On a special episode of Kennedy Saves the World, the mood was lighter than usual as Kennedy sat down with the charming and ever-resilient Bill Hemmer. The two shared a cocktail—a twist on the classic Old Fashioned—and reminisced about their broadcasting careers, early days in radio, and Hemmer’s remarkable journey that has taken him from MTV to Fox News.

What began as a lively discussion about their mutual experiences in the world of media quickly became an insightful look into Hemmer’s unique journey, his love for storytelling, and his new perspective after some extraordinary personal adventures.

From Radio to MTV: Bill Hemmer’s Humble Beginnings

The conversation kicked off with a fun, nostalgic recounting of Hemmer’s early career in alternative radio. “Between the ages of 16 and 21, I had 19 jobs,” Hemmer shared, laughing about his time as an underage bartender on the Ohio River, working at a floating restaurant. The experience, he recalled, was not ideal for someone who didn’t drink, but it gave him a solid foundation in dealing with people and learning to think on his feet.

However, it wasn’t until Hemmer landed at WX 97X, Cincinnati’s first alternative rock station, that his path toward media stardom began to take shape. “There’s nothing like trial by fire,” Hemmer said, describing the role he took on at the station where he was “forced to learn the music quickly” to keep up with loyal listeners who were “more knowledgeable than any broadcaster on earth.”

As the story goes, his radio experience helped him land a role at MTV, which would change the course of his career. “I was 19, and when they called me to audition to be a VJ, I jumped at the opportunity. I would’ve done anything for that shot,” Hemmer said, clearly remembering the excitement of breaking into the television industry. His rise was meteoric, and it seemed that the broadcast world was in the palm of his hand.

From MTV to Cable News: A Shift in Focus

Though his time at MTV was thrilling, Hemmer knew that he wanted more—so he pivoted. “I took a job in Cincinnati as a sports producer, and it wasn’t glamorous at all. I was making $9,000 a year,” he admitted. However, the hard work paid off when he eventually found himself at CNN, where his career in cable news truly took off.

Hemmer reflected on how his time in sports media influenced his current role as a cable news anchor. “Sports and radio really set the foundation for what I do today,” he said. “They teach you how to communicate quickly and effectively, and how to make every second count when you’re live on air.” His sports background taught him to think in pictures, which Hemmer notes is crucial in news broadcasting—especially when covering fast-breaking stories like car chases or breaking news.

“When you’re on live TV, you’re constantly responding to events happening in real-time. You have to be able to read the room, anticipate the next move, and stay calm under pressure,” he explained. This skill, honed through years of broadcasting, has made Hemmer one of the most trusted and professional voices in the news world today.

The Arctic Experience: Hemmer’s Adventure with the U.S. Navy

Though the conversation had a fun, light-hearted tone, Hemmer soon shifted to discussing his latest, perhaps most eye-opening adventure: his recent trip to the Arctic with the U.S. Navy. The experience, he said, was “unlike anything I’d ever done before.”

Hemmer traveled with Navy personnel to the Arctic, where he spent 72 hours on an ice flow and had the rare opportunity to board a U.S. nuclear submarine, the USS Hampton. “It was cold, it was harsh, but it was one of the most profound experiences I’ve had,” Hemmer shared. “We flew into Dead Horse, Alaska, and then about 220 miles north to meet with sailors who were studying the Arctic environment. It was an environment that, frankly, I had never imagined—everything around you is ice, and there’s nowhere to hide from the wind. It felt like you were in the middle of nowhere, just you and the elements.”

Hemmer’s journey didn’t stop there. He then boarded the USS Hampton, a submarine where he learned about the crew’s life in a confined space, living in conditions that most people could never comprehend. “It’s a whole different world,” Hemmer said. “These sailors live and work in a space that’s smaller than your average apartment, with no communication with the outside world for months at a time. They’re always prepared for any situation, and they live in extreme conditions that most of us can’t fathom.”

Hemmer explained that spending time with the submarine crew gave him insight into the discipline, mental toughness, and sense of community required for such an environment. “It’s a fascinating experience—these men and women go on missions that are incredibly dangerous and intense, and they do it with a sense of camaraderie that is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.”

Reflection on the Role of Family, Values, and Career

As the conversation moved on, Hemmer reflected on his personal life and family. The discussion touched on parenting, with Hemmer sharing his thoughts on being a father and the importance of giving children the tools to succeed on their own. He recounted a poignant piece of advice he had received from his colleague, Geraldo Rivera: “You’re only as happy as your unhappiest child.”

For Hemmer, that advice resonated deeply. “As parents, you want to fix everything for your kids, but the reality is, you have to let them go through their own journey,” he said. “Sometimes, you just have to step back and let them figure it out themselves.”

He also reflected on his time in Ohio, particularly his connection to the state’s universities and the rivalry between Ohio University and Miami University, where Hemmer himself studied. “Ohio has some incredible schools. Miami University is my alma mater, but my daughter is attending Ohio University. The rivalry runs deep,” he joked, showing his pride for his home state and the opportunities it had given him.

A Toast to “The Big Handsome”

Throughout the episode, Hemmer was greeted with a special toast: a cocktail named “The Big Handsome,” created in honor of a bull mastiff belonging to Peter Sudman, a cocktail connoisseur Hemmer admires. The drink, a twist on the classic Old Fashioned, was made with American bourbon, perfectly fitting Hemmer’s Midwestern roots. “This is for you, Bill,” Kennedy said, raising her glass. “Cheers to you, the big handsome.”

As they sipped their drinks, Hemmer reflected on how life had taken unexpected turns—from his time at MTV to covering the world’s most pressing news stories. “It’s been an amazing ride, and I’m not done yet,” he said, with a characteristic smile.

The Road Ahead: More Adventures and Challenges

As the episode of Kennedy Saves the World wrapped up, it was clear that Bill Hemmer’s journey was far from over. Whether he’s interviewing world leaders, reporting from the front lines of breaking news, or traveling to the ends of the Earth, Hemmer’s passion for storytelling and exploration remains unmatched.

For Hemmer, the future is full of possibilities, but one thing remains certain: his ability to share his experiences with viewers, whether through the lens of politics or personal adventure, will continue to inspire audiences. As he moves forward, we can only wait to see what new stories he’ll bring to the world stage, always with the same energy and authenticity that has made him a beloved figure in the media landscape.