Today we’d like to introduce you to Jane Mitchell
Hi Jane, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey starts with my parents. My father, Cdr. J. Wallace “Wally” Mitchell, served 30 years in the Navy (WW2, Korea, Vietnam) and my mother, Ann, was a public school teacher for 31and a half years. (She always wanted that “1/2” included!) They grew up during the Great Depression and worked for everything they had. My dad’s thirst for learning and my mom’s gypsy spirit combined for a desire to show their four kids (I’m the baby) the world, even on a shoestring budget. That meant taking free military flights, buses, trains, and at times, 6 of us sleeping in a VW bus, with me on the floor, or maybe at one or two-star hotels! In 8th grade, watching the nightly news on television, I saw a reporter standing in front of a pyramid. I told my father, “That man travels the world, tell stories, is on TV and gets paid for it. That’s what I’m going to do!”
I had my first TV show (local cable) at 17, went to college, grad school, worked as a news reporter in Wichita Falls, Texas and Tulsa, Oklahoma, then returned to San Diego to help care for my father diagnosed with ALS. I took a producing/writing/weekend reporting job at KNSD-TV to have a job and be there for him and my mother until his passing in 1994.
In 1996 I was hired by COX to help create the Padres Baseball TV station, launching in 1997. That launched me into the world of sports and telling athletes’ stories for my TV show One on One with Jane Mitchell. This type of program and style were new back then, and for me, being in the mix of Major League Baseball and later NFL football, was surprising and exciting considering I wasn’t much of a sports fan and certainly not an athlete. But I did love storytelling, and the shows — with the in-depth interview and visuals of childhood pictures and at home with the athletes – thankfully, became my calling card and were well received.
After 15 years, the Channel 4 San Diego TV gig officially ended for us all. I had already published my book (One on One: My Journey with Hall of Fames, Fan Favorites and Rising Stars), so I started One on One Productions, had more time with my mom and was a single mother by choice thanks to planning, God and my answered prayers and wonderful fertility doctors. I then delivered what I call “my best production ever,” my baby girl Lily, in 2013, when I was 50.
My mother passed away in 2021 at 97 years old, Lily is now 11. I’ve had the freedom and joy to be so much a part of their lives – caring for my mom, nurturing Lily’s theatrical bliss — and now I’m about to launch a new dimension of my One on One brand with a new podcast/video series; reconnecting with players I interviewed and learning where they are now, life after the game, an update on their kids, their passion projects.
Whether for their stories, or mine, the linear, chronology of a story is one thing. But sharing the defining moments, challenges, decisions, and choices along the way reminds me of what it really takes to live and work a dream. I faced many options and obstacles, and I could have gone different directions. I’m grateful how faith, love, and my personal GPS/compass helps me navigate and brings me to this day. Every day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am so grateful and humbled to be in a position to help other people share their stories, and to share my story, too. I believe part of my success comes from my own experiences, empathy and understanding that no one’s success “just happens”; there are often defining moments that could change the trajectory of our journey. Sometimes it’s something that happens “to” us; other times, it’s how and what we choose when faced with an obstacle or a decision where there might even be a wrong answer. Here are a few of my key defining moments.
#1) My First “Curve Ball”
At 13 years old, a nurse at school said I had a crooked spine (Scoliosis), and we should see a doctor in 6 months. Nine months later, at 14, my “crooked spine” had progressed to a 59-degree curve and doctors at Balboa Naval Hospital said surgery was needed right away, because the curve was collapsing one of my lungs. Three weeks later, 5 vertebrae fused, a metal rod in my back, on a Streicher Frame bed for three weeks and a body cast for six months. It was not only life-saving surgery (I could have been terribly disabled and died young without the fix) but life changing. I knew my passion was journalism and I wanted to be a reporter, so with what I felt was my second lease on life, I focused on that, was a good student, involved in my community, never drank or partied (and barely dated) in high school; with the eye on the prize and a great appreciation for the medical and family support I had to get through a very scary and painful time. I chose to make good decisions that would not only benefit me and my goals, but honor my parents, teachers, and friends, too.
#2) The Grad School Dilemma
My senior year in college I wasn’t quite ready for the real world of TV news. Despite various media internships, my resume tape wasn’t ready for even small-market prime time! So, I applied to graduate school for Journalism. Denied by Columbia in New York, I was accepted to Northwestern in Chicago and Stanford in Northern California. Torn between Stanford and Northwestern, I tearfully shared my dilemma with my mother one night. My then recently ex-boyfriend was near Stanford, and could I try to get us back together by being in proximity? Northwestern would be all new, and no “love” interest. Stanford was more for print journalists (at the time) and not as much focus on broadcasting. Northwestern had a great mix of print and broadcast and a news bureau in Washington D.C. My mother simply said, “follow your heart. What does your heart say?” As much as I had loved this person, I was so sure of and passionate about my career dream. In that moment of choice, it was clear. “Chicago. I’m going to Chicago.” And just like that, a new direction and total peace, confidence, and excitement.
#3) Family over Career?
With graduate school, my first TV reporting job in Wichita Falls Texas, and my second in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I figured my next big change would be finding a position in the next bigger market; hopefully west, closer to home, but I didn’t expect it to happen because of a family health crisis. The summer of 1991 began a series of trips home for vacation, weddings and seeing my father’s weight and physical abilities reduce dramatically. I took a 6-week emergency leave to be home helping with doctor’s appointments, videotaping his life story (something he wanted to do “before I die”) and supporting my mom’s efforts, too. Returning to Tulsa, it just didn’t feel right to be so far away. I bounced it off an agent (who didn’t represent me) who advised that broadcasting is so competitive it would be a mistake to leave an on-air position; people might not want to hire you. Her concern was echoed by a few others, including one news manager who said if I left and went to San Diego, I’d never make it in that market; that I wasn’t good enough; and that “friends” were only telling me what I wanted to hear. None of that felt right. After a few calls home and looking considering who was giving me this “advice” I was certain, “I can always get another job. I can’t get another father.” I took a 1-year leave of absence (allowed me to keep insurance) and drove home to San Diego with my sister in my packed Honda Accord. At that point in my life, it was the best decision of my life. Thankfully, a few months later I was hired as a writer/field producer, making a lot less money, but where I needed to be. Aside from the caregiving, he was happy to watch me in action when I became a weekend reporter. He died 2 years later. No regrets. Totally grateful for my time with him.
#4) Ready for a Risk?
In 1994, after my father’s passing, I started feeling the need to re-boot my reporting career, because it was not progressing at that current station. I hung in there for 2 years show and field producing (they took me off the air saying I didn’t fit their “look”) but I believed the experience was happening for a reason. I even turned down jobs within a close flight or drive home, because they didn’t feel right. Finally, a call from a former colleague with an opportunity to create a short-term, non-partisan channel in 1996 when the Republican National Convention was coming to San Diego. I’d have to quit my job for a 4 month contract. No guarantees beyond that. I said I’d do anything and everything if it was not political, and I could also be on the air. I was hired and worked insane hours for 4 months. At the end, Cox and the San Diego Padres wanted to create the Padres TV station and they hired me to help create it. Once again, I said I’d do anything and everything as long as I could be on the air. I took risks, but had parameters, followed my heart, said prayers, and then just jumped in. I could have played it safe and stayed with a full time job. I could have been afraid I didn’t know enough about starting a channel and all that’s involved. But I was not afraid. I was excited and embraced the challenge. It was a pioneering adventure for us all. The work, the crazy hours and the learning curve of being a non-sports fan now in the sports world; it all paid off. And as I wrote in my book; it was better than the dream.
#5) The “Write” Move?
Ten years into Channel 4 San Diego and my One on One TV show, I decided people who had suggested I write a book were right and I was ready. I pitched the idea to a few sports publishers, but essentially, they said that while many of the athletes I had interviewed were nationally known, I was only a regional name; so, they didn’t think my book would have that much appeal, or that I’d sell enough for them to take a chance. Undeterred, I decided I would do it myself. “Self-publishing” in the mid 2000s still had a little stigma of not being “real” or legitmate published works, but times (and technology and formats) were changing, and I saw the upside; that I’d control over the content and timeline. For the next three years I wrote for a week or so on my vacations; a total of only about 300 hours. In 2010, when I was close to being ready, I spent another 1200+ hours (while working full time still!), landed some funding to help pay my costs, found a fantastic woman, Lisa Akoury-Ross, who was just starting her own small publishing company in Boston (we did everyting through email and phone calls!), and the book was released at a fantastic charity-fundraiser book launch party. Did I make a lot of money on the book? No. I actually lost when it comes to dollars. Do I still have some in stock? Yes. But I am so proud of the book, it’s content and quality, and the Foreword written by Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn and Sports broadcasting legend Dick Enberg. (I had the gumption to ask, and they both said YES!) It’s part of my brand, my history, my contributions, my future. I use it and the content it has to offer for talks, teaching, contacts and more. The timeless biographical stories – from mine to the guests featured – are always new to anyone who hasn’t seen it yet. And if I never write another book (which I think I am going to… eventually) I’m glad I didn’t fear the unconventional path; taking the unconventional wisdom that came from my desire, my vision, my willingness to take a risk.
#6) Motherhood at 50: Now or Never.
By my early 40s, after a number of relationships (some heartbreaking, some glad they were over!), I just hadn’t found the right guy, and I absolutely wanted to be a mother (yes, more than I wanted to be married. So although that traditional path would have been okay, it wasn’t working out that way!) A visit to a fertility doctor essentially said “now or never” if I wanted to use my own eggs (yes, they age, too, there is a clock!) Not quite ready, I waited until my book was published, and had squirreled away some savings.
At 48 years old, I grieved knowing I couldn’t use my own eggs (high risk to the future baby), so I quickly got over that and selected an egg donor and sperm donor, and through the miracle of God’s blessings and amazing doctors, I got pregnant! It’s a long story, but my happy ending came when my daughter Lily was born May 10th, 2013, two months after I had turned 50. She is, for sure, my best production yet, and the best prize ever. No fear. No expectations of anyone else. Just producing, navigating, problem solving and creating memories and a life for her, for us. She is a joy every moment. Between scaling back on work to be a mostly full time mother, COVID, and caring for my mother, I had the benefit of many 3-generational connection every day, time for 8 years, before my mother passed away in 2021 at 97 years old. As I said about my career? Lily is also better than the dream. Thank God.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a broadcast journalist and have found my niche and forte in in-depth heart and soul interviews, biographies, and documentaries. I also love speaking, teaching, mentoring, and coaching, all of which have come as I’ve built my career and what turned out to be my “brand” which I didn’t even know I had until people pointed that out to me starting about 1997, after my show became popular. (I still thought a brand was Crest toothpaste or Wrigley’s gum!)
After 9 years in daily TV news, I honed the in-depth part of my craft starting in a most unexpected way: interviewing athletes for the new Padres TV station (I was hired to help create) and sharing their stories for a new genre show called One on One with Jane Mitchell. As an on-air reporter/anchor, I wrote and produced all my shows and most other features I presented for various programming. I credit much of my success to 1, having the opportunity created by Bill Geppert, Dan Novak and Dennis Morgigno, who were at the helm at COX during our beginning years, and 2, to the creative, flexible and hard working partners especially Dan Roper, and many other photographers, editors, producers and crew who were part of the Channel 4 team. Too many to mention, but I did put all their names in my book!
It was an incredible experience, and thankfully I gained a host of fans and a number of awards from peers (Emmys, Press Club, all very humbling and appreciated.) My goal is always to make the guest the story, not me. Then and now, I do that by listening, focusing on them, and putting it all together for a comprehensive, interesting, and entertaining show for anyone 5-95! I respected their trials and tribulations, successes, and failures, loves and loss. I aim to capture their essence even if we can’t go in-depth about every aspect of their dimensions. Early on, my style and increasing our productions to using 3 cameras and more of the interactions of Q and A, I was recognized and thanked by viewers: the guests, their families, and fans.
Whether for athletes, documentaries, clients or with my Podcast/Video Series that’s in the development (Jane Mitchell One on One: Where are They Now?), listening, connecting, curiosity and compassion are key. My business card says: Telling Stories with Expertise, Integrity, and Compassion.”
It’s more than a tag line. I have very high standards for delivering quality work and interactions for video, in-person experiences, coaching or mentoring.
I’m a little bit of a Jane of All Trades in my area… and as my other email says, “No Plain Jane…”
You can find out more about me and my breadth of offerings on my website or on the flaps and back of my book.
There wasn’t a specific question about this, but I’ve been involved in community and charities over the years. My primary organization, closest to my heart is the ALS Association Greater San Diego. The chapter was just starting in February 2002 when I joined the board and used my TV platform to help share stories and inform all about ALS, the disease my father had. After serving on the board and as chair, I stepped away to have a baby but am still involved in the efforts, including the annual Walk to Defeat ALS and the ALS Fiesta.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The media world – with broadcasting, cable, streaming, social media and now AI for content and communication – is rapidly changing in so many ways. I don’t worry or analyze it. I just look at what I love to do and find ways to do it independently, working enough for financial stability, open to opportunities, and in control of my schedule and projects.
I love the interviewing, storytelling, and video production process for content whether for public view or private clients. I have my go-to partners for video and producing, and projects are fun!
One of my core custom video services is called Your Story Your Legacy. It’s an opportunity for an individual or family to capture a life story told in their own words, but with help with an in-depth interview along the way. I did this at my father’s request when he was ill and facing an ALS diagnosis; I have more than 5 hours of him on video. I did it years later for my mother’s 90th and 95th birthdays and have precious hours of her history and thoughts about her life and legacy. It makes me very happy and fulfilled to know a family will have this for themselves now and for future generations.
Even with this, and other small documentary projects, something seemed missing in the equation; what could I do with content that fits my One on One “brand” and something I could afford, at least at first, to produce? Then a friend said, what about all those people you interviewed for 15 years on Channel 4? You could talk to them? And in that moment, I said, “Wow! Yes! Where are they now? How is life after the game? What about their kids? What are their passion projects? I have a whole book and 100+ people and I hope many of them would say yes to be my guest again.”
A TV show’s too expensive, but a PODCAST is the place to be. So, with research and creative brainstorming, I’m developing a hybrid for listeners and viewers. If they’re local, we can do it in person. If they’re out of the region, we’ll use the wonderful world of high-quality virtual conversations.
It will be out of pocket to start, but hopefully with enough listeners/downloads (the new metrics, I’m having to learn about!) there will be financial/sponsorship opportunities. The feedback from friends, fans and players is so positive. Let’s honor the past, re-connect with people we all watched and loved, and see where it goes! I will adjust to the new aspect of the industry and have my creative outlet and way of contributing to the sports conversation once again. Plus, I own the show. I can produce or put it on hold as I choose. On a personal level, I’ll be able to share my own “where is she now” and come around full circle on some of my life experiences, too.
That’s the beauty of where we are in the industry. It’s much easier to make your own rules, draw or change your own parameters. After 30+ years in the industry, I’m glad I’ve experienced the improvements and ingenuity in technology that allows for more independence and a different kind of collaboration. It’s nice to have options.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.JaneMitchellOneOnOne.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janeoneonone/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oneononejane/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneOnOneJane
Image Credits
Tony Amat, Jane Mitchell
