256. Kaitlan Collins: CNN’s Chief White House correspondent and anchor dives into the fast-paced world of political reporting, importance of preparedness, and working closely with multiple administrations

Oct 6, 2025

Kaitlan Collins, CNN anchor and Chief White House correspondent who rose from local reporting to cover multiple administrations. She dives into life on the White House beat, split-second fact checking, negotiating contracts, navigating access and setbacks, and how relentless preparation keeps reporters composed in chaotic presidential moments.

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ADVICE

Carry A Ready Question List

Keep a running list of questions on your phone because unexpected opportunities to ask the president appear often.
Prepare at least ten short questions so you can pivot when a quick window opens.

ANECDOTE

Calling Sources Directly From An Uber

Kaitlan called Donald Trump directly from an Uber to confirm breaking news and got an immediate statement.
She used two phones: one for the call and one to write and email the quote in real time.

ANECDOTE

From Daily Caller To CNN

Kaitlan moved from The Daily Caller to CNN after appearing fairly on air and meeting Jeff Zucker.
CNN valued her conservative outlet experience and Southern roots to reach Trump voters.

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This week, Jason is joined by one of the most recognizable and respected journalists in America, Kaitlan Collins!
Kaitlan is the anchor of The Source on CNN and CNN’s Chief White House correspondent, where she brings clarity and accountability to the story shaping our world. As a Chief White House correspondent, she has covered both Trump and Biden and now Trump again and is making history as the youngest ever to hold that role at the network. She has reported from the halls of the White House to international summits, pressing world leaders about presidents alike with sharp, fearless questions. Kaitlan’s rise from local Alabama roots is a story of ambition, resilience, and navigating the business of media at the highest level.
Kaitlan Collins takes us inside the fast-paced world of political reporting, revealing what it’s really like to cover the White House across multiple administrations. She shares how she broke into politics, the differences between presidencies, and what it means to have a direct line to the president. Kaitlan opens up about working at a conservative-leaning outlet early in her career, how that unexpected path led her to CNN, and the lessons she’s learned about preparation, composure, and credibility in the chaos of live news. She reveals how correspondents vet information in real time, who taught her how to negotiate, the average length of a correspondent contract, and what her biggest “Grammy moment” has been on air. From question regret to staying objective, managing pressure in the briefing room, and protecting press access through every administration — Kaitlan gets candid about the realities, risks, and rewards of being one of the most trusted voices in political journalism.
Kaitlan reveals all this and so much more in another episode you can’t afford to miss!
Host: Jason Tartick
Co-Host: David Arduin
Audio: John Gurney
Guest: Kaitlan Collins

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