KOLR 10 Anchor Carissa Codel on Confidence and Owning the Narrative

When KOLR 10 morning news anchor Carissa Codel heard that her young niece had brushed off a classmate’s insult and laughed it away, she knew the message she had been sharing was landing where it mattered most.

After receiving negative comments about her appearance, Codel began reading some of the most outrageous remarks aloud on social media @carissacodel in her signature news anchor voice. The videos helped grow her digital audience, but they also sparked conversations about confidence and self-acceptance.

A fitness enthusiast and powerlifter, Codel credits much of that confidence to a family culture that emphasized both physical and mental strength. The response from viewers, particularly women, has been overwhelmingly positive.

The experience has also shaped her perspective on criticism. “In the business sphere, I think it’s important to recognize that any criticism that you get is not criticizing you as a person,” she says. “You have to know who you are and go where you’re celebrated as well.”

The comments may have started the conversation, but they don’t define it. Codel does. And as she’s learned along the way, “At the end of the day, who cares? It’s not that serious.”