20/20 After Show: "Sisters Loved and Treasured"

Podcast: 20/20 (ABC News)
Host: Debra Roberts
Guests: Debra’s sisters – Janet, Bonita, Tina, Belinda
Date: December 1, 2025

Overview

This special episode of the 20/20 After Show takes a heartfelt detour from true crime to celebrate family and the unique bonds between sisters. Host and veteran journalist Debra Roberts invites her four sisters—Janet, Bonita, Tina, and Belinda—to New York for a candid, laughter-filled conversation inspired by Debra’s new book, Sisters Loved and Treasured: Stories of Unbreakable Bonds. The sisters reminisce about their upbringing, discuss Debra’s career journey, reflect on personal challenges, and share insights about legacy, dreams, and the mental health benefits of sisterhood—sometimes playfully imagining themselves as characters in a 20/20 true crime investigation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Inspiration Behind the Episode and Book

• Debra introduces her sisters and the special format:

  "We thought maybe since I'm always asking the questions, we might turn the tables and let you all ask the questions. I don't know if I'm ready for this..." (00:34)

• On growing up in a big family:

  "I grew up in a house full of sisters, six sisters. We have lost two of them over the years, but four sisters who are still very a part of my life." (00:51)

• Pride in her sisters’ strength:

  "Janet, who is a breast cancer survivor and thriver; Tina, who's dealing with her own battle at the moment, but surviving and thriving... So I got a couple warriors in the pack." (01:13)

Debra’s Path to Journalism

• Janet asks if Debra always wanted to work in news:

  “Have you always wanted to be in the news area? And when did you know?” (02:08)

• Debra’s response reveals a lifelong calling:

  “People ask me that, and I think it's always what I wanted to do... I remember being sort of mesmerized by the reporters, seeing the changing face of news... When I really got a chance to be introduced to journalism, I thought, that's what I want: TV journalism.” (02:25)

• Sisterly memories of Debra’s childhood “reports”:

  Bonita: “You used to be in the mirror... doing your own report in the mirror.”
  Debra: “With my brush or whatever...” (03:43–03:51)

Handling Nerves & Memorable Stories

• Bonita: “Can you talk about one time when you were very nervous before one of your interviews?” (04:23)

• Debra’s candid answer on nerves and professionalism:

  “I'm nervous all the time. I'm nervous right now... I still get very nervous, especially if it's an important interview. Even just day to day, particularly if there's a timeline—like when I go into prisons... you surrender your phone and your ID... I get nervous, but I think it brings me good energy.” (04:23–06:13)

• Sisters praise her composure:

  Bonita: “You don't show it.”
  Debra: “The trick is to mask that so people don't know.” (06:10–06:18)

• A story Debra is proud of:

  “There is this story about this African woman who lives in America... she was injured and her parents couldn't care for her... she wants to go back [to Ethiopia] to find her roots... She was reunited with her mom. And that remains one of my most memorable stories because, you know, as a black woman connecting with Ethiopia... And then we won an Emmy Award.” (07:14–08:56)

Lessons for the Next Generation: Legacy and Dreams

• Bonita asks about Debra’s legacy and advice to young people:

  “What would you like for your legacy to be in our family? And what would you say to all of the young people... about following your dreams?” (10:54)

• Debra’s motivating message:

  “More than anything else... I want my nieces and nephews to have dreams and I want them to think beyond. We grew up in small town Perry, Georgia, post segregation... But I had dreams beyond the small town and I wanted to do something bigger... I like to encourage—to dream. And don't deny yourself the opportunity to imagine.” (11:10–12:51)

• Family stories of positive “pushiness”:

  Bonita: “You influenced me to stop splitting verbs. So now, I've become this grammar fanatic.” (12:53)
  Debra: “I hope you don't think I was completely crazy, but we would appreciate it. Yes, she would correct you on the spot.” (13:45–13:57)

Playful Segment: The Family as a True Crime Team

• Who would be the best “sleuth,” detective, or prosecutor among the sisters?
  • Janet claims the sleuth mantle:

    “I think it might be me... As the story would unfold, we’d say, 'They might want to talk to that guy...’ and sure enough, he was the one who committed the crime.” (15:33–16:13)

  • Bonita: “My children... always said, ‘Mom, you should have been a detective.’ You can find stuff, you do notice.” (16:46–17:00)
  • On being a medical examiner, the consensus: “Ooh, not me.” (17:07)
  • On a “DNA analyzer” role:

    Janet: “…that’s kind of... tedious, but you have to have the patience... You just have to have the patience and the attention to detail...” (18:08–18:42)

Sisterhood as a Boost for Mental Health

• Debra closes with gratitude and a nod to sisterly support:

  "What better thing to have in your life than a sister? And there's actually research that says sisters are good for your mental well being. I think we have had a mental health boost this last week." (18:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On recognizing childhood ambition:

  “I did my show in front of the mirror... I guess I was destined. I guess it was destined.”
  —Debra Roberts (04:03–04:08)

• On nerves in journalism:

  “You have no idea how many times I'm churning outside.”
  —Debra Roberts (06:13)

• On legacy and dreams:

  “Don't deny yourself the opportunity to imagine that you could do more because of your circumstances and your surroundings.”
  —Debra Roberts (11:56–12:06)

• On belonging to a loving sisterhood:

  “What better thing to have in your life than a sister?... We have had a mental health boost this last week.”
  —Debra Roberts (18:49)

Important Timestamps

• 00:34 — Debra introduces the episode and her sisters
• 01:13 — Recognizing family "warriors" and resilience
• 02:08 — How Debra chose journalism, early influences
• 03:43 — Sisters recall Debra's “mirror news reports”
• 04:23 — Debra gets candid about on-air nerves
• 07:14 — Most meaningful storytelling moments
• 10:54 — Advice to the next generation and legacy
• 13:44 — Family stories of encouragement and “pushiness”
• 15:33 — Playful “who would be the best detective” segment
• 18:49 — Tribute to sisterhood’s value for mental health

Tone and Style

• The conversation is warm, open, humorous, and filled with familial teasing and affection.
• Debra maintains her journalist’s poise but is relaxed and genuine among her sisters.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode steps away from hard-hitting crime investigation to offer an intimate, charming look into Debra Roberts’ family, showing how resilience, humor, lifelong encouragement, and mutual pride shape a generation of women. While touching on the serious (career nerves, health battles, legacy) and the playful (which sister would solve a crime?), the episode doubles as a tribute to the deep, sustaining power of sisterly love—making it a resonant listen for anyone interested in family dynamics or seeking permission to dream big, no matter where you start.