Finding Balance: Sonni Abatta's Guide to Combating Media Overload and Avoiding Burnout
[Recorded video is 53 minutes - timestamps below in addition to the transcript.] Watch full video here.
Mark your calendars:
Are you ready to take control of your health and wellness in mid-life? We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming free 15-minute webinar on Tuesday, October 27th at 11am PT/2pm ET that’s specifically designed for women who want to understand and manage burnout while building sustainable wellness habits.
I was connected to this week’s guest, Sonni Abbata, through a mutual friend. I started following her on Instagram and really appreciated how she was focused on bringing people together with respect to current events. It was a welcome change to the constant polarization that we see today in our feeds. The more I learned about her, I was intrigued by her career pivot from traditional media to podcasting, which we’re seeing more women over 40 embark upon (hello, Go Long!).
Sonni shares her 15-year journalism journey, experiences with career challenges, and her dedication to presenting balanced perspectives on hot-button issues. We also discuss the importance of self-motivation, especially for long-term health and wellness.
About Sonni
Sonni Abatta is the host of We Gotta Talk, an issues- and lifestyle-based podcast for the modern woman. An Emmy-nominated and AP Award-winning journalist who spent 15 years reporting and anchoring the news, she brings a passion for sharing information and stories with her audience in a nuanced way. A mother of three and wife, she's also passionate about shining light on issues that impact women, from health to beauty to current events.
NOTE: This podcast does not establish a provider-patient relationship and is for informational purposes only. Before starting any kind of wellness program, always check with your own medical team first.
Major Topics Covered
Local news is the only true remaining form of journalism. It's important to challenge your own beliefs by consuming diverse media. Being open to new perspectives can lead to personal growth.
Empowerment comes from understanding different perspectives. Social media can distort news consumption and understanding, and nuance is often lost in those discussions.
Luck is often the result of hard work and preparation.
Navigating personal identity in a public space is challenging. Self-expression must be balanced with societal expectations. It's important to guide younger generations in professional settings.
Misogyny can manifest from both men and women. Navigating workplace dynamics often involves understanding unspoken rules. Personal experiences shape our views on professionalism and self-expression.
Burnout can be managed through effective time management.
Female friendships are crucial for personal growth and support. It's essential to prioritize self-care amidst busy schedules — this includes travel.
Go Long recommends listening to the entire podcast for context, but knows you are all busy people so below you will see timestamps.
Ways to Connect with Sonni
Check out the “Ultimate Girls Trip” in Puglia in April, 2025 (2 spots remaining!)
NOTE: Go Long receives nothing for promoting this other than the satisfaction of you “treating yo self”
Instagram (@sonniabatta)
Sonni’s podcast: We Gotta Talk (available on everywhere you receive your podcasts)
Other Links Mentioned
News websites that make an attempt to call balls and strikes on everyone:
Ways to Connect with Go Long
Sign-up for Go Long’s newsletter, which is published twice per week
Schedule a complimentary consultation
Quick Takeaways
Sonni: The importance of time management and setting boundaries to avoid burnout cannot be understated - hence the Ultimate Girls Trip. Ruthlessly prioritize self-care, which helps them manage high-pressure situations and stay healthy.
Building healthy habits for long-term well-being, rather than short-term goals, is key to sustaining motivation. The results aren’t going to come as quickly as you’d like, so embrace the grind.
Jill: Embrace the grind by putting in consistent effort and hard work behind the scenes, emphasizing that success comes from loving the process rather than just focusing on the end result.
Work to balance your perspectives and understanding differing viewpoints, even on polarizing issues, as a way to grow and navigate conflict with respect and empathy.
Timestamps
00:00 — The Journey of a Journalist
10:09 — Navigating Media and Personal Identity
19:46 — The Impact of Social Media on News Consumption
30:01 — Empowerment Through Understanding Different Perspectives
40:02 — Women Supporting Women in the Workplace
30:31 — The Balance of Self-Expression and Professionalism
37:36 — Burnout and Time Management Strategies
42:27 — The Importance of Female Friendships and Connection
