As I watched the Diddy trail (and Diddy verdict!) this week, it made sense to revisit the episode with my dear friend, Chloe Melas... Chloe has been a tireless reporter on the front lines of the trial since the start. If you watch NBC News, you've probably seen her!

Best known as a successful entertainment journalist seen on CNN and the Today Show, Chloe Melas doesn’t back down from life’s obstacles and uncertainties. She’s been through the ringer and reported on some of entertainment’s biggest moments... from being a prominent figure reporting the #MeToo movement, reporting on Hollywood scions like Kevin Spacey… to covering every moment of the Britney Spears #FreeBritney story… to facing her own struggles with fertility… Chloe’s learned to hold her head up, pop on her high heels, and stay focused.

But it was the night that she smelled smoke in her house and almost ignored it… only to come to the terrifying realization that her house was on fire from the inside… that things really got put into perspective, and she was shocked into remembering what really matters.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:51] Jamie introduces Chloe Melas.

[04:50] Chloe begins to talk about her upbringing: being a “slacker” growing up, moving constantly, and academic struggles.

[08:38] Chloe describes getting into her dream college, attending Auburn University instead, and how she landed her Stephen Colbert internship.

[12:17] Chloe speaks about building her career in NYC as a young woman in her twenties.

[14:53] Chloe describes being hired by Bonnie Fuller and the lessons and experiences she gained.

[19:44] Chloe talks about outgrowing the celebrity gossip genre in journalism and seeking a change.

[22:02] Chloe speaks about her involvement reporting the #MeToo movement and the Kevin Spacey allegations.

[24:44] Chloe describes Britney Spears’ “fall from grace” and reporting the toxic conservatorship Britney was bound to.

[27:30] Chloe begins to share her fertility journey and her gratitude for science.

[30:47] Chloe starts to explain the moment that she and her husband realized their home was on fire.

[34:10] Chloe talks about how the pandemic was a major obstacle for reconstruction.

[36:41] Chloe’s career shifts and she lands her dream job at NBC in Rockefeller Center.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[29:46] Chloe expresses her gratitude for being a part of a community that she didn’t ever expect to be a part of.

[35:52] Chloe recounts talking with the fire department chief and him telling her that if they had waited any longer, their children’s lives, and potentially their own, could have been taken.

[38:41] Chloe credits her success to hard work, explaining that there’s no way around it.

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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Thank you to Chloe Melas for sharing your truth with us today. Follow Chloe on Instagram @chloemelas.

Check out more about Chloe at: https://www.nbcnews.com/author/chloe-melas-ncpn1307052

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali

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Rewind: Chloe Melas | My House Burned Down and Reignited My Inner Flame