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As part of our “Inspiring Success Stories” series, we are thrilled to feature Brittney Hopper, an award-winning journalist, media personality, and unapologetic truth-teller. Known for her decade-long tenure at CBS News Los Angeles, Brittney has covered everything from breaking national headlines to Hollywood’s biggest nights. Today, she’s using her voice beyond the newsroom, as a contributor on Fox News, an advocate against antisemitism, and a newly minted clinical psychology graduate helping families navigate life after divorce. From the red carpets of LA to the sunshine of Boca Raton, Brittney’s journey is one of reinvention, resilience, and heart.

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Thank you for joining us today, Brittney. You’ve lived both the “very L.A.” life and the South Florida pace. How would you describe Brittney Hopper today compared to five years ago?

I was born and raised in SoCal, and yes, for years I lived a very fast-paced “Hollywood” life, partying on the Sunset Strip when I was 16 years old, working on the news, and partying some more. Lol. I’d say my life changed after becoming a mother 7 years ago, thank G-D. That’s when my priorities really shifted, and I was no longer front and center stage; my daughter became the main character in my life. Moving to South Florida was a decision also based on where her father and I felt was best to raise her, and we traded our fast-paced, celebrity-filled parties for a much slower-paced suburb. It felt like it was just the right time to do so.

What was the biggest culture shock when you traded Hollywood red carpets for Boca’s palm tree-lined street?

I grew up in Palm Springs, CA, so I was fortunate to be accustomed to gated communities and palm tree-lined streets. However, the East Coast is quite different from the West Coast. At first, I was all over the place with directions – getting confused between east and west. The beach here is to the east, obviously, but I was so used to living on the west side in LA, near the beach.
The biggest culture shock has been the lack of diverse restaurants in Boca. It’s getting better, but nothing compares to the food scene in Los Angeles. Also, everyone warned me about the “Boca Bubble”- a kind of insular atmosphere and told me I’d need to escape from time to time. Thankfully, Miami is just 45 minutes away and offers much more culture and city nightlife.

Looking back at your decade at CBS, which story or moment changed you the most as a journalist?

I was with CBS Los Angeles for over a decade. It was literally my dream job until journalism started to really take a turn for the worse and not be as objective or fair and balanced, in my opinion. I was fortunate to cover so many incredible life changing stories from major breaking news to crazy LA car chases to the BLM riots to wildfires and then cover amazing red carpet events such as the Oscar’s, Golden Globes, and the Grammys but covering the Covid -19 pandemic was probably the moment I knew journalism had changed and and had not changed for the better!

You covered everything from global pandemics to the glitz of the Oscars. What was harder, breaking news or breaking into celebrity culture respectfully?

Breaking news, for sure! I grew up in the entertainment industry, and before becoming a mom, I partied with many celebrities, gaining their trust and forming friendships with several of them. I never broke their trust. Hence, I developed an excellent reputation while covering red carpets, and it was way more natural for me to interview celebs instead of covering shootings, death, and destruction. However, breaking news always excites me, and I have always aspired to be the first on the scene.

You’ve used your platform to combat antisemitism and misinformation about Israel. What’s the emotional toll and the reward of speaking up in such a polarizing space?

It’s such an emotional rollercoaster, as some days I get nasty threats. Still, most days I get a lot of people thanking me, and the best part is when I get told by a Jewish person who says because of what I’ve posted, they started to learn more about their Jewish heritage, get back in touch with our traditions, and want to be more “Jewish.” That’s probably the best compliment I can get, helping someone become more proud of being Jewish despite the horrible hatred we are seeing nowadays.

What inspired you to pursue a master’s in clinical psychology after such a long run in media?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was a part-time news contributor and decided to return to school, as I was going through a divorce and navigating the best way to co-parent and create a modern family. We established an excellent coparenting relationship and friendship post-divorce, and I wanted to help others in similar situations. My master’s degree is in clinical psychology, with an emphasis on marriage and family therapy.

Do you see any parallels between interviewing people as a journalist and counseling them as a therapist-in-training?

Lots of parallels as both require being good listeners and asking good follow-up questions! lol

You speak often about your Orthodox Jewish roots and Zionist pride. How do you hold space for advocacy and empathy in today’s climate?

First, this word, Zionist, has become so polarizing. To be a Zionist is to believe Israel has every right to exist, which it does, just like Italians get Italy and Greeks get Greece. I was raised within the Chabad community, a modern Orthodox community, which provided some of the most incredible childhood memories, instilled beautiful values, and taught me to have a good moral compass while navigating life. The problem in today’s climate is the horrible false narrative and lies being spread about Israel and the Jewish people. There is no genocide in Gaza, it’s a horrendous War. A War no one wants and a War Israel did not start. I’m not sure where all the “Free Palestine” people were during the actual genocide happening in Sudan, where 300,000 people have been killed. I’m also not really sure why the “Free Palestine” folks don’t advocate for Free Palestine from Hamas and return the damn hostages and stop wanting to kill every Jew. You know, Hamas, that internationally declared terrorist organization that has verbally said they want to kill all the Jewish people.

You’ve hinted at a possible foray into local politics. What issues would you be most passionate about championing?

I’ve often been asked if I’d ever get into politics, but I’m unsure. I’d want to help fight antisemitism in our schools, I’d probably go for a school board member or a city council member.

What does “success” look like to you in this new season of life, and has that definition changed over time?

Oh, that definition has definitely changed for me. Success now looks like being the best mother to my daughter and prioritizing her happiness above all else, getting remarried, becoming more religious and observant, and simply creating wonderful memories with family and good friends. That’s success, in my opinion.

What’s one red carpet moment you’d love to relive and one you’d never want to do again?

Relive: Meeting, hugging, and interviewing Anthony Kiedis from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, my all-time favorite band.

Never want to do again: I was still breastfeeding while covering a red carpet movie premiere, and my breast started leaking milk while on the red carpet. I had no idea!!

What’s a side of Brittney Hopper most people would never guess just by watching you on the news?

I’m very silly. I do not take myself seriously whatsoever. I’m beyond playful and try to be positive and grateful for everything. I’m also told I’m way more chill of a person in “real life”. Oh, and I still like to party, have a martini or two once in a while 😉

If your life had a headline today, what would it read?

When you get knocked down, get right back up with grace and kindness.

How can our global readers keep up with you on social media?

I am on Instagram and X.

Thank you, Brittney, for joining us and sharing your journey with such honesty, depth, and grace. It was a true pleasure exploring the many layers of your story, from breaking news to breaking barriers, and everything in between. We wish you continued success in all your endeavors, both on and off the screen, and look forward to seeing how you continue to inspire through your voice, values, and vision.