Meet Jasmine Sanders | Broadcast Journalist & Personal Development Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmine Sanders and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmine, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
To not have a plan B. A backup plan doesn’t diminish your belief or determination to reach your primary goal. Just like planning a savings or retirement account in addition to your checking account, you’re protecting your future. I cringe when I hear people say they are only focused on one thing because they believe putting eggs in any other basket would mean they don’t believe they will be successful in that one thing. Don’t be afraid to dream bigger and not monolithically. This mindset requires dedication and discipline to multi-task and prioritize what’s most important to you. Focus 75% of your time on your main goal and the remaining 25% on your secondary goal. Ultimately, whether or not you reach your #1 goal, you’ll have a solid foundation for your second dream. This positions you for a better chance at winning, no matter where life takes you.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a broadcast journalist by trade, but at heart, I’m a creative—a clever, sassy, and entertaining storyteller who can turn even the driest information into something worth listening to. As Co-host of the DL Hughley radio show, I get the pleasure of sharing stories and laughing with people all over the country daily alongside one of the Original Kings of Comedy, DL Hughley. Between the hottest songs in the country, we cover topics ranging from social issues and politics to hot topics and social media. The industry has changed so much over the years, with social media taking over how people get their news and entertainment. But after more than 30 years in this business, I’m proud to say I’ve kept up, stayed relevant, and found ways to inform, entertain, and even change perspectives while staying true to myself.

What makes my journey even more special is where it all started. I grew up on a small farm in Ooltewah, TN. I’m a former foster kid blessed to have a family that chose to adopt me into their family and love me. Adversities and poor decisions stacked odds against me that could’ve held me back. But I managed to cry it out and then get back up. I took chance after chance, experiencing both humble victories and loud losses along the way. I’ve sold ‘knock-off’ perfume, vacuum cleaners, water filters and worked at a buffet before reaching my goal of being a writer and a syndicated broadcast journalist heard in over 98 markets. I’ve been hired, fired, loved, hurt, revered, disrespected, highlighted, and ignored. I’m proud to say that I was able to rise above it all, and it means so much to know that I can be an example for others who’ve walked a similar path. I want them to see that it’s possible—that they can make it too. That’s something I hold close, and I want the world to know that while I was here, despite all the challenges, I gave it my all. I bet all my cards and win, lose, or draw; I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish. That’s how I think life should be lived—you give it everything and leave nothing on the table.

The road hasn’t been easy. There were plenty of hurdles and moments when I felt like giving up. But I learned a long time ago, back in high school track, how to dig deep and keep going when you’ve got nothing left in the tank. Back then, they called it “when the monkey’s on your back”—that moment when everything feels heavy, and your body’s screaming to stop. But you push through. That’s how I’ve approached my life and career, and I’m on a mission to teach others how to do the same. I currently work with foster kids and young adults ‘aging out’ of the system to help them keep the hope of their dreams alive. I’m also writing a book encouraging women to reclaim their inner child and live on the peaks of big waves because that’s where joy shines brightest.

I owe my success to those who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself—my family, my mentors, and everyone who stood by me. That’s why I keep going, why I keep pushing, even when it’s hard. At the end of the day, I’m proud to know that I’ve lived my life fully—telling stories, lifting others up, and showing that no matter where you start, you can create something amazing. That’s my legacy, and I’m proud of it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first thing we’re doing is hitting The Butcher and The Baker for breakfast (the french toast with hibiscus mimosas – chef’s kiss). To burn some calories, we’d head to SilverLake Flea and then off to the Museum of African American Art to take in a little history and some beautiful pieces. I would put my favorite tattoo spot, 10,000 waves in Sherman Oaks on the list but I’m not sure I could convince them to get inked. For the rest of their stay my list would include: Yoga at Dockweiler Beach, rooftop brunch at Mama Shelter, Westfield Century City for shopping, Voltaire for drinks, Mother Wolf for dinner and close out their stay at The Room/Hollywood.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate a shout out to the people who hold me down on a consistent basis. Those whose names and faces other’s will probably never know because they are in the shadows. These people encourage me when I need it the most, push me when I need it most and support me when I need it –even when I couldn’t admit that I need that extra push to keep going. It’s so important to always recognize whatever your support system is because without it, you won’t be able to stand the storms that life is going to throw your way. Consider this, incredible buildings have solid foundations that you never see. So, I think it is important that you find something or someone that is not only the decoration in your life but also the foundation that fortifies you when heavy rains hit and storm winds blow.

All the people that I never said ‘thank you’ to. My mama, my daddy, my brother and my grandparents. All the family members that held me down throughout my life’s journey. I never got a chance to say thank you and most of them have passed on. The truth of the matter is I would not be where I am had it not been for them. I also believe my biggest detractors deserve a shout out too because without their unbelief my story would not be so unbelievable. I shout them out and thank them with no malice or ill intent. I needed a few people to not believe in me to force me to believe in myself.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjasminesanders

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminesanders/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejasmineexperience