned trust allows her to embed with diverse communities and explore complex topics, giving a voice to those often unheard and humanizing narratives that might otherwise be misinterpreted.
CHALLENGING SOCIAL ASSUMPTIONS THROUGH STORYTELLING
Through her work, Ling aims to challenge viewers' preconceived notions. The story of 'Steve,' who explored his gender fluidity, demonstrated how spending time with someone can dismantle stereotypes, allowing the observer to see beyond external appearances. Similarly, exploring the MS-13 gang revealed the complex factors contributing to gang involvement, shifting perspective from simple condemnation to understanding the root causes, which is essential for preventing future issues.
THE POWER OF EMPATHY AND CONNECTEDNESS
Ling believes empathy is a developed skill, crucial for navigating our increasingly disconnected world. She links empathy to success and emphasizes the need for human connection, urging people to put down devices and engage in meaningful conversations. She sees her own journey of self-discovery and understanding her mother's past as key to her ability to connect with and empathize with others, making her a better reporter and mother.
IMPACTFUL READING AND PERSPECTIVE SHIFTING
Ling frequently gifts books that challenge conventional narratives, such as 'Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World' by Jack Weatherford and 'A People's History of the United States' by Howard Zinn. These books offer alternative perspectives on historical figures and national narratives, encouraging readers to question what they've been taught and to seek a deeper understanding of complex subjects, much like her journalistic approach.
ADVICE FOR THE DIGITAL AGE AND HUMAN CONNECTION
Ling's billboard message would be 'Stop texting and start listening,' reflecting her concern about the loss of genuine human connection in the digital age. She acknowledges her own struggles with social media and the negative impact of curated online lives. Ling advocates for prioritizing in-person interactions, setting boundaries with devices, and consciously making time for meaningful conversations to foster empathy and combat isolation.
UPCOMING TOPICS AND THE MISSION OF 'THIS IS LIFE'
Season six of 'This Is Life' explores timely and often challenging subjects, including the impact of pornography on young people's sex education, the widespread issue of benzodiazepine addiction and withdrawal, women in combat roles in the Marines, and the evolving lifestyle of swingers. Ling's selection process involves identifying worlds different from her own and issues that warrant greater public awareness and discussion.
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Common Questions
Lisa Ling began her journalism career at 18 as a reporter for Channel One News, a show seen in schools. This role sent her around the world to cover stories, including the Civil War in Afghanistan when she was just 21.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
Award-winning journalist, host and executive producer of CNN's 'This is Life with Lisa Ling', 'This is Sex with Lisa Ling', and 'This is Birth with Lisa Ling'. She began her career at Channel One News, covered the civil war in Afghanistan at 21, co-hosted 'The View', and has reported from many countries on neglected topics.
A colorful character mentioned in the context of the WWF vs. WCW series, with archival audio of his TV appearances, including an incident where he accidentally choked an anchor unconscious.
A cable TV mogul who became a powerful enemy to Vince McMahon's WWF.
A public figure Barbara Walters interviewed, which Lisa Ling admired.
Author of 'The Alchemist', whose initial struggles to publish the book are mentioned.
An essayist and venture capitalist whose expression about applying labels and becoming 'dumber' is paraphrased by Tim Ferriss.
A writer mentioned by Tim Ferriss, who received advice from Stephen King to 'enjoy it' during his peak popularity but was unable to take it at the time.
The President who referred to the MS-13 gang members as 'animals'.
President of the United States who named Lisa Ling to the Commission on White House Fellows in 2014.
A significant female influence and mentor to Lisa Ling, who advised her not to neglect her personal life in pursuit of a career. Walters expressed regret at her retirement about not spending more time with her daughter.
The author of 'A People's History of the United States', recommended by Lisa Ling for its perspective-shifting content.
Host of the 'Business Wars' podcast and former anchor of Marketplace, praised by Tim Ferriss.
A colleague of Lisa Ling's at Channel One News.
A person Tim Ferriss spent time with, whose experiences also raised questions about handling the emotional toll of difficult subjects.
A colorful character mentioned in the context of the WWF vs. WCW series.
Lisa Ling's sister, with whom she co-authored 'Somewhere Inside'.
A significant female influence and former employer of Lisa Ling. Her show generated over $3 million for victims of gang rape in Congo through two airings. Barbara Walters' regret about her personal life was shared while on Oprah's show.
The author who advised Neil Gaiman to 'enjoy it' during his popularity.
Took over the WWF in the early 1980s and sought to make it the only wrestling game in town.
A public figure Barbara Walters interviewed, which Lisa Ling admired.
Historical figure whose portrayal is re-examined in 'A People's History of the United States', detailing savagery towards Native Americans.
Where Lisa Ling began her journalism career at age 18, covering stories in distant locations like the civil war in Afghanistan.
A review site that recommends ExpressVPN as the number one VPN provider.
The network that airs Lisa Ling's original series 'This is Life with Lisa Ling' and 'This is Sex with Lisa Ling'.
A commission Lisa Ling was named to by President Obama in 2014.
A group Lisa Ling reported on in Uganda.
A gang profiled by Lisa Ling's show, which despite committing atrocities, requires understanding their origins to prevent future violence.
A publication where Lisa Ling was a contributing editor.
The organization Lisa Ling accompanied to Afghanistan, which increased her safety.
A prestigious medical school where a high-ranking psychiatrist admitted not learning how to deal with benzodiazepine withdrawal during her studies.
The original name of WWE, which started as one of 30 regional wrestling associations.
The network that aired Lisa Ling's documentary series 'Our America with Lisa Ling'.
The last branch of the US military to allow women to participate in combat, featured in an episode of 'This is Life' where Lisa Ling embedded with them at Camp Pendleton.
The subject of a 'Business Wars' season, detailing its rise to success and battles with WCW; originally known as WWF.
A rival wrestling organization battled by the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment).
Used as a comparison point against the Mongol army's efficiency, noting the Mongols conquered the same territory in 25 years that took Rome 250 years.
A TV series where a character (Kesi) was reportedly based on Genghis Khan.
A series for which Lisa Ling served as a special correspondent.
A podcast from Wondery that chronicles epic battles between businesses, recommended by Tim Ferriss.
A series Lisa Ling has reported for.
An episode of 'This is Life with Lisa Ling' from Season 6, exploring how swingers have evolved into an entire lifestyle welcoming free sex.
A film referenced metaphorically to describe how easily false narratives fall apart when stress-tested.
Lisa Ling's acclaimed documentary journalism series that aired on OWN starting in 2011.
Lisa Ling's CNN original series, currently in its sixth season, which explores unconventional segments of society and diverse issues.
A review site that recommends ExpressVPN as the number one VPN provider.
An episode of 'This is Life with Lisa Ling' from Season 6, exploring the devastating impact of pornography as sex education on young people.
A news program Lisa Ling has reported for.
A company featured in a 'Business Wars' episode, in a battle against Netflix.
A VPN provider used and recommended by Tim Ferriss for securing and encrypting data online without slowing down internet speed, featuring 'trusted server' technology audited by PWC.
An auditing firm that confirmed ExpressVPN's Trusted Server technology protects privacy.
A company featured in a 'Business Wars' episode, in a battle against Adidas.
A company featured in a 'Business Wars' episode, in a battle against Blockbuster.
A company featured in a 'Business Wars' episode, in a battle against Nike.
A podcast network that produces 'Business Wars'.
A social media platform where Lisa Ling is active, but recognizes the tendency to exist in echo chambers.
A social media platform mentioned by Lisa Ling, acknowledging her personal use and expressing the negative impact of curated 'perfect lives' on young people's self-esteem.
A book co-authored by Lisa Ling.
A book by Howard Zinn, credited by Lisa Ling for propelling her to dig deeper and question narratives, particularly about US history and its founding.
A book by Paulo Coelho, also loved by Lisa Ling for its profound message about self-discovery, and praised for being a fast, easy, and meaningful read. Tim Ferriss mentions its surprising backstory of initial publishing failure before massive success.
A series of graphic novels that led to Neil Gaiman's explosion in popularity.
The author of 'Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World', whose own story of tracing historical paths is also highlighted.
A book co-authored by Lisa Ling and her sister Laura Ling.
A book by Jack Weatherford, highly recommended and gifted often by Lisa Ling, which re-examines Genghis Khan as a great democratizer and his sophisticated Mongol army.
A benzodiazepine medication used for anxiety, discussed as being widely prescribed, highly addictive, and having withdrawal symptoms that doctors are not adequately trained to handle.
An episode of 'This is Life with Lisa Ling' from Season 6, discussing the widespread prescription and dangers of addiction and withdrawal from benzodiazepine medications.
A Marine Corps base where Lisa Ling embedded with women participating in combat roles.
The adversary of Afghanistan during a decade-long war where the US supplied weapons to the Afghans.
The country where Lisa Ling first reported on the civil war at age 21, describing it as destroyed and heavily influenced by US weaponry from the Soviet-Afghan War.
A country where Lisa Ling reported on gang rape, detailing unfathomable horrors and later raising over $3 million with Oprah Winfrey's help.
The place where Lisa Ling took her mother to explore her childhood and resolve lingering resentment.
The city in Afghanistan where Lisa Ling first set foot, realizing how far from home she was.
A country where Lisa Ling has reported on the Lord's Resistance Army.
Lisa Ling's home country, which pumped billions of dollars into Afghanistan during the Soviet War, leading to widespread American-made weapons.
The state where a fast-growing white gang, not racist, is being explored in an episode of 'This is Life with Lisa Ling'.
A country where Lisa Ling covered stories about bride burning.
A benzodiazepine medication used for anxiety, discussed as being widely prescribed, highly addictive, and having withdrawal symptoms that doctors are not adequately trained to handle.
A benzodiazepine medication used for anxiety, discussed as being widely prescribed, highly addictive, and having withdrawal symptoms that doctors are not adequately trained to handle.
A powerful opioid responsible for the accidental death of Tim Ferriss's friend when combined with alcohol, highlighting its extreme danger.
A benzodiazepine medication used for anxiety, discussed as being widely prescribed, highly addictive, and having withdrawal symptoms that doctors are not adequately trained to handle.
An opioid pain medication mentioned by Tim Ferriss as being potent and a liability if unused in the home.
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