Podcast Summary: All Of It – Examining the Career of Barbara Walters

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart, WNYC
• Episode: Examining the Career of Barbara Walters
• Release Date: June 12, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the illustrious career of legendary journalist Barbara Walters through the lens of the new documentary, Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything. Premiering at the Tribeca Festival and set to stream on Hulu starting June 23, the documentary is directed by Jackie Jesko, who joins Stewart to discuss her exploration of Walters' life and legacy.

Exploring Barbara Walters Through the Documentary

Jackie Jesko provides an insightful look into the documentary's creation, highlighting the extensive collaboration with ABC News, Barbara's home network. Jesko remarks on the wealth of archival footage available, emphasizing the film's aim to portray a more intimate and multifaceted view of Walters.

“We were just kind of looking around for things that were on the cutting room floor, right? Little moments that maybe would reveal a little bit about what Barbara was like... the hope is that this ultimately is a portrait of Barbara that will show a new side to her, a more intimate side.”
— Jackie Jesko [02:08]

One standout piece of unused footage is Walters' interview with Cuban leader Fidel Castro, which Jesko describes as revealing Walters' commanding presence and chemistry with Castro.

“It was really her at the height of her power because she kind of had him wrapped around her little finger... It’s honestly very cool to look at.”
— Jackie Jesko [02:47]

Barbara Walters' Early Life and Career Challenges

The discussion shifts to Barbara Walters' formative years, where Jesko explains how her challenging childhood shaped her ambition and resilience.

“She says that she was a loner and that she always felt sort of sad and lonely... she grew up with this fabulous nightclub producer father who was also never home and who was a bit of a gambler... all of the responsibility for the family fell on Barbara.”
— Jackie Jesko [04:45]

Walters' struggle with a lisp is another focal point, illustrating her determination to overcome personal insecurities.

“She actually went to a bunch of speech therapists when she was at NBC News because they were trying to help her get rid of it... her ambition and her focus was unrivaled.”
— Jackie Jesko [05:53]

Overcoming Obstacles in a Male-Dominated Industry

Jesko discusses Walters' early career, particularly her tenure on the Today Show, where she faced significant sexism and poor chemistry with male co-hosts. Walters leveraged these challenges by shifting her focus to field interviews, which became her hallmark.

“She ends up leaving the anchor desk, going out into the field and conducting interviews, which is exactly what made her famous. So every disadvantage for her was turned into an advantage.”
— Jackie Jesko [07:19]

This resilience is further highlighted by Walters’ move to ABC News with a $1 million contract, where she was nicknamed the "Million Dollar Baby." Despite initial setbacks, her dedication eventually solidified her status as a leading journalist.

Mastering the "Get": Barbara's Interviewing Prowess

A significant portion of the documentary examines Walters' adeptness at securing high-profile interviews, referred to as "the get." Jesko explains how Walters' personal connections and proactive approach distinguished her in the crowded media landscape.

“She was maybe the first to perfect the working of the Rolodex booking... she would call people herself. She wasn’t gonna complain.”
— Jackie Jesko [09:40]

Walters was known for her extensive preparation and ability to ask probing questions, though some of them have not aged well by today's standards.

“She famously asked the Kardashians... she would ask people like Harvey Fierstein, you know, what's it like to be a homosexual... it's refreshing.”
— Jackie Jesko [11:53]

Sexism and Trailblazing for Women in Journalism

Jesko addresses the pervasive sexism Walters faced, noting that while Walters became a household name, she never fully escaped being categorized as a female journalist.

“She was never going to escape being a woman. I don’t think she wanted to.”
— Jackie Jesko [12:21]

Despite these challenges, Walters paved the way for countless women in the industry, embodying the role of a trailblazer who excelled in a male-dominated field.

Creation and Legacy of "The View"

The documentary also explores Walters' creation of The View in 1977, a groundbreaking talk show that brought together women of diverse backgrounds to discuss pertinent issues. Jesko recounts Walters' initial vision and the skepticism it faced.

“She said, ‘Who wants to hear women talk?’ And she’s like, ‘I want to hear women talk.’ And she ends up creating a form that has now been often imitated, never matched.”
— Jackie Jesko [13:21]

The View remains a cultural staple, testament to Walters' foresight and commitment to elevating women's voices in media.

Personal Relationships and Honest Portrayals

Jesko emphasizes the documentary's commitment to honesty, showcasing candid reflections from Walters' colleagues and friends, including Oprah Winfrey and Katie Couric. These interviews reveal Walters' complexities, such as her relationship with her adopted daughter and her professional dynamics with peers like Connie Chung and Joy Behar.

“This isn't a hagiography. That was never the aim. We do have to respect that Barbara lives in a very different time.”
— Jackie Jesko [14:27]

Relevance in the Modern Media Landscape

When asked if an interviewer like Barbara Walters could thrive today, Jesko reflects on the changes brought by social media, which grant public figures direct access to audiences, potentially reducing the need for traditional in-depth interviews.

“We lose things in that. People don’t have to answer hard questions anymore. They can just go on Instagram live or... I think we could use a little more of this.”
— Jackie Jesko [15:30]

Despite the evolving media landscape, Walters' honest and probing interviewing style continues to resonate, as evidenced by the popularity of her clips on platforms like TikTok.

Conclusion

Through Jackie Jesko's thoughtful exploration, the documentary Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything paints a comprehensive portrait of a woman who not only navigated but also transformed the landscape of journalism. The podcast episode highlights Walters' resilience, her pioneering approach to interviewing, and her enduring impact on media and culture.

“I think there's an honesty to her that people are attracted to right now... it's refreshing.”
— Jackie Jesko [16:05]

This detailed summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of Barbara Walters' career, as examined through Jesko's documentary. Notable quotes and specific timestamps offer additional depth, ensuring the summary is both engaging and informative for those who have yet to listen.