Parenting, Press & Pivots: A Former CNN Insider’s Journey to Author | Nesta Lumpkin

What happens when a television producer becomes an author — and lands media without a publicist?In this episode of Unknown to Known, veteran TV news producer Jamie Maglietta sits down with television writer, producer, and entrepreneur Nesta Lumpkin for a practical, behind-the-scenes conversation about pitching the press, building credibility, and pivoting careers.Nesta is the author of the bestselling book Not Your Average Baby Sleep Book, which earned immediate media attention — without the help of a publicist. In this episode, she breaks down exactly how she positioned her expertise, communicated in soundbites, and made herself bookable for television.Together, Jamie and Nesta — former CNN colleagues — share newsroom insight and real-world advice for professionals who want to turn expertise into visibility.In this conversation, you’ll learn:How to pitch the press in a way producers actually respond toWhat TV producers look for when booking expertsWhy soundbites matter more than long explanationsHow Nesta pivoted from news to entrepreneurship and authorshipHow mindset plays a role in both media success and parentingWhy you don’t need to do everything on social media to earn pressWhat it really takes to write a book — even as a working parentThis episode is especially valuable for authors, experts, and professionals looking to earn media, share their story, and make a strategic career shift without burning out.🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform.🔗 Learn more about Nesta:Website: https://www.babysleepaccelerator.com/aboutBook: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Average-Baby-Sleep-Book/dp/B0CQSR6N4S00:00 – Intro00:15 – Meet Nesta Lumpkin01:00 – Jamie on building visibility02:00 – Nesta’s book & early media traction03:10 – Former CNN colleagues reconnect05:00 – How to pitch the press successfully07:55 – What TV producers look for in experts10:08 – Communicating in soundbites11:45 – Nesta’s pivot from news to entrepreneurship14:00 – Mindset and helping parents succeed15:30 – Parenting stories from media professionals17:00 – Advice for working parents considering a pivot21:30 – Nesta’s approach to social media24:00 – Writing a book and seeking guidance28:00 – Nesta’s top takeaways for earning pressUnknown to Known is hosted by Jamie Maglietta — a veteran TV news producer with over 20 years of experience helping anchors, reporters, and experts deliver with impact. Today, she helps leaders, authors, and entrepreneurs show up with clarity, credibility, and confidence across podcasts, YouTube, social media, and television. Website & Visibility Program:Visibility Program: https://www.oncamready.com/Resources + Links:(ON CAM) Ready: Checklist: https://www.oncamready.com/waitlist Substack:The Scroll Newsletter: https://oncamready.substack.comRiverside (Affiliate):Record your content with Riverside:  https://riverside.sjv.io/09VWrEDiscount Code: OCR15Brand Builders Group (Affiliate): https://ro474.infusionsoft.app/app/form/web-form-submitted121VidIQ (Affiliate): https://vidiq.com/oncamreadyYouTube Channels:Main Channel (ON CAM Ready Media): https://www.youtube.com/@oncamreadyPodcast Links:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unknown-to-known-presented-by-on-cam-ready/id1707162005Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/5yEIQWeK7aLHtPSBBbSPcz?si=61b241d434f84578Think Like a Producer:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5w84zVVaquAcIDaes41NoMHDjtllgkCW