#388: Lisa Ling — Exploring Subcultures, Learning to Feel, and Changing Perception

Sep 26, 2019

Lisa Ling, an award-winning journalist and host of CNN's "This Is Life with Lisa Ling," discusses the importance of understanding subcultures in today's polarized world. She reflects on her early experiences in Afghanistan at just 21, showcasing the stark contrast between conflict and her American upbringing. Ling emphasizes the emotional toll of advocacy work, the necessity of empathy in healing, and the influence of iconic figures like Oprah Winfrey on her career. Throughout, she champions the need for meaningful human connections and open dialogues about personal histories.

01:44:52

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ADVICE

Understanding Parents

Understand your parents' backstories by asking questions about their childhoods.
This can dispel resentment and foster empathy, as Ling experienced with her mother.

volunteer_activism

ADVICE

Seeking Therapy

Therapy is crucial, though expensive; explore insurance options or find affordable alternatives.
If therapy is inaccessible, create safe spaces with friends for emotional release.

volunteer_activism

ADVICE

Prioritizing Personal Life

Prioritize your personal life, as Barbara Walters advised Ling.
Ling, initially career-focused, now cherishes her children and strives to better the world for them.

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Wrestling Rivalries and Internet Security

02:01 • 5min

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Journey into Conflict: Lisa Ling's Early Experiences

06:41 • 7min

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Navigating Emotional Challenges in Advocacy

13:39 • 9min

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Healing Through Connection and Reflection

22:43 • 23min

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Influence, Insight, and Empathy

45:15 • 25min

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The Prescription Predicament

01:10:19 • 5min

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Reevaluating Historical Narratives and Empathy

01:15:45 • 20min

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The Importance of Understanding Subcultures in a Polarized World

01:36:09 • 2min

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Exploring Business Rivalries and Unique Recommendations

01:37:45 • 5min

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Protecting Your Data: The Importance of VPNs

01:42:19 • 3min

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Howard Zinn

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This book, written by Jack Weatherford, challenges the traditional Western view of Genghis Khan as a ruthless destroyer. Instead, it portrays Khan as a secular leader who promoted egalitarianism, religious tolerance, and free trade. The Mongol Empire, under Khan's leadership, subjugated vast lands and people, but also facilitated cultural communication, expanded trade routes, and contributed to the blossoming of civilization. Weatherford argues that the Mongols' rule was less burdensome than that of European nobility, with lighter taxes, tolerance of local customs and religions, and universal education for boys. The book also explores how the Mongols encouraged scientific advances, improved agriculture, and sponsored lucrative international trade, thereby influencing European civilization and the modern world.

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Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist" is an allegorical novel that follows Santiago, a shepherd boy, on a journey to fulfill his Personal Legend. The story blends elements of fantasy and realism, exploring themes of self-discovery, following one's dreams, and listening to one's intuition. Along his journey, Santiago encounters various characters and challenges that teach him valuable lessons about life and the importance of perseverance. The book's simple yet profound message has resonated with readers worldwide, inspiring them to pursue their passions and embrace the journey. The Alchemist is a timeless tale of self-discovery and the pursuit of one's dreams.

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Mother, Daughter, Sister, Bride: Rituals of Womanhood

One Sister's Captivity in North Korea and the Other's Fight to Bring Her Home

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Laura Ling

Somewhere Inside tells the story of Laura Ling's capture by North Korean soldiers in March 2009 while working on a documentary. The book details her imprisonment and trial, as well as her sister Lisa's relentless efforts to secure her release, involving high-level political figures like Bill Clinton. It offers a unique glimpse into North Korea's secretive regime and the powerful bond between the sisters.

"It requires time and energy to get invested in other people's stories, but I do in my heart of hearts believe that you emerge a better and smarter human as a result of taking that time." — Lisa Ling

Lisa Ling (@lisaling) is the host and executive producer of the CNN Original Series This Is Life with Lisa Ling. It returns for its sixth season on Sunday, September 29 at 10 p.m. ET. In each episode, Lisa immerses herself in communities across America giving viewers an inside look at some of the most unconventional segments of society. In 2017, the series won a Gracie Award.

Lisa is also host of the CNN Digital series This Is Sex with Lisa Ling, which explores the taboos around sex in America and This Is Birth with Lisa Ling, which explores how healthcare legislation, income inequality and cultural shifts shape how people have children in America.

Before coming to CNN, Lisa was a field correspondent for The Oprah Winfrey Show and contributor to ABC News' Nightline and National Geographic's Explorer. She has reported from dozens of countries, covering stories about gang rape in the Congo, bride burning in India, and the Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda, among other issues that are too often ignored.

Lisa got her start in journalism as a correspondent for Channel One News where she covered the civil war in Afghanistan at 21 years of age. She later went on to become a co-host of ABC Daytime's hit show The View, which won its first daytime Emmy during her time at the show.

Lisa has also served as a special correspondent for CNN's Planet in Peril series and is a contributing editor for USA Today's USA Weekend magazine. In 2011, her acclaimed documentary journalism series Our America with Lisa Ling began airing on OWN.

Lisa is the co-author of Mother, Daughter, Sister, Bride: Rituals of Womanhood and Somewhere Inside: One Sister's Captivity in North Korea and the Other's Fight to Bring Her Home, which she penned with her sister Laura. In 2014, President Obama named Lisa to the Commission on White House Fellows.

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