As an award-winning investigative reporter, Lisa Ling has covered stories from around the world.
Like other journalists, Ling’s focus has been on telling the harsh truths of our world.
Here’s the complete evolution of this esteemed journalist.
According to Ling, she felt like a complete outsider as a child.
Ling’s parents divorced when she was seven, and she and her younger sister lived with their father.
Ling was raised in an immigrant household.
Her mother is a Taiwanese immigrant, and her father immigrated from Hong Kong in 1937.
Living in a suburban neighborhood in California, the reporter was apprehensive about embracing her Asian American identity.
“My own background was something that I was uncomfortable with,” she explained toThe Washington Post.
Many of her classmates also teased her about being Chinese, and their hurtful remarks left her feeling ashamed.
The reporter recalled never speaking up to her tormentors who called her racist nicknames, per theLos Angeles Times.
She was an average student in school
Lisa Ling’s work as a reporter has been outstanding.
However, her work as a high school student was less than stellar.
In 2014, she penned a piece forCNNdetailing her experience.
However, her average grades weren’t from a lack of effort.
Ling’s love for storytelling prevented her from feeling discouraged by her struggles in school.
She became their senior war correspondent at only 25.
“That show sent me to so many different countries.
The talk show seemed like the perfect place for someone like Lisa Ling.
In 1999, at just 26 years old, she became one of the show’s youngest co-hosts ever.
In 2001, while discussing Monica Lewinsky during a segment, Ling shared a private conversation they’d had.
“I don’t know what’s intellectual about being on your knees,” Ling told the audience.
The zinger earned her applause and laughs, but on the inside, Ling cringed.
Audiences have continued to tune in despite the rotating chairs of co-hosts.
When Lisa Ling co-hosted from 1999 to 2002, one special admirer tuned in to see her.
The two attended the show and chatted all night in his hotel room afterward.
The following day, the singer phoned her again and asked to hang out.
This time, they had a lovely chat until 5 a.m.
However, things soon took a strange turn.
“He said, ‘Who were you talking about?’
And I said, ‘I was talking about someone in my past,” Ling told Jimmy Kimmel.
She shared that the singer wanted more answers and asked, “Why were you talking about him?”
Ling felt the question was strange, considering they weren’t in a relationship with one another.
However, in March 2009, she broke one story that hit too close to home.
Ling’s sister, Laura Ling, and a colleague were working on a documentary about North Korean refugees.
That meant utilizing all of her high-profile connections with diplomats and other journalists.
The diplomatic meeting successfully helped Laura Ling return home to the States.
In 2011, the sisters penned a book detailing their experiences during the terrifying five months.
Amid the ugly messages she received, Ling continued to garner support from her followers and colleagues.
OneTwitter followerresponded to her, writing, “I’m sorry this is happening, Lisa.
She pulls double duty as a journalist and a mother of two.
However, once upon a time, Ling didn’t envision herself becoming a mother.
There is nowhere I would rather be and nothing I would rather do than be with these kids.”
Ling even credits the lessons she’s learned from investigative work for helping her be a better parent.
Ling’s career was always driven by her thirst for travel and live reporting.
However, since becoming a mom, Ling has decided not to jump at opportunities that might be dangerous.
However, Ling is still proudly raising her daughters not to fear independence.
The reporter decided to keep the cameras rolling as she volunteered to get tested for ADHD.
I’ve been like that since I was a kid.”
She continued to discuss her troubles focusing with the doctor, who later diagnosed her with ADHD.
“My head is kind of spinning,” said Ling.
Despite its meaningful work, the web link ultimately canceled the series in 2022.
Budget cuts at CNN forced the connection to decide that the show’s ninth season would be its last.
“And it’s these kinds of interactions that we need more of in America today.”
Ling expressed her gratitude that her daughters don’t shy away from their Asian American identity.
For Lisa Ling and her husband, oncologist Paul Song, their 10th-anniversary celebration ultimately saved their marriage.
He walked away from the adventure as a changed man and a better parent.
Ling agreed that her husband embarking on this journey saved their marriage.
“We don’t have a perfect relationship, no one does,” she admitted.
“But it sort of unlocked and has given us this path to healing we really needed.”
