Introduction
Brianna Keilar is more than just a well-known face on CNN; she’s a woman of remarkable strength, resilience, and versatility. Known for her commanding presence on-screen, she’s also a devoted wife, mother, and military spouse who understands the intricate balancing act between career and personal life. In this article, we’ll explore how Brianna Keilar juggles her role as a CNN anchor with her responsibilities at home, her advocacy for military families, and her passion for journalism that’s rooted in truth and connection.
Fitness, Family, and Focus
After long hours delivering major news stories on CNN, Brianna Keilar often finds solace in her garage gym, where her husband, Lt. Col. Fernando Lujan, a Special Forces Green Beret, trains her. This daily two-hour fitness ritual, humorously dubbed “Green Beret Bootcamp,” helps her regain physical and mental balance. Keilar admitted that, like many working parents, her fitness had taken a backseat due to overwhelming demands.
“It took a family effort,” Brianna Keilar revealed, sharing how she had to openly communicate with her husband about feeling stretched too thin and lacking energy. Lujan’s support during a quieter year in his military schedule allowed the couple to bond through their workouts, even if it occasionally sparked small disagreements.
Despite minor conflicts during training sessions, Brianna Keilar emphasized how this joint effort has strengthened their relationship. It’s become a way for them to connect amid the whirlwind of careers and parenthood, with Keilar managing her anchor duties and caring for her two-year-old son Antonio and stepson Teddy.
Career Transitions and New Beginnings
Brianna Keilar’s daily schedule is as intense as it is structured. Mornings begin with reviewing major headlines, coordinating with producers, and preparing for her 1 p.m. EST slot on CNN Right Now. But everything was set to change when Keilar announced her transition to co-anchor CNN’s New Day with John Berman, a move that would require her to wake up at 3 a.m. each day.
While the early shift presents a lifestyle adjustment, Brianna Keilar expressed excitement about the opportunity to work alongside Berman and hopes the new schedule will allow her more daytime hours with her children. Family, she noted, teaches you how to adapt and multitask in ways she hadn’t imagined before becoming a parent.
“I used to talk about switching hats,” she joked. “Now, I feel like a crazy person wearing all of them at once.”
A Lifelong Passion for Journalism
Brianna Keilar’s journey in journalism began early. She first took on the role of a sports reporter in high school and later pursued an internship at KTVU in Oakland while attending the University of California, Berkeley. After college, her first reporting job in Yakima, Washington, ignited what she described as a lightning strike moment.
That spark propelled her to CBS News and later to CNN, where she has built an impressive 15-year career. Her roles at CNN have included White House correspondent, lead Capitol Hill reporter, and anchor. Through it all, Brianna Keilar has remained deeply committed to reporting the truth and making complex issues understandable to everyday people.
“I love the news. I love reporting,” she said. “There’s a great sense of purpose in breaking things down for viewers and showing them how it impacts their lives — especially during times like a pandemic.”
Brianna Keilar and Military Life
Marrying into the military wasn’t something Brianna Keilar had ever expected. Though her father served when she was born in Australia, she had little exposure to military life growing up. That changed when she met Lujan, whose patriotism and values inspired her.
“I fell in love with the man and everything he stands for,” said Brianna Keilar. However, she wasn’t fully prepared for the emotional toll that deployments would take. She found out she was pregnant just two weeks after Lujan deployed, and the experience was deeply humbling.
“The first deployment is shocking,” she admitted. “You can try to prepare, but it’s something you truly understand only when you’re in it.”
Support from organizations like Blue Star Families and connecting with fellow military spouses helped her navigate the challenges. These connections laid the groundwork for her powerful voice on military family issues.
Homefront: Bridging the Civilian-Military Divide
To help others understand the unique hardships and rewards of military life, Brianna Keilar launched a CNN column called Homefront. The column became both a personal outlet and a public platform to share the experiences of military families.
Through Homefront, Brianna Keilar has written about everything from planning a family during wartime to dealing with grief and mental health. She’s also used the platform to spotlight military suicides and promote open dialogue about therapy and emotional well-being.
“This lifestyle brings challenges civilians don’t face,” Keilar noted. “Mental health support is essential. There’s no shame in getting help.”
Brianna Keilar believes that seeking counseling — both individually and as a couple — is vital before, during, and after deployments. She’s passionate about encouraging other military families to break the stigma and lean on community resources for support.
Finding Strength in Connection
Ultimately, Brianna Keilar’s story is one of connection. Whether she’s reporting breaking news, advocating for military families, or managing a chaotic household, she believes in the power of support — from her husband, from her colleagues, and from her audience.
“There’s never going to be more time in the day,” she said. “But what makes the difference is connection — mental health, family, and community.”
As she continues her journey both on and off camera, Brianna Keilar remains a symbol of resilience, transparency, and purpose — proving that it’s possible to chase your passion while holding your family close.
FAQs About Brianna Keilar
Q1: Who is Brianna Keilar?
Brianna Keilar is a CNN anchor and journalist known for her work as a political correspondent and news anchor. She is also a military spouse and advocate for military families.
Q2: Who is Brianna Keilar’s husband?
Her husband is Lt. Col. Fernando Lujan, a Special Forces Green Beret in the U.S. Army.
Q3: What show does Brianna Keilar co-anchor?
She co-anchors CNN’s New Day alongside John Berman.
Q4: Where did Brianna Keilar start her career?
She began her career in Yakima, Washington, after graduating from the University of California, Berkeley.
Q5: What motivates Brianna Keilar as a journalist?
She is passionate about truth-telling and making complex news understandable for the public.
Q6: Is Brianna Keilar a military veteran?
No, but she is a military spouse and has become a strong voice for the community.
