Mastering Connection: How to Build Trust & Influence with Nicea DeGering

George Wright II interviews broadcaster and longtime host Nicea DeGering, who has spent about 30 years in television, including 23 years with Good Things Utah. Nicea shares how she pursued journalism from childhood, trained at BYU’s broadcasting program, and landed at ABC4 after an internship—ultimately being thrust into a crime reporter role at 23 when a reporter quit. She describes the steep learning curve of crime reporting, early failures, and how opposition and being told she couldn’t do it fueled her persistence. Nicea reflects on covering the Elizabeth Smart case for eight weeks and how she would now bring more empathy and community perspective. She also discusses changes in media consumption, the rise of phones and digital platforms, and why trusted local sources still matter. Finally, she shares her passion for travel, explains how travel builds perspective and lasting memories, and previews a forthcoming travel podcast focused on making travel more accessible and experience-driven, tying it to end-of-life regrets about time and family. She closes by encouraging people to lean into what they’re passionate about, be multifaceted, and grow authority through consistent practice and connection, and provides her website and social channels for listeners to follow.01:20 The Art of Making Guests Comfortable: News vs Lifestyle Hosting02:24 Childhood Dream to Broadcast: BYU, Internships, and Early TV Lessons04:12 Thrown Into Crime Reporting at 23: Trial by Fire in the Newsroom05:59 The Surprise Pivot: Getting Assigned to Host ‘Good Things Utah’07:32 Fuel for the Fire: Proving People Wrong & Taking the Opportunity09:09 Using the Platform for Impact: Stories, Issues, and Making Utah Better12:38 Media Has Changed: Connection Over Authority + The Rise of Phones & Social14:57 Why ‘Good Things Utah’ Lasts: Format, Trust, and Local Credibility16:58 From Local Reporter to Netflix: Revisiting the Elizabeth Smart Case17:55 What I’d Do Differently Now: Empathy, Community, and Perspective18:52 How to Build Connection: Listen Like You Mean It20:11 Control the Narrative Without Sounding Scripted (Transitions + Talking Points)21:40 Don’t Memorize—Prepare, Then Be Human on Camera23:25 Confidence Comes From Reps: Do It Daily, Learn Through Failure24:26 Why Travel Matters: Perspective, Family Memories, and a New Podcast29:27 Travel as a Mindset: Regrets, Time, and Making Memories NowAbout Nicea DeGeringAn Emmy-award-winning television anchor, host, and media personality best known for her long-standing role on Good Things Utah, the lifestyle and morning show on ABC4 Utah. She began her broadcast career after graduating with a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Brigham Young University, quickly rising to become the Crime Reporter at ABC4 at age 23 — a rare achievement for such a young journalist. Over more than 25 years on Utah television, Nicea has covered everything from breaking news like the 2002 Winter Olympics and the search for Elizabeth Smart to lifestyle interviews with high-profile figures and everyday community members alike. Guest ResourcesOfficial Website: https://www.niceadegering.comInstagram: niceadegeringLinkedIn: Nicea DeGering