About this episodeThis conversation honors the life and legacy of journalist Cokie Roberts, highlighting her role as a pioneerin…AI summary
This conversation honors the life and legacy of journalist Cokie Roberts, highlighting her role as a pioneering woman in political journalism and a fierce advocate for other women. Through anecdotes from her husband Steve Roberts and colleagues Nina Totenberg, Martha Raddatz, and Judy Woodruff, the discussion reveals how Roberts balanced traditional faith and family values with radical feminism, using her platform to uplift women and children both domestically and globally.
Key takeaways 5
Cokie Roberts viewed journalism as a form of public service rather than just a career, driven by a desire to help women and children rather than engage in partisan politics.
She broke the mold for women in journalism by refusing to mimic male counterparts; instead, she embraced her identity as a mother and woman, which made her more relatable and authentic to audiences.
Roberts actively fought for other women in the industry, such as advocating for Martha Raddatz to be on air more often and supporting a marginalized makeup artist at ABC, often at the cost of her own comfort.
Her upbringing in a prominent political family (the Claibornes) provided her with deep historical context and access, but she remained uncompromised by it, treating politicians as human beings rather than stick figures.
She maintained a strong connection to her Catholic faith while fully embracing her husband's Jewish heritage, creating a household that celebrated both traditions and served as a community hub for interfaith families.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“She made us brave.”
▶ 5:41Diane Sawyer describing Cokie Roberts' impact on female journalists.
“I could have put on the jewels and taken up the tools and connected to the women and their traditional roles centuries before.”
▶ 29:39Cokie Roberts reflecting on artifacts in a museum in Marathon, Greece, illustrating her belief in the continuity of women's roles throughout history.
“What would Cokie do?”
A recurring mantra used by Nina Totenberg and Steve Roberts when facing personal crises or decisions about how to treat others with kindness.
“You can tell how successful a marriage is by the number of teeth marks in your tongue from biting it on a regular basis.”
▶ 51:19Steve Roberts describing the tolerance and respect required in his interfaith marriage with Cokie.
“I'm my mother's daughter.”
▶ 1:01:24Cokie Roberts identifying her mother, Lindy Boggs, as her primary role model for balancing public service, family, and faith.
Chapters & Sections (42)▼
0:04Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Cokie Robertschapter3
0:04Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Cokie Roberts
2:05Personal Stories of Cokie Roberts' Life
3:11Legacy of a Trailblazing Female Journalist
5:16Cokie Roberts' Influence on Young Womenchapter2
5:16Cokie Roberts' Influence on Young Women
7:56Cokie Roberts' Advocacy for Women and Children
11:38Remembering Cokie Roberts' Impact on Journalismchapter2
11:38Remembering a Legendary Journalist and Friend
13:24The Early Days of Women in NPR
16:23Lessons Learned from a Mentoring Relationshipchapter4
16:23Childhood Memories of a Mentorship Relationship
18:12Legacy of Kindness and Generosity
20:31Authenticity as a Key to Public Success
21:56Authenticity and Empowerment of Women in Media
23:47Influence of Upbringing on Personal Characterchapter3
23:47Breaking Down Barriers in Journalism and Community
26:00Overcoming Career Obstacles as a Woman in 1960s
27:17Women's Rights and Empowerment in the Workplace
28:51Importance of Women's Traditional Roles and Empowermentchapter3
28:51Importance of Women's Traditional Roles
30:11Women's Empowerment and Social Change
31:35Embracing Motherhood and Work-Life Balance
34:22Family Values and Faith Influences Childhoodchapter2
34:22Family, Faith, and Personal Values Discussed
36:05The Importance of Good Journalism and Reporters
39:16Growing Up in a Politically Diverse Environmentchapter4
39:16Linda's Uncompromised Approach to Journalism
40:59Respect for Politics and Congressional Institution
42:18The Importance of Institutional Loyalty in Politics
43:37Humanizing Politics through Personal Stories
45:16Women's Contributions to History Rediscovered and Revivedchapter2
45:16Women's Contributions to History and Politics Rediscovered
48:07First Meeting and Early College Relationship
49:44Blending of Faiths in Marriagechapter1
49:44Blending of Faiths in Marriage
54:09Collaborative Work and Personal Growthchapter5
54:09Nostalgia and Success of Former Childhood Friends
55:42Editing Sacred Texts and Personal Relationships
57:17Collaborative Writing and Authorial Control
58:48Parental Influences and Role Models
1:00:03American History and Family Legacy Discussed
1h 23m
1h 9m
23m
1h 9m
1h 7m
1h 16m
1h 10m
1h 2m
1h 28m
1h 1m
1h 14m
1h 30m
3h 34m⏭ 2
1h 8m⏭ 1
1h 11m
1h 55m⏭ 4
1h 15m
1h 23m
1h 25m⏭ 3
1h 13m
4h 7m
1h 2m
1h 27m
1h 28m⏭ 6
1h 0m⏭ 1
33m
46m
3h 59m⏭ 5
3h 54m⏭ 7
54m⏭ 1
1h 13m
54m⏭ 2
1h 26m
45m⏭ 2
58m⏭ 5
25m