In this episode of Leaving the Nest, I sit down with longtime journalist John Barr to talk about what it really takes to build a career in media and how persistence, relationships, and authenticity still matter in a rapidly changing industry. Hear how John spent more than twenty years reporting for ESPN and now serves as an Investigative Reporter at WJLA-TV!

In our conversation, John took us back to the beginning, growing up in a family with deep roots in newspaper journalism and discovering his own path into television reporting. He shares what it was like leaving home, finding his first job at a tiny station in Kentucky, and learning early lessons about rejection, persistence, and showing up when others won't. He also walks us through how his career unexpectedly shifted from local news to national reporting and how a leap into sports journalism ultimately led him to ESPN.

We also talk about John's book co-written with Dan Murphy, Start by Believing, and how he reported on the crimes of Larry Nassar. He highlights the responsibility that journalists carry when telling survivors' stories and reflects on writing the book about the case and the realities of publishing. Finally, we talk about advice for today's graduates, from standing out in a digital world to why strong writing skills, authenticity, and real human connections still make all the difference. If you're someone who has been thinking of going into a career involving media and news reporting, then this is an episode you do not want to miss!

Key Takeaways:

• Relationships still drive career opportunities, so showing up, meeting people, and building connections can matter more than even a perfect résumé!

• Career paths are rarely linear.

• Investigative journalism requires emotional resilience because reporting on difficult cases means balancing empathy with the responsibility to document the facts.

• Writing a book begins with a strong book proposal and collaboration!

• In a digital world with AI continuing to rise, authenticity and strong writing stand out perhaps more than ever!

Thanks again for listening to Leaving The Nest! To find your next job, visit us at ROCS Grad Staffing. If you are a business in need of help staffing entry-level positions in your office, please reach out to Kathleen directly at Kathleen@rocsjobs.com. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please call Kathleen at 703-579-6677.

Resources:

ROCS Grad Staffing

Listen to Leaving The Nest Podcast

Read John's Book Start by Believing

Connect with Kathleen:

Kathleen@rocsjobs.com

LinkedIn

Call: 703-579-6677

Connect with John:

LinkedIn

Welcome back, everyone, to the first new episode of 2026! This episode truly feels like the perfect way to kick off the year, and I couldn't be more excited to share it with you. I am joined by Linus, one of our ROCStar alumni, and someone whom I've had the privilege of watching grow from an entry-level role into an Employee Development Manager who now trains new hires. Seeing that kind of growth up close never gets old, and this conversation really reminds me why I love this work so much!

This episode of Leaving the Nest is for anyone who feels unsure about their next step, curious about alternative career paths, or eager to make a strong first impression at work. Linus' story is honest, motivating, and full of practical insight, and I truly can't wait for you to hear it!

Key Takeaways:

• College isn't the only path to success; finding what truly fits you ultimately matters so much more!

• Military service will help build discipline, work ethic, and confidence.

• Civilian recruiting sells a job, while military recruiting sells a life-changing lifestyle.

• The data center industry includes massive infrastructure roles beyond just the technical, cybersecurity-focused side.

• Punctuality, initiative, and openness to feedback are the fastest ways to stand out as a new hire!

Thanks again for listening to Leaving The Nest! To find your next job, visit us at ROCS Grad Staffing. If you are a business in need of help staffing entry-level positions in your office, please reach out to Kathleen directly at Kathleen@rocsjobs.com. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please call Kathleen at 703-579-6677.

Resources:

ROCS Grad Staffing

Listen to Leaving The Nest Podcast

Connect with Kathleen:

Kathleen@rocsjobs.com

LinkedIn

Call: 703-579-6677

I am very excited about this episode because I am, for the first time ever, joined by ROCS colleagues Sage and Piper! Sage walks us through her journey from Recruiter to Account Manager, reflecting on her unique college experience during the pandemic, her career pivot, and the thrill of earning her promotion. Piper shares her start at ROCS straight out of college, including a first day unlike any other, which turned into an unexpected bonding experience with the team. Both of them offer thoughtful advice for recent grads, highlighting the value of being coachable, flexible, and open to feedback in shaping your career.

We also reflect on the team's wins and milestones over the year, from hitting starts goals and celebrating promotions to bringing on new hires and coordinating team incentives. We recount some of the fun and sometimes chaotic moments like a soaked 5K race, March Madness bracket victories, and memorable team outings including baseball games and holiday gift drops for kids in the community. I even share my own year-end highlight of baking 250 cookies for a client's site, which, despite being exhausting, was incredibly rewarding. Alongside work accomplishments, we celebrate personal milestones: baby showers, anniversaries, and festive gatherings that brought the team closer together.

This special episode also gives you a peek into our quirks and traditions. We wrap the year with reflections on goals, holiday festivities, and plans for 2026, from staying motivated in recruiting to slowing down personally, going on new adventures, and stepping into the new year with confidence, so if you have ever wondered what a year at ROCS Grad Staffing looks like through the eyes of our team, you'll be sure to enjoy this episode!

Key Takeaways:

• Sage and Piper reflect on their career journeys, highlighting growth, mentorship, and embracing feedback.

• Q1 and Q2 of 2025 brought promotions, new clients, teamwork, and fun team-bonding events!

• Team traditions such as March Madness, 5Ks, and holiday gift exchanges helped strengthen camaraderie and morale.

• 2025 highlights include professional milestones, networking, sales achievements, and personal celebrations.

• A focus on confidence, goal-setting, and maintaining balance while celebrating successes and planning for 2026!

Thanks again for listening to Leaving The Nest! To find your next job, visit us at ROCS Grad Staffing. If you are a business in need of help staffing entry-level positions in your office, please reach out to Kathleen directly at Kathleen@rocsjobs.com. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please call Kathleen at 703-579-6677.

Resources:

ROCS Grad Staffing

Listen to Leaving The Nest Podcast

Sage's LinkedIn

Piper's LinkedIn

Connect with Kathleen:

Kathleen@rocsjobs.com

LinkedIn

Call: 703-579-6677