Living on the Edge with Jessica Golloher: Reporting from the World’s Most Dangerous Places
What drives someone to risk it all to tell the stories that matter?
Jessica Golloher knows firsthand what it takes to thrive as a foreign correspondent in some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones. From Ukraine to Crimea and Russia, she’s covered the stories that shape our world—often from the front lines.
In this episode of No Wrong Choices, Jessica shares her remarkable journey: from growing up in Oklahoma to forging a career as a fearless reporter, working with major outlets like Fox News, NPR, and the BBC. She opens up about the challenges of freelancing in conflict zones, navigating life under surveillance in Moscow, and the resilience it takes to report where others fear to tread.
From Oklahoma to the Front Lines
Jessica’s story didn’t start in a glamorous newsroom. It began with a passion for storytelling and a determination to bring the world’s biggest stories home. Her willingness to embrace risk—combined with an unwavering commitment to the truth—led her from local reporting to international assignments that put her in the middle of history.
Living on the Edge
In Crimea, Jessica once found herself face-to-face with armed men, asking herself, “What the hell is wrong with you?” as she tried to do her job. In Moscow, she learned to navigate the complexities of reporting under constant surveillance, all while maintaining her focus on the stories that needed to be told.
The Freelance Hustle
Jessica built her career one assignment at a time, often without the safety net of a staff position. From negotiating challenging logistics to getting the story under pressure, she shares what it really takes to succeed as a freelance journalist in high-risk environments.
Key Takeaways:
• Grit and resilience are essential for reporting from the world’s most dangerous places.
• Freelancing offers freedom and opportunity—but demands street smarts and unwavering commitment.
• Trusting your instincts can mean the difference between telling the story and becoming the story.
• Every great career journey is filled with risk—and that’s where the most meaningful stories live.
• The world needs courageous journalists to bring important stories to light, no matter the challenges.
Listen to the Episode:
Want the full story? Listen to Jessica Golloher’s episode of No Wrong Choices on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Larry Samuels
Hello! I'm Larry, the first voice you'll hear on "No Wrong Choices," a podcast where we dive into the myriad paths to success. As someone who's navigated the crossroads of media and technology for years, I've seen firsthand that success isn't a straight line – it's a winding road of choices, experiences and adventures.
From leading and scaling businesses to mentoring the next wave of innovators, I've worn many hats – company President, advertising innovator, college professor, and yes, a devoted parent too. My journey in broadcasting began with SiriusXM, highlighted by my time spent anchoring "The Original" Sirius Sports talk show "Da Fellas," a gig that wasn't just about sports but also building lifelong friendships.
I bring a wealth of experiences and a unique business perspective to our podcast, and I'm truly passionate about the stories behind the successes. Whether it's chatting with artists, entrepreneurs, or athletes, each guest on our show brings a distinct viewpoint on decision-making and embracing every twist and turn.
I live with my family in New York City where you'll often find me cheering for the Yankees, or my hometown teams, the Buffalo Bills and Sabres. Off the air, I'm jamming to Bruce Springsteen or staying active – be it in the gym or on the court.
Turning Tragedy into Purpose: Rick and Jane Howe’s Journey with SIDS
