PODCAST: Dana Perino on why she picked up tennis

News anchor Dana Perino joins the show to share how tennis enriched her life during one of the most challenging periods of her career. She is proof that no matter what age you pick up the game, it can still be a sport for life.

“It’s a great sport for so many reasons, but I think it’s something that Peter [McMahon] and I can continue to do together…," she says. "And it’s something that we can do throughout our lives.”

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Nicknamed "The Voice of Reason", Perino was appointed White House press secretary by President George W. Bush in 2007. That made her just the second female in history to hold the position. She is currently an anchor for Fox News covering her third presidential election.

In the episode, she talks about her newfound love for tennis, her White House experiences, how she deals with haters on Twitter, the dangers of fake news on social media, and why the power of the athlete voice is so strong.

"Look at Billie Jean King," Perino says. "Would the three of us be sitting here having this conversation about tennis on TENNIS.com if it hadn’t been for women like her? She took a stand."

The 48-year-old is the host of two shows, "The Daily Briefing" and "The Five". Though she has since returned to the campaign trail and the studio, she was recording from her home in New Jersey for most of the summer without missing a beat.

Perino in her home studio with Jasper. (@DanaPerino Instagram)

Perino is also the author of two books, "And the Good News Is..." and "Let Me Tell You About Jasper", the latter of which focuses on her beloved Vizsla, Jasper. Her upcoming third book will help young women navigate through the dreaded quarter-life crisis.

Tennis came into her life during the 2016 presidential election when she says she went from being America's sweetheart to America's ex-wife. She and her husband Peter McMahon began taking lessons together and even attended a tennis camp in South Carolina on vacation. Like the quality time spent with her famous dog Jasper, tennis became a way for her to balance her hectic work life and a hobby she could do with her husband anytime, anywhere.

She got back on the tennis court before she got back in the studio with public courts opening up in Jersey by August. While it's a sport she picked up late, she's planning to play it for life.

The views, information, and/or opinions expressed are solely those of the podcast creators and do not necessarily represent those of The Tennis Channel, Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries.