Virtual 30-Minute Mindfulness for Journalists Drop-In with Ted Robbins

Ted Robbins is leading a 30-minute virtual drop-in titled Mindfulness for Journalists today, Friday, January 30, 2026, from 11:00–11:30 AM ET. The event listing identifies Robbins as part of the PMJA Editor Corps and describes the session as “a short practice and practical techniques aimed at journalists to support focus and stress reducti”.

The session targets newsroom pressure points that can erode judgment and stamina. Robbins’ program materials define the practice plainly: “Mindfulness is awareness of our internal state and our surroundings, aka ‘present-time nonjudgmental awareness.’” The materials add a newsroom caveat: “For journalists, mindfulness also needs to work within the ethical framework of our profession.”

Robbins frames mindfulness as a tool to address specific newsroom stressors. His published list cites “deadline pressure”, “pressure to be100% factually correct”, “covering traumatic events and unpleasant sources”, and “difficult newsroom relationships” as areas where practice can help. He also highlights benefits for craft and routine work, noting that mindfulness can “Sharpen reporting and editing skills” and “Focus energy when working on repetitive or routine stories.”

Robbins brings newsroom experience to the sessions. He writes, “I began my journalism career as a commercial TV reporter, moving to public TV, and then to NPR where I worked as a correspondent, editor, and manager.” He also shares a personal history with stress management: “Early on, when I found it difficult to handle the stress, I used anti-anxiety meds, alcohol, and recreational drugs. Those were not long-term solutions.” That background informs his pitch to newsrooms: “Your staff wants to do good work. Some stress can help them, but too much stress can drain them of skill and judgment. Give yourself and your newsroom tools to cope.”

Practically minded news managers will note Robbins’ offer to scale: “Help your reporters, editors, and producers better handle stress”, “Improve focus”, “Become more resilient”, and “Groups of any size at a convenient time” appear as service claims in his materials. Robin Estrin, Reporter/Producer at KCRW, is quoted in the materials saying, “I have meditated off and on throughout my life with classes and apps, but until I did a session with Ted, I had never done a mindfulness training specifically for journalists. It was great to focus on the specific stresses we deal with and get tools to figure out a better way to deal with situations.” Sáša Woodruff is listed as News Director, Boise State Public Radio, as an attributed endorsement.

The event notice does not include a registration link, meeting platform, or pricing information. For questions or bookings, contact details in Robbins’ materials list a phone number, 520-271-8887, and an email address, trobbinsla@gmail.com. The program materials include the copyright notice “©2023 by Ted Robbins.”

For reporters, producers, and editors pressed by deadlines and exposure to difficult beats, today’s 30-minute sit offers a compact, profession-focused checkpoint. If the live link is not posted where you saw the event, reach out to the contact email or phone to confirm access or to arrange a group session.