Leap Academy Podcast · Episode 110 · Jun 3, 2025
Gretchen Carlson: The Journalist Who Defied Fox News and Exposed Workplace Abuse
"In 2016, former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson made a bold move that transformed the conversation around workplace harassment."
56 minutes
Leap PodcastGretchen Carlson: The Journalist Who Defied Fox News and Exposed Workplace Abuse
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What's in this episode
In 2016, former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson made a bold move that transformed the conversation around workplace harassment. After enduring years of mistreatment, she filed a lawsuit against Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes for sexual harassment. Despite the immense personal and professional risks, this courageous act helped spark the #MeToo movement, giving a voice to countless women who had suffered in silence. Now, through her nonprofit, Gretchen is working to dismantle the silencing mechanisms that allow harassment to thrive in the workplace. In this episode, Gretchen joins Ilana to share how her painful experiences fueled her mission to create safer, more inclusive environments for all.
Gretchen Carlson is a journalist, author, and women’s rights advocate. As the co-founder of Lift Our Voices, a nonprofit combating forced arbitration and toxic workplace environments, her advocacy has led to significant legislative changes.
In this episode, Ilana and Gretchen will discuss:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:15) The Decision to File a Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
(04:42) Why Most Victims Struggle to Speak Out
(11:40) The Role of a Support System in Tough Times
(15:19) Learning to Advocate for Herself as a Child
(17:57) From Violin Prodigy to Miss America
(23:37) Building a Thick Skin as Miss America
(26:47) Facing Sexual Assault Early in Her Career
(30:00) How to Foster Safe and Inclusive Workplaces
(37:11) Balancing Ambition, Family, and Career in TV
(42:19) Creating Change Through Reforms and Advocacy
(48:24) Overcoming Rejection in Nonprofits
Gretchen Carlson is a journalist, author, and women’s rights advocate. As the co-founder of Lift Our Voices, a nonprofit combating forced arbitration and toxic workplace environments, her advocacy has led to significant legislative changes, including the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act. The bestselling author of Getting Real and Be Fierce, Gretchen was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2017.
Connect with Gretchen:
Gretchen’s Website: gretchencarlson.com
Gretchen’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gretchen-carlson
Resources Mentioned:
Gretchen’s Book, Getting Real: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Real-Gretchen-Carlson/dp/0143109243
Gretchen’s Book, Be Fierce: Stop Harassment and Take Your Power Back: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Fierce-Stop-Harassment-Power/dp/1478992174
Lift Our Voices: liftourvoices.org
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Transcript
Full conversation
Transcript coming soon. In the meantime, watch the YouTube version above for closed captions, or listen on Apple Podcasts / Spotify.
About Leap Academy
Where ambitious professionals leap to their next chapter.
Founded by Ilana Golan — Forbes contributor, board director, investor in 100+ companies, and former F-16 flight instructor commander — Leap Academy has helped 70,000 people across 4 continents reinvent their careers and build lasting reputations.
- American Business Awards Startup of the Year, 2023
- Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company
- Featured on Forbes, Yahoo Finance, NBC, CBS, ABC

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Ilana Golan
Hosts every episode. Has guided thousands of professionals through career reinventions, leadership leaps, and brand building.
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