Inside the Mind of an Emmy Winner: Turning Complex Stories Into Human Truth

Summary

---

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Next On Scene: The Human Behind The Brand
Episode: Inside the Mind of an Emmy Winner: Turning Complex Stories Into Human Truth
Host: Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey
Guest: Nicole Estefan (Emmy Award-winning Journalist/Producer/Documentary Storyteller, WCVB Boston’s Chronicle)
Date: January 27, 2026

---

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the personal and professional journey of Emmy-winning journalist Nicole Estefan, known for her gift in translating complex issues into stories that resonate on a deeply human level. Host Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey explores Nicole’s path into journalism, her approach to vulnerability in storytelling, the experiences that have shaped her—including health struggles and her love for science and the ocean—and practical advice for making the complicated relatable. The episode is rich with relatable moments, honest self-reflection, and wisdom on the power of sharing one’s truth.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Nicole’s Path to Journalism

• Early Fascination & Fear: Nicole shares her longstanding fascination with news as a child, but admits hesitation due to lack of representation and connections in the field.
  • “I wasn’t really brave enough to follow that. I didn’t know anyone who was in it. It seemed like something that was untouchable, if you will.” (Nicole Estefan, 01:42)
• Turning Point – Family and Purpose: After her mother was diagnosed with cancer, Nicole reevaluated her career, moved back to pursue her passion, and attended Emerson for journalism.
  • “That was a turning point for me, that I thought maybe I should really kind of follow what I want to do in life. And that was it.” (Nicole Estefan, 02:02)

2. Growth Through Change & New Markets

• Developing as a Journalist: Nicole describes her time in Atlanta as pivotal due to cultural differences and personal growth.
  • “It was the first time I was in a really big market far away from home...I think that was the one place where I really started to grow fully as a journalist.” (Nicole Estefan, 02:29)
• Regional Character Differences: Anecdotes about Atlanta’s welcoming nature and the high-speed demands of news.
  • “It does take you 40 minutes to buy a carton of milk because everyone wants to talk to you and know your life story...but the news is just as fast paced.” (Nicole Estefan, 02:57)

3. The Role of Vulnerability – Personal Health & Advocacy

• Facing Serious Diagnosis: Nicole recounts her diagnosis of premature coronary artery disease, a rare condition, and how this personal challenge enriched her professional empathy.
  • “We all think we have a certain amount of control over our own story—until we don’t.” (Nicole Estefan, 03:17)
  • “It’s your responsibility to make something of [your platform].” (Nicole Estefan, 04:49)
• Relationship with the American Heart Association: Now a host for their gala, Nicole is both humbled and honored among the medical heroes she celebrates.
  • “I feel honored to be there. But I also feel sometimes completely humbled, like, why am I here?” (Nicole Estefan, 04:36)

4. Humanizing Complex Stories

• Making the Complicated Relatable: Nicole’s method centers on emotion over process.
  • “What people connect with is, you know, what is it like for you? What are the emotions that you felt going through this, rather than this is the medical process of what her body is doing. It’s really that vulnerability...just connecting.” (Nicole Estefan, 06:23)
  • “As humans, we are all so much the same, even though we feel so far apart, particularly in today’s world. There are things that all of us crave: love, acceptance, safe places to be.” (Nicole Estefan, 06:47)

5. A Day in Nicole’s Life

• Embracing Chaos: Nicole thrives on variety and unpredictability.
  • “Day in the life is usually starts with hot mess...but it's actually a beautiful hot mess...I thrive in chaos.” (Nicole Estefan, 05:30 & 05:58)
  • “Stability scares me and it's not my strong point. But like, a little bit of chaos, that's where I go.” (Nicole Estefan, 05:58)

6. Notable Career Milestones

• First Emmy Win: Nicole’s groundbreaking coverage of a Boston peace rally.
  • “I was just so proud of my team…in those situations, we are truly observers...We really had to stand back and accept what both sides were telling us.” (Nicole Estefan, 07:32)
  • Memorable quote about empathy: “If you knew somebody, if you knew their story, there’s not a person that you wouldn’t like.” (Nicole Estefan, 08:23)

---

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Human Connection:

  “As humans, we are all so much the same, even though we feel so far apart...”
  (Nicole Estefan, 06:47)

• On Platform & Responsibility:

  “If you’re given a platform and you’re given a stage, you really...it’s your responsibility to make something of it.”
  (Nicole Estefan, 04:49)

• On Career Journeys:

  “If anyone is on a path to anywhere, it takes a while, but you start to look back and realize that the closed doors were blessings. Everything you didn’t get was exactly what led to the open doors.”
  (Nicole Estefan, 10:08)

• On Creativity:

  “Every Emmy was written in the shower or in the woods.”
  (Nicole Estefan, 12:49)

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Nicole’s Journalism Origin Story: 01:42 – 02:24
• Growth in Atlanta: 02:27 – 02:54
• Cardiac Diagnosis and American Heart Association: 03:17 – 04:53
• Storytelling Approach – Humanizing Complexity: 06:23 – 07:09
• Day in the Life & Love for Chaos: 05:30 – 05:58
• First Emmy Win & Insights on Empathy: 07:32 – 08:49
• Rapid Fire (Fun Facts & Preferences): 08:55 – 12:53
• On Ocean Science and Following Surprising Opportunities: 10:08 – 11:13
• Pottery & Creative Outlets: 11:19 – 11:32
• Travel Dreams & Personal Bucket List: 11:38 – 11:57

---

Fun Rapid Fire Q&A Highlights

Coffee or tea while editing?

• “Oh, coffee. And too much.” (Nicole Estefan, 09:00)

Favorite New England town to explore?

• “Newport.” (Nicole Estefan, 09:07)

Most underrated moment in journalism?

• “When a lot of the staff walked out of the Pentagon when they were told they could only report certain things.” (Nicole Estefan, 09:12)

Dream documentary topic?

• “More ocean science. I want to go in a submarine and do a documentary about all the life that we just…is undiscovered.” (Nicole Estefan, 09:33)

Dog walk brainstorm or quiet studio focus?

• “Dog walk brainstorm. And the shower too...Every Emmy was written in the shower or in the woods.” (Nicole Estefan, 12:42 & 12:49)

---

Closing

Nicole’s story is a testament to following your passion, embracing vulnerability, and using one’s platform for human connection and social good. Her journey offers insight into the messy-yet-beautiful path behind journalistic success, the transforming power of adversity, and the art of turning complicated realities into relatable truth.

Instagram: @NEstefan

Catch her work on WCVB’s Chronicle and follow both Nicole and the podcast for more stories that reveal the human behind the brand.

---

Transcript

[Podbean Announcer]

Podbean your message amplified.

[Podbean Promoter]

Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

[Podbean Announcer]

Podbean the AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Podbean Promoter]

Record, edit, optimize, publish, distribute. Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts.

[Podbean Announcer]

Launch your podcast on Podbean today.

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

Are you looking for a snack with clean ingredients, 12 grams of protein and high fiber? I love Trubar's glazed donut and chocolate chip flavor flavors and they even have fun new flavors and kid friendly options. Grab yours now and get 15 off your next purchase with code. Jackie Zook Treat your body, fuel your day and I will put the link in the comments. Welcome to Next on scene. The human behind the brand. I'm Jacqueline Zuckerman delorey, award winning publicist mom and media visionary. I believe visibility isn't just about being seen, it's about being of service. Each week we are going to uncover real stories behind success. The breakthroughs, the heartbreaks and the moments that made you who you are. Because the truth is the more we allow ourselves to be human, the more powerful our impact becomes. This is where visibility meets legacy. This is next on Scene.

[Podcast Host]

Nicole Estefan is an Emmy award winning.

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

Journalist, producer and documentary storyteller at WCVB Boston's Chronicle, recognized for translating complex issues into compelling human driven stories. Stay tuned for Nicole.

[Podcast Host]

So today we're turning the tables with the amazing Nicole Esteban. Nicole, how did you get into journalism? Like, how did this all come about?

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

Oh, wow.

[Nicole Estefan]

You know, it's something that I always wanted to do. Even growing up. I can remember watching the news and just being fascinated. I'm sure like so many other people, it was sit down television back then, right? There were only a couple newscasts but, but I wasn't really brave enough to follow that. I didn't know anyone who was in it. It seemed like something that was untouchable, if you will. So I went to school for communications and I got a job in radio, but on the business side of things. And then my mom actually got I was living in California at the time. My mom got sick, she had cancer and I moved home. And that was a turning point for me that I thought maybe I should really kind of follow what I want to do in life. And that was it. So I went to Emerson, went to journalism school and the rest is history.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah, but you've done stuff in Atlanta, Verm.

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

Like you've bumped around a lot.

[Podcast Host]

What's been your favorite place, you think.

[Nicole Estefan]

To cover news, favorite city to cover news. I mean they're all so different. And I won't say that anyone has been my favorite. But in Atlanta, I saw a lot of growth for myself. It was the first time I was in a really big market far away from home. It was a different culture than I was used to growing up. Right. I grew up in New England. I worked in a lot of New England markets. And I think that was the one place where I really started to grow fully as a journalist.

[Podcast Host]

Would you say it's slower pace there?

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

Is it about the same?

[Nicole Estefan]

Well, it does take you 40 minutes to buy a carton of milk because everyone wants to talk to you and know your life story. It's beautiful. Everyone's friendly as can be, but the news is just as fast paced.

[Podcast Host]

So now I want. Okay, so to be visible, we also have to lead with vulnerability. And that's what you do for a living with people. So can we talk about your connection to the American Heart Association?

[Nicole Estefan]

Yes. So an interesting thing about life is I think we all think we have a certain amount of control over our own story until we don't.

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

Right.

[Nicole Estefan]

Most of us will be faced with a moment or a loved one that changes that course. And I've always sat with people and asked them to be vulnerable and I love that part of life. But I was never really called upon to do that. Right. So a different dynamic. I was diagnosed with premature coronary artery disease, which is incredibly rare for a woman at my age at the time I was diagnosed. And the outlook isn't really that positive. So I found myself struggling myself. Do I go? Who do I talk to? And that's when I got involved with the American Heart Association. We had done little things at work, Women's Heart Month, Women's Heart Health. But this really, I don't know, brought it home for me. And so every year I host their gala. And I have to say, standing on that stage, I feel out of place because the people I'm looking at, the fact that they have chosen that devotion to be involved in the medical field to do cutting Edrew's research for the number one killer of men and women across the world. It's like, how lucky are we? How lucky are we that that's their path? Because someday they might be actually holding my heart in their hand or saving the life of someone you love. So I feel honored to be there. But I also feel sometimes completely humbled, like, why am I here? But I think that's so true about what we all do in life. If you're given a platform and you're given a stage, you really. It's your responsibility to make something of it.

[Podcast Host]

And I feel like it's so full circle for you because what you do for a living is investig reporting, making complicated stories more simplified. Like, didn't you feel that that was so full circle, too? Like, it definitely full circle.

[Nicole Estefan]

And also I had even more of an appreciation of the people that we interview because it's a really tough place to be to share your story, particularly when there's fear behind it.

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

So, yeah, really inspiring. Okay.

[Podcast Host]

I want to talk about Nava, your love. We love dogs.

[Nicole Estefan]

The love of my life has four legs and as furry as can.

[Podcast Host]

Yes, we all know this. I want to talk about, like, day in the life of Nicole, because every day is different. So, like, walk us through.

[Nicole Estefan]

Yeah. So day in the life is usually starts with hot mess from my partner. That's. That's what we label every day. But it's actually a beautiful hot mess. So I get up, I take my dog out, we do all that, and then it's just get up and go. We're always in a different part of New England. I could be three hours away for a shoe and then back at night. So it's just never the same, which is what I was really drawn to in this career. I thrive in chaos. That is where I do have to agree.

[Podcast Host]

I really think you do.

[Nicole Estefan]

I know I do. Stability scares me and it's not my strong point. But like, a little bit of chaos, that's where I. That's where I. I go.

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

I love this.

[Podcast Host]

So what advice? Like, obviously people have seen. If you haven't seen Nicole in Chronicle, you need to watch all her amazing segments. But, like, how. What advice do you have? Like, how do you make really complex stories, like, so simplified and digestible? Like, I was thinking the other day when I watched that show of the woman who. Who could only eat two foods. I was like, unbelievable.

[Nicole Estefan]

Yeah. Well, I think what people, as you touched upon vulnerability, I think what people connect with is, you know, what is it like for you? Right? What are the emotions that you felt going through this, rather than this is the medical process of what her body is doing, which is interesting to apportion, you know, people, particularly in the medical field, and you get to touch upon that to explain a little bit of what it is. But it's really that vulnerability you speak of and, you know, just connecting. As humans, we are all so much the same, even though we feel so far apart, particularly in today's world. There are things that all of Us crave love, acceptance, you know, safe places to be. And I think those are what really lead for all of us, no matter what we're going through in life. So it's just the touchstone of connection, really.

[Podcast Host]

I love that. And.

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

Okay, I have game time.

[Nicole Estefan]

Okay. Is this like a rapid fire?

[Podcast Host]

Yes, exactly what we're doing.

[Nicole Estefan]

I am not good at this, but we will.

[Podcast Host]

No, we're going to have fun.

[Nicole Estefan]

Can we change our. Can we do. No, I'm kidding. Now I'm. Now. Everyone I interviewed always says, can I change my answer?

[Podcast Host]

No, you can't change your answers.

[Nicole Estefan]

That's true. That's what I think.

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

Oh, I actually do want to ask.

[Podcast Host]

This one question before we even go into rapid fire. So what was the first Emmy you ever got, and what was it for?

[Nicole Estefan]

Let's see. Oh, so the first Emmy I ever received, and thankfully it was really a huge team effort, was on a peace rally that they had held in Boston Common. It was a really divisive time, and people really came out to speak their heart and rally for the values that they wanted. And it was intense. There were a lot of people there. There were a lot of debates within that group. And I was just so proud of my team because in those situations, we are truly observers. Even though we clearly live life and have our own emotions and our own opinions, we really had to stand back and accept what both sides were telling us and just share that with our viewers. Meaning, like, maybe if we can understand where a person is coming from. Like, there's a saying that I love that if you knew somebody, if you knew their story, there's not a person that you wouldn't like. Right. Because you have to go back a little further and think, why are they having these opinions? Why is this their path? And that's what that story was all about. And I'm just so proud of my team. There were seven of us, and it was just a really beautiful day and a beautiful story.

[Podcast Host]

I love that.

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

Congrats to you, girl. I'm proud.

[Podcast Host]

I'm a proud friend.

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

Okay, ready?

[Nicole Estefan]

Yes.

[Podcast Host]

Okay, so coffee or tea while editing?

[Nicole Estefan]

Oh, coffee.

[Podcast Host]

I love this one.

[Nicole Estefan]

And too much.

[Podcast Host]

Favorite New England town to explore on a Sunday.

[Nicole Estefan]

Newport.

[Podcast Host]

Great one. Most underrated moment in journalism.

[Nicole Estefan]

Underrated moment in journalism. Wow. You know, I'd have to say recently when a lot of the staff walked out of the Pentagon when they were told that they could only report certain things, I mean, I don't think that's just the only moment, but that's the most recent. I Can think of. Of journalists really risking their jobs for the industry.

[Podcast Host]

Dream documentary topic you haven't touched yet.

[Nicole Estefan]

Oh, more ocean science. I love ocean. I love science. More, more, more. I want to go in a submarine and do a documentary about all the life that we just is undiscovered and all the creatures that live on it. Because that's really outer space, right? The under. Under the water.

[Podcast Host]

I read something today that octopuses have emotions. Maybe we were supposed to talk about this today.

[Nicole Estefan]

Yeah, and they're like. They're like bitter little creatures. They hold grudges and they'll throw, like, things that fish they don't like. I love them.

[Podcast Host]

Wait, so we have to back up so people who don't know, like, your connection to the ocean, like, tell them what you also do.

[Nicole Estefan]

So again, I just want to say this, like, if anyone is on a path to anywhere, it takes a while, but you start to look back and realize that the closed doors were blessings. Like, everything you didn't get was exactly what led to the open doors. Right. And that's what happened with this ocean science. I had left my job in Atlanta and I just was not finding luck finding another position. And a friend of mine had reached out, said, can you meet me on the dock in Woods Hole? I went down. There's some NASA scientists, they were going out for a month at sea. I didn't know any of these people, but, you know, I told the guy that I didn't think their presentation was. Was that good. You know, you sometimes you gotta, like, skirt the nice and be honest with people. It's NASA. It was like a piece of cardboard. And he's like, you know, I don't like this either. Would you like to come out with us? That's it. That's how it happened. And then I went out to sea for a month, and then I went for another month. And we did some great work together. So, so cool about that. They love what they do. It's like this devotion I spoke about earlier. If everyone on this planet was doing what they loved, the world would be a beautiful place. Everyone would be thriving. But not everyone has the opportunity.

[Podcast Host]

So I'm so inspired today, by the way.

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

Thank you.

[Podcast Host]

Okay, pottery. What are you making these days?

[Nicole Estefan]

Pottery. Okay, so I'm still working on dishes. I'm very bad at dishes. They're a little wobbly. So then I pretend that they were supposed to be that way. But you know what I'm really good at actually, is candlesticks.

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

Cool.

[Podcast Host]

I'm learning all these fun facts I.

[Nicole Estefan]

Have to get you one.

[Podcast Host]

I would love one.

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

Truly.

[Podcast Host]

Okay, world traveler, where's the place you've never been that you want to go?

[Nicole Estefan]

I want to go to? Wait, I say it all the time now. Oh, New Zealand. That's number one on my bucket list.

[Podcast Host]

You've never been there? I feel like you've been to Europe.

[Nicole Estefan]

I've never been. Well, New Zealand's like, shhh.

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

Okay.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, it's more near Australia.

[Nicole Estefan]

Yeah, yeah, it's past Australia. So I'm gonna go to New Zealand on the way home. Go to Bora Bora, get a little tan and then come home. I need a month to do that.

[Podcast Host]

Okay, Fair. Okay. Now we're gonna go into rapid fire. Breaking news or long form storytelling?

[Nicole Estefan]

Both.

[Podcast Host]

If you had to pick one, what would you pick? What would you say?

[Nicole Estefan]

Well, I have to say long form because I wear Chronicle.

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

Fair.

[Podcast Host]

I was gonna say that probably.

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

Okay. City assignment or a coastal New England feature?

[Nicole Estefan]

Coastal New England feature.

[Podcast Host]

I think that's on brand for you. Early morning shoot or late night edit?

[Nicole Estefan]

Early morning shoot.

[Podcast Host]

Notebook and pen or digital notes?

[Nicole Estefan]

Oh, notebook and pen.

[Podcast Host]

Me too.

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

I'm a writer. I like that.

[Podcast Host]

What is this one? Oh, a serious investigative piece or a heartwarming human story?

[Nicole Estefan]

Heartwarming human story.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, here we go. Last one. Dog walk brainstorm or quiet studio focus?

[Nicole Estefan]

Dog walk Brainstorm.

[Podcast Host]

I think those are the best ones.

[Nicole Estefan]

Oh, yeah, and the shower too.

[Podcast Host]

Yes, Best choice. You're just the most relaxed, right?

[Nicole Estefan]

Every Emmy was written in the shower or in the woods.

[Podcast Host]

So good.

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

Okay.

[Podcast Host]

You are amazing. Thank you for joining us today. How can people follow you on Instagram? All the things.

[Nicole Estefan]

Yeah, how can they follow me on Instagram?

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

Yeah.

[Nicole Estefan]

You know what's so funny? I don't even know my handle. I think it's at N. Estefan. So at N E S T A.

[Podcast Host]

P H A N. Just Nicole Estefan on Instagram. You will find her. That's all we need to know. And thank you so much again for coming. Thanks for having me. Thank you everyone for tuning in to next on scene, the human behind the brand.

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

And stay tuned for who's next on scene. Are you looking for a snack with clean ingredients, 12 grams of protein and high fiber? I love Trubar's glazed donut and chocolate chip flavors and they even have fun new flavors and kid friendly options. Grab yours now and get 15% off your next purchase with code jackiezook. Treat your body, fuel your day. And I will put the link in the comments.

[Podcast Host]

I'm here to give you your red carpet moment. So follow us on all our podcast channels on any stream from iheartradio Spotify if you just type in Nexon Scene, the human behind the brand. Or you can also follow us on all our social media channels @nextonscene. Can we wait for you to come on this journey with us? Your say is very impactful as an audience member. So come along for the ride and.

[Jacqueline Zuckerman Delorey]

We are going to all evolve together.

[Podcast Host]

And we can't wait for you to see who's next on scene.

[Podbean Announcer]

Podbean your message amplified.

[Podbean Promoter]

Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

[Podbean Announcer]

Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Podbean Promoter]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts.

[Podbean Announcer]

Use Podbean to record your podcasts.

[Podbean Promoter]

Use Podbean AI to optimize your podcast.

[Podbean Announcer]

Use Podbean AI to turn your blog into a podcast.

[Podbean Promoter]

Use Podbean to distribute your podcast everywhere.

[Podbean Announcer]

Launch your podcast on Podbean today.