Season 4 Episode 5- Featuring Kayla Thompson

WJTV news anchor, Kayla Thompson, joined me on the show this week! A native of Brandon, Mississippi, finding a love for journalism in high school, but had a love and personality for television many years prior to television. By far one of the most unique and positive interviews I've ever had, Kayla described the pros and cons of her personality. An old soul at heart, mainly due to her being an only child, spending a lot of time with parents and family who are much older than her. A devoted athlete at a young age, Kayla began playing soccer and running track at a young age, which continued throughout high school and college, and even allowed her to travel across the world, teaching her much discipline and culture. 

Attending Jacksonville State University, largely apart from athletics, but touring the school gave her a true piece of identity and she also stated “it felt like this was where God wanted me to be”. Adapting to college life well, because of early enrollment as an athlete, the departure from home to JSU was very smooth for Kayla. A music lover at heart, with a very diverse listening style, Kayla’s vibe all depends on the time of day and the place that she is at. Graduating from college in 2018, there was no true goal immediately afterwards, but quickly gaining her first job ever in Tupelo, Mississippi which was a new experience being her first true job ever. 

Describing her first job, and the transition into her career now at WJTV, Kayla talked about the evolution of her pace and lifestyle, in news, as well as the accomplishments she's made by simply just being able to help people in her community because of what she does on an everyday basis. Something that I felt was true honesty from Kayla, was her emphasis to always “take a nap” when she needs to be rested, or relax her mind and how just a little rest can continue to power her lifestyle in the correct way. Giving so much great advice about life, journalism, and even connections the wisdom and poise from Kayla is indescribable. 

As always, I love to end my episodes with two very important questions, and these are what I was left with to those “I hope my legacy is one of joy, when people hear my name I want people to feel joy. If there is anyone I can sit down with on T.V. I would put her”. “Joy is not happiness, it’s no matter what is going around me I feel joy”. “The advice I would give to somebody is to listen. We get in so much trouble, because we want to talk, and we should just listen”. 

By far one of my most enjoyable and hilarious episodes in four years. This was incredible and so relatable for me to have this conversation with Kayla, and to allow the world to listen, learn, and laugh with us is incredible. Please enjoy folks, God Bless!

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(0:00)- Intro
(1:25)- Kayla's introduction
(2:07)- Growing up in Mississippi
(3:55)- Transition to television
(8:00)- Words of encouragement for journalist
(9:40)- Love of family
(12:40)- Soccer and track backfield
(15:25)- Choosing Jacksonville State University
(17:05)- Transition from high school to college
(19:00)- Advice for college students
(22:40)- Musical love
(24:22)- Vision after college
(28:40)- First job 
(32:00)- Hobbies
(33:50)- Daily schedule
(38:56)- Important connections
(42:40)- Community service 
(46:45)- Dinner with five people
(49:55)- Life advic