Making Space with Hoda Kotb
Life gets busy. Making Space invites you to slow down. Join Hoda Kotb for heartfelt conversations with remarkable people who have found strength through life’s challenges. Explore stories of resilience, hope, and humanity from guests like Savannah Guthrie, Taraji P. Henson, Dwyane Wade, Maria Shriver and more. Tune in weekly for interviews that offer fresh perspective, meaningful connection, and a reminder that you're not alone.
Episodes
Keith Morrison reads Edgar Allan Poe Stories
As a bonus for Making Space fans, we’re sharing the trailer for season 5 of Morrison Mysteries. Enter the shadowy world of Edgar Allan Poe, brought to life by the unmistakable voice of Dateline’s Keith Morrison. In Season 5 of Morrison Mysteries, experience the mystery and madness of Poe's haunting classics, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Black Cat and The Murders in the Rue Morgue. Just
John Cena on Overcoming Childhood Bullying and Discovering Purpose in Retirement
What happens when you walk away from the only thing that defined you for over 20 years? In this deeply revealing conversation from Making Space, John sits down with Hoda Kotb to pull back the curtain on overcoming childhood bullying, finding true partnership, and discovering purpose in retirement. John explores why stepping away from his legendary 24-year wrestling career was the ultimate act of s
Expert Jonathan Haidt On How Parents Can Stop Screen Addiction
If you feel like you're losing the daily battle against phones and iPads, psychologist Jonathan Haidt has some good news: the tide is finally starting to turn. In this episode of Making Space, Jonathan sits down with Hoda Kotb to break down how constant screen time is rewiring kids' brains, killing their attention spans, and stealing away real-world play. Drawing from his new book, The Amazing Gen
How Danny Meyer Accidentally Launched Shake Shack's Billion-Dollar Empire
Most people spend their lives trying to avoid mistakes, but restaurateur Danny Meyer, the visionary behind Shake Shack and Union Square Hospitality Group, believes that failure is actually the greatest teacher we have. In this moving conversation from Making Space with Hoda Kotb, Danny Meyer pulls back the curtain on the hardest moments of his career and what it takes to bounce back when everythin
Ina Garten Is 'Allergic to Boredom': The Food Network Star Talks Chasing Fun in New Project at 78
Culinary icon and bestselling author Ina Garten believes that our hardest chapters do not have to define our destiny. In this deeply moving conversation from Making Space, Ina sits down to pull back the curtain on her remarkable journey, from navigating a painful childhood, choosing authenticity, and reinventing her life and career at 78. She explores the power of leaving the past behind, building
Rosie Perez: “You Can Make It” (February 2023)
If you look solely at the success of her body of work, you’d never guess Oscar-nominated actress Rosie Perez is dealing with the effects of her painful childhood. But over the course of her career and life, Rosie has chosen to focus on the good. In this final episode of the season, Rosie reflects on her own strength and resilience, and she looks back fondly at those who believed in her. Raw and ho
Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock on Friendship, Aging, and Believing in Love Again
Powerhouse actresses and producers Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock believe that our hardest seasons are often where we discover our truest strength. In this deeply moving and funny conversation from Making Space, Nicole and Sandra sit down with Hoda Kotb to pull back the curtain on the lessons they’ve learned from caregiving and raising teenagers with grace. They explore the beauty of evolving pa
Pastor Michael Todd: "It's Only Crazy Until It Happens" (September 2021)
Pastor Michael Todd is the leader of the Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This dynamic 34 year-old speaks to the power we all have to transform our own lives, turning the impossible into the reachable. He joins Hoda for an honest, high-energy and invigorating conversation, touching on topics from renewing relationships to overcoming struggles from the past. As Pastor Todd has seen in his
Anne Lamott: "Grace Always Meets You Exactly Where You Are" (September 2021)
Best-selling author Anne Lamott knows a thing about overcoming obstacles. Thirty-five years on the other side of her addiction, Anne is the author of 19 books, a mother, grandmother, and in her 60s, a wife for the first time. Anne offers wisdom, candidly, and often, hilariously. She shares what she calls "operating instructions": how to master a life of peace and gratitude—a reminder that grace al
Peloton's Tunde Oyeneyin on Building Confidence and Making Space for Love
Most people spend their lives trying to follow a clear roadmap, but Peloton instructor, best-selling author, and Nike athlete Tunde Oyeneyin believes that true freedom is found by stepping beyond fear and trusting your gut. In this deeply moving and funny conversation from Making Space, Tunde sits down with Hoda Kotb to pull back the curtain on her powerful journey from enduring painful childhood
Former Anchor Joan Lunden on Breaking Barriers in Morning TV and Finding Strength After Cancer
Most people spend their lives trying to follow a clear roadmap, but legendary journalist and author Joan Lunden believes that true resilience is found by stepping beyond the script. In this deeply moving conversation from Making Space, Joan sits down with Hoda Kotb to pull back the curtain on her nearly 20-year run as the longest running female host on morning television, the early heartbreak of l
Emma Heming Willis on Caring for Bruce Willis Through Dementia and Finding Joy Again
Most people spend their lives trying to follow a clear roadmap, but model, author, and advocate Emma Heming Willis believes that life's hardest seasons are often where we find our true purpose. In this deeply moving conversation from Making Space, Emma sits down with Hoda Kotb to pull back the curtain on navigating her husband Bruce Willis's frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnosis, breaking throug
Esther Perel on Why Desire Fades and How to Find Romance Again
Most people spend their lives trying to find a relationship that works, but psychotherapist and bestselling author Esther Perel believes that just living day to day isn't the same as truly feeling alive. In this deeply moving conversation from Making Space, the relationship expert sits down with Hoda Kotb to pull back the curtain on why passion often fades in partnerships and how couples can bridg
Mark Nepo on How the Words You Choose Shape the Life You Live
Most people spend their lives trying not to feel broken, but poet and spiritual philosopher Mark Nepo believes that breaking is actually where life begins. In this deeply moving conversation from Making Space, the New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Awakening sits down with Hoda Kotb to pull back the curtain on how we can stay open, even when we are hurting, overwhelmed, or just tryin
Halle Berry on Reclaiming Her Sex Life, Destigmatizing Menopause, and Embracing Turning 60
At 59 years old, Halle Berry is stepping into her most authentic chapter yet, and she’s not asking for permission. In this candid conversation with Hoda Kotb on Making Space, the Oscar-winning actress and director pulls back the curtain on the "invisible" stage of aging, the realities of menopause, and why she is done managing everyone else's expectations. Halle opens up about her passion project,
Laverne Cox on Overcoming Shame, Breaking Generational Trauma and the Journey to Self-Love
Before she was a trailblazing icon, Laverne Cox was a little girl in Mobile, Alabama, fighting to survive in a world that told her she didn't belong. In this vulnerable conversation with Hoda Kotb, Laverne reflects on the untold story behind her memoir, Transcendent, and the long path to embracing her authentic self.
Laverne pulls back the curtain on the survival mechanisms she developed as a chil
Jamie Lynn Sigler On MS, Motherhood, and Living Without Hiding Her Diagnosis
Jamie Lynn Sigler grew up in front of the world as Meadow Soprano, one of television’s most iconic daughters. But while she was coming of age on screen, she was privately carrying a secret that almost nobody knew: at age 20, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. For 14 years, she hid her diagnosis from Hollywood, her coworkers, and her friends out of fear and shame.
Now, Jamie sits down with
Mariska Hargitay On Facing Fear, Uncovering Family Truths, And Finding Inspiration In The Knicks
For more than 25 years, Emmy-winning actress Mariska Hargitay has captivated audiences as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU. But in this deeply personal chapter, Mariska is turning the camera on herself. She sits down with Hoda Kotb to open up about her vulnerable documentary My Mom Jayne, where she explores the childhood loss of her mother, long-held family secrets, and healing past wounds. Maris
Making Space with Hoda Kotb! New Season, New Guests & Life-Changing Conversations
Ready to take a deep breath and find some inspiration? A brand-new season of Making Space with Hoda Kotb is officially here. Every Wednesday, Hoda sits down for open, soul stirring conversations with people who have walked through fire and come out stronger. This season, she’s diving into what it really means to pivot, heal, and find your purpose. Expect raw, real-life wisdom on navigating big tra
Kevin Love On His Unfinished Journey With Mental Health
Miami Heat forward Kevin Love is a five-time NBA All-Star and advocate for mental health. He opened up about the recent, devastating loss of his father, former NBA player Stan Love, and that viral post-game hug with former teammate, Tristan Thompson. He also speaks to Hoda about his anxiety and his non profit, the Kevin Love Fund. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for i
Dan Harris On The Life-Changing Power of Meditation (June 2025)
Dan Harris is an author, podcast host, and journalist. Harris worked for ABC News for more than 21 years and currently hosts the 10% Happier Podcast. His journey of self-discovery began in 2004, after suffering a panic attack while live on-air. In the aftermath of that episode, he turned to meditation to confront his drug use, his effort to cope with covering the post-9/11 war zones across the mid
Open Book with Jenna Returns! New Season, New Authors & Must-Read Summer Books
A brand-new season of Open Book with Jenna is here!
Join Jenna Bush Hager every Thursday as she sits down with some of today's most beloved authors and storytellers for conversations about the books everyone is talking about. This season, we'll explore the hottest reads of the summer, the creative process behind unforgettable stories, the genres readers can't get enough of, and the movie and TV
Rachel Platten on Finding Light in the Darkness (September 2024)
Throughout her career, singer and songwriter Rachel Platten has used her voice to lift others up. Her music has touched the hearts of millions around the world, with messages of strength, hope and love, in anthems like “Fight Song”. But despite being known for one of the most empowering songs of all time, Rachel has lived through her own struggles with depression, anxiety and moments of self-doubt
Entrepreneur Emma Grede On Being "Self-Made" And Building Iconic Brands (May 2025)
Businesswoman and entrepreneur Emma Grede has launched some of the biggest brands in fashion. Known as the powerhouse behind companies like Skims and Good American, Grede says she takes issue with the phrase "self-made". Raised by a single mom in East London, Grede worked her way up through the fashion world, but she says her partners and mentors helped get her to where she is today. She opened up
Suzy Welch on Finding Your Purpose (April 2025)
Suzy Welch is an award-winning professor, best-selling author, and entrepreneur. She teaches “Becoming You: Crafting the Authentic Life You Want and Need" at NYU Stern School of Business, and helps people discover their purpose by understanding their values. Welch also believes that happiness is not an end goal, but an outcome of a meaningful and productive life. She talked to Hoda about how to un
Dwyane Wade on Retiring from Basketball and Relying on His Village (April 2025)
Dwyane Wade is one of the greatest NBA players of all time. The thirteen-time all-star player won three championships during his time in the league. In the six years since his retirement, he's focused on his family and philanthropy, working with the Wade Family Foundation to support communities in need. Wade opened up to Hoda on how he fell in love with basketball, his decision to retire, and his
Suleika Jaouad On How to Live an Inspired Life (July 2025)
Suleika Jaouad is a New York Times-bestselling author and journalist. When Jaouad was just 22-years old, she was diagnosed with leukemia, sidelining her dream of becoming a foreign correspondent. Instead, she chronicled her cancer battle in the New York Times column "Life, Interrupted", and went on to write a best-selling memoir. Jaouad opened up to Hoda about her journaling practice, which inspir
Sahil Bloom on ‘The 5 Types of Wealth’ and What Money Can’t Measure (June 2025)
Sahil Bloom built his career around financial success, only to discover that the richest life cannot be measured by money alone. In this conversation from June 2025, Bloom joins Hoda to discuss his book The 5 Types of Wealth and why true prosperity goes beyond money to include time, relationships, mental well-being and physical health. Plus, he opens up about leaving behind a successful career in
Magnolia Co-Founder Joanna Gaines on Growing Her Empire and Trusting Herself (July 2025)
Joanna Gaines has built Magnolia into a lifestyle empire, all while navigating the self-doubt that can come with growth and visibility. In this conversation from July 2025, the Magnolia co-founder joins Hoda to open up about imposter syndrome, balancing work and motherhood, and the ways she stays connected to her husband Chip through it all. Plus, she shares what it has taken to grow Magnolia whil
Taraji P. Henson on Speaking Her Truth and Stepping Into Her Power (September 2024)
From screen star to producer to outspoken mental health advocate, Taraji P. Henson has never been afraid to say exactly who she is, a quality she’s carrying into her Broadway debut in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. In this conversation from September 2024, Henson joins Hoda to talk about the power of using her voice, taking care of her mental health, and fighting for what she deserves after years of
Dr. Judith Joseph on the Cost of Holding It All Together (May 2025)
As more people grapple with stress, burnout and emotional exhaustion, Dr. Judith Joseph sheds light on the depression that can hide behind achievement and productivity. In this conversation from May 2025, the New York-based psychiatrist, researcher and author of High Functioning joins Hoda to discuss what she calls “high-functioning depression,” how being “pathologically productive” masked her own
TODAY Presents: The Parent Chat with Dylan Dreyer – Ashley Graham
Hey Making Space fans! As a bonus, we’re giving you a special preview clip of our new podcast series, The Parent Chat with Dylan Dreyer.
In this episode, Dylan sits down with model and entrepreneur Ashley Graham for an honest, hilarious conversation about what it's really like to raise three boys. Both boy moms get honest about the everyday chaos and the real work behind raising kind, emotionally
Maria Shriver on Poetry, Reinvention and What It Means to Live Fully (October 2024)
After a lifetime of public service and advocacy, Maria Shriver turned the page in 2025 with the release of her poetry book, I Am Maria, sharing more of her own story in the hope of helping others. In this conversation, recorded live at the October 2024 Making Space Wellness Weekend in Austin, Texas, Shriver joins Hoda to discuss writing I Am Maria and what she’s learned about living a meaningful l
Extended Cut: Savannah Guthrie Speaks to Hoda Kotb About Mom Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance
In an interview with Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie opens up for the first time about the “agony” of her mother Nancy Guthrie’s abduction. During an emotional three-part sit down that aired on TODAY March 26 and 27, Savannah reflects on where she was when she first got the call that her mom was missing, how her family is leaning on the faith Nancy taught them, and her journey to find the strength to
Introducing: The Parent Chat with Dylan Dreyer
Hey Making Space fans! As a bonus for you, we’re sharing the trailer for The Parent Chat with Dylan Dreyer – an all-new podcast series from TODAY.
You know her as TODAY’s candid third hour host. But Dylan Dreyer is also a mom of 3 boys in New York City, trying to figure out the big stuff: how to raise kind, confident, resilient kids and keep her sanity along the way. And like every parent, somet
Naomi Watts on Change, Courage and Becoming Who She’s Meant to Be (November 2025)
Naomi Watts is a two-time Academy Award-nominated actress, producer and entrepreneur who has found new purpose in midlife. In this conversation from November 2025, Watts joins Hoda to discuss the grief that has shaped much of her work, the rejection she faced early in her career, and the moment she fell in love with acting. Plus, she opens up about menopause, launching her wellness brand, Stripes
Bette Midler on Her Legendary Career and ‘The Fabulous Four’ (July 2024)
For more than 50 years, Bette Midler has entertained audiences across music, film, television and Broadway, earning Grammy, Emmy and Tony awards, as well as two Oscar nominations. In this conversation from July 2024, Midler joins Hoda to reflect on the defining moments of her life and career, including how she found her path at a young age and “the greatest thing” she’s ever done. Plus, she opens
Selma Blair on Living With MS and Finding Grace in Uncertainty (October 2025)
As MS Awareness Month continues, Selma Blair’s story underscores the resilience it takes to keep moving forward while living with multiple sclerosis. Blair, the actress known for Cruel Intentions, Legally Blonde and the Hellboy films, has become a leading voice in the MS community since publicly sharing her diagnosis in 2018. In this conversation from October 2025, Blair joins Hoda to discuss her
Oprah Winfrey & Maria Shriver on Four Decades of Friendship (October 2021)
Oprah Winfrey and Maria Shriver have shared more than 40 years of friendship, built on loyalty, honesty, and showing up for one another. In this conversation from October 2021, they join Hoda to talk about navigating births, deaths, marriage, divorce, and evolving as people while staying connected through it all. Plus, Winfrey reflects on one of the darkest periods of her life and why learning to
Goldie Hawn on Protecting Happiness and Finding Purpose (November 2024)
Academy Award-winning actress Goldie Hawn is a legend in Hollywood, but she says happiness throughout her five-decade career has always required intention. In this conversation from November 2024, Hawn sits down with Hoda to talk about her accidental rise to fame, her off-screen impact through her charity MindUP, and what she has learned about protecting mental health along the way. Hosted by Simp
Viola Davis on Self-Love and Shaping Your Own Future (April 2022)
Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis has built a career defined by purpose, strength, and honesty, but her journey began with a childhood shaped by bullying and feeling different. In this conversation from April 2022, Davis sits down with Hoda to talk about overcoming adversity, learning to love herself, and understanding how her past helped shape the woman she is today. Plus, she reflects on
Alicia Keys on The Power of Listening to Your Soul and Trusting Yourself (October 2025)
For nearly three decades, Alicia Keys has used her voice to move the world, but she says the most powerful lesson she has learned is how to listen to herself. In this conversation from October 2025, the 17-time Grammy Award winner joins Hoda at Making Space Wellness Day at Brooklyn’s Wythe Hotel to talk about trusting intuition, unlearning old habits, and finding stillness in a world that rarely s
Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones on Trust Amidst Change and New Beginnings
After Hoda departed TODAY in January 2025, Jenna Bush Hager spent a year sitting side by side with a rotating group of friends, but as it turns out, her permanent partner was someone who had been part of the TODAY family all along: Sheinelle Jones. On the heels of the launch of TODAY with Jenna and Sheinelle, Hoda sat down with Jenna and Sheinelle for a SiriusXM Front Row Conversation at SiriusXM’
Lainey Wilson on Patience, Perseverance, and Finding Her Voice (July 2024)
Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson is one of country music’s biggest breakout stars, with chart-topping hits like “Heart Like a Truck,” “Watermelon Moonshine” and this year’s Grammy-nominated “Somewhere Over Laredo.” But long before the awards and sold-out shows, Wilson spent years knocking on doors in Nashville, facing rejection, uncertainty, and moments that
Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb Reunite to Talk Friendship, Purpose and Choosing Joy
Kathie Lee Gifford has spent decades connecting with audiences as a television host, author, producer and storyteller whose faith and optimism have shaped her work. In her first-ever appearance on Making Space, Kathie Lee reunites with Hoda for a conversation about the bond they built working side by side, navigating grief and loss while celebrating new beginnings, and finding purpose through ever
Dr. Mindy Pelz on the Wisdom That Emerges from Menopause
Dr. Mindy Pelz is a New York Times bestselling author and clinician focused on women’s health, hormones, menopause, and aging. She sits down with Hoda to talk about her latest book, Age Like a Girl, and how studying menopause changed the way she views the female body’s evolution through midlife. Plus, she shares why challenges later in life offer an opportunity to live more intentionally.Listeners
Mel Robbins on The Self You Meet When Everything Is at Stake
Mel Robbins is a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and Golden Globe-nominated podcast host whose work has helped millions navigate change and uncertainty. Robbins sits down with Hoda to reflect on how life-changing moments in marriage and motherhood, including financial collapse and her son’s medical crisis, pushed her into survival mode and forced her to confront who she really wan
Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt on Parenting with Purpose and Finding Calm in Chaos
From growing up in a famous family to raising one of her own, Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt has found calm through intention. In this conversation from November 2025, the New York Times bestselling author, wife, mother, and animal advocate joins Hoda to reflect on her latest book, Kat and Brandy, and how faith, presence, and daily routines help her stay grounded. Plus, she shares how her lifelong
Brad Paisley on His Grandfather, Generosity and the Gifts That Last
Brad Paisley is a Grammy winning artist and one of country music’s most respected storytellers, known for his masterful guitar work and deeply personal songwriting. Brad sits down with Hoda Kotb to reflect on growing up in West Virginia, the grandfather who gave him his first guitar for Christmas, and why giving back has always been part of his life. Plus, he shares the inspiration behind his late
Laura Day on Practical Intuition, Personal Growth and the Power of Small Changes
Laura Day is a New York Times bestselling author and renowned intuitive who has spent more than four decades teaching people how to use intuition as a practical, evidence-based tool for change. Laura opens up to Hoda Kotb about the pain that shaped her purpose, how science and intuition helped her navigate profound loss, and the actionable framework behind her book The Prism: Seven Steps to Heal Y
Charlie Mackesy on Creativity, Connection and the Courage to Continue
Charlie Mackesy is the bestselling author and illustrator behind the global phenomenon The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse and its follow up Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm. Charlie opens up to Hoda about the overwhelming experience of meeting readers whose lives were changed by his words, processing the grief of losing his mother and his dog, and the mome
Jane Lynch on Healing, Honesty, and the Freedom That Comes with Being Yourself
Jane Lynch is an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress, comedian, and host whose quick wit and unmistakable charm have made her one of Hollywood’s most beloved figures. From her iconic role as Sue Sylvester on Glee to her unforgettable performances in Best in Show and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, she has built a career on making people laugh. But behind the humor is a woman who has found peace throu
Jay Leno on Redefined Purpose and the Power of Quiet Devotion
Jay Leno is one of the most recognizable figures in comedy and late night, hosting The Tonight Show for a combined two decades. But in recent years, his life has shifted into a quieter, more intimate chapter as he cares for his wife Mavis, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2024. Jay opens up to Hoda about what it means to support the woman who stood beside him throughout his career and her small
Melinda French Gates on ‘The Next Day,’ New Beginnings, and What Really Matters
Melinda French Gates is a philanthropist, business leader, and New York Times bestselling author who has spent decades transforming lives around the world. Melinda opens up to Hoda about why her latest chapter is more personal than ever, how she learned to let go of perfection, and what it means to lead with empathy. She reflects on her lifelong advocacy for women and families, the faith and frien
Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt on Family, Faith, and the Healing Power of Animals
From growing up in a famous family to creating one of her own, Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt has learned that true peace begins with presence. The New York Times bestselling author, wife, mother, and animal advocate joins Hoda to talk about her new book Kat and Brandy, the lessons she’s teaching her kids, and how her lifelong love of animals remains a source of calm, courage, and healing. Plus, s
Naomi Watts on Late Blooming, Bold Moves, and Becoming Who You’re Meant to Be
Naomi Watts is an Academy Award-nominated actress, producer, and entrepreneur who’s learned that some of life’s greatest roles come with age. She joins Hoda for an honest conversation about resilience, reinvention, and embracing womanhood in all its seasons… from navigating loss and rejection to finding her voice as an advocate for menopause awareness. Naomi opens up about launching her wellness b
Alicia Keys on The Power of Listening to Your Soul and Trusting Yourself
Alicia Keys has spent nearly three decades using her voice to move the world, but the most powerful thing she’s learned is how to listen to her own. The seventeen-time Grammy Award winner joins Hoda for a soulful conversation at Making Space Wellness Day at Brooklyn’s Wythe Hotel about trusting your intuition, unlearning old habits, and finding stillness in a world that rarely slows down. Alicia a
Bobbi Brown on Reinvention, Resilience, and the Power of Starting Over
From building a billion-dollar beauty empire to starting over at 60, Bobbi Brown’s story is one of grit, grace, and growth…but behind her success lies a deep journey of reinvention. Bobbi opens up to Hoda about her mother’s struggle with mental illness, her unlikely path to becoming a world-renowned makeup artist, and the moment she walked away from the brand that bore her name. She shares how she
Sheryl Lee Ralph on Dreams, Determination, and Defying the Odds
Sheryl Lee Ralph is an Emmy-winning actress, singer, and advocate whose radiant spirit and decades-long career, from Dreamgirls to Abbott Elementary, have inspired generations. Sheryl opens up to Hoda about choosing joy as her “strong suit,” the resilience that carried her through rejection and reinvention, and how she learned to believe in herself even when others didn’t. She reflects on lessons
Selma Blair on Acting Through Adversity and the Power of Positivity
Selma Blair is an actress, author, and advocate whose career has spanned film, television and stage, with standout performances in Legally Blonde, Cruel Intentions, and Hellboy. After publicly revealing her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis (MS), she has become a powerful voice for chronic illness awareness, inspiring others through her honesty, resilience, and vulnerability. Selma sits down with
Clea Shearer on Controlling the Controllables and Conquering Breast Cancer
Clea Shearer is the co-founder of The Home Edit, star of the hit Netflix series, Get Organized with The Home Edit, and a New York Times bestselling author who’s sharing the lessons she’s learned in her cancer journey in her new book, Cancer Is Complicated and Other Unexpected Lessons I’ve Learned. Clea opens up to Hoda about how she learned to advocate more for herself amidst her cancer journey, t
Matthew McConaughey on Faith, Family, and Finding Belief in an Uncertain World
Matthew McConaughey is an Academy Award-winning actor, bestselling author, and now the writer of Poems and Prayers, a deeply personal collection of poetry and reflections spanning 30 years that explores faith, hope, and purpose. Though he is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars, McConaughey admits he’s never felt the “ah, I did it” feeling, leading him on a search for deeper meaning through
Linda Cliatt-Wayman on Leading With Love to Transform a School
Linda Cliatt-Wayman spent 20 years teaching special education before rising to oversee all high schools in The School District of Philadelphia, but her defining moment came when she stepped up to lead Strawberry Mansion High School: a school that no one wanted to run. With fierce love, high expectations, and unshakable hope, Wayman and her team turned despair into possibility. In this conversation
Big Sean on the Power of Peace and Purpose
Chart-topping rapper Big Sean has spent nearly 15 years in the spotlight, but his path to success wasn’t always easy. The Detroit native joins Hoda Kotb to reflect on his evolving relationship with fame, from believing he was destined for stardom at a young age to how he views notoriety today. In this revealing conversation from April 2025, he also shares lessons from his new book, Go Higher: Five
Arthur C. Brooks on Building the Life You Want
Bestselling author, acclaimed public speaker, and Harvard Business School professor Arthur C. Brooks joins Hoda Kotb for an inspiring conversation on the science and practice of happiness. They discuss how to cultivate joy in everyday life, get unstuck during challenging times, and why happiness is not a final destination but a direction you can intentionally choose. In this conversation from Marc
Erin Andrews: “I Just Couldn’t Give Up"
Erin Andrews is a fixture on the NFL sidelines. She’s been a sportscaster for more than two decades, and is a legend in the sports industry. But like the rest of us, not every season has felt like a winning one for Erin. She’s learned that some test your strength, your endurance and your drive to keep going. Erin opened up to Hoda Kotb about the road to becoming one of sports tv’s brightest stars,
Goldie Hawn on Hollywood, Happiness and Mental Health
Goldie Hawn is a Hollywood legend. And while she never set out to be a movie star, the Academy Award winning actress, producer and director has had a prolific career spanning more than five decades, with iconic roles in films like “Overboard”, “Private Benjamin” and “The First Wives Club”. And while Goldie is beloved for her work on-screen, she is also making an impact off-screen, with her charity
Suleika Jaouad On How to Live an Inspired Life
Suleika Jaouad is a New York Times-bestselling author and journalist. When Jaouad was just 22-years old, she was diagnosed with leukemia, sidelining her dream of becoming a foreign correspondent. Instead, she chronicled her cancer battle in the New York Times column "Life, Interrupted", and went on to write a best-selling memoir. Jaouad opened up to Hoda about her journaling practice, which inspir
Martha Beck On Anxiety and Creativity
Martha Beck is a best-selling author, life coach, and speaker and expert in coping with anxiety. Despite decades of sociology research and coaching, Beck says she'd struggled with anxiety her entire life. She says we live in a global anxiety spiral, and turned to neuroscience to understand why, and how to move past it. Through her research, Beck found that anxiety shuts down the brain's curiosity
Joanna Gaines on Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Staying Grounded
Joanna Gaines is the co-founder and designer behind the iconic Magnolia brand. She and her husband Chip made a name for themselves flipping homes in Waco, Texas and gained popularity thanks to their HGTV shows and own network. Gaines opened up to Hoda about imposter syndrome, being a working mom, and how she stays connected with her husband through it all. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company.
Kevin Love On His Unfinished Journey With Mental Health
Miami Heat forward Kevin Love is a five-time NBA All-Star and advocate for mental health. He opened up about the recent, devastating loss of his father, former NBA player Stan Love, and that viral post-game hug with former teammate, Tristan Thompson. He also speaks to Hoda about his anxiety and his non profit, the Kevin Love Fund Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for in
Tom Llamas On Honoring Your Roots and Raising Your Hand
Tom Llamas is the anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News. He got his start in news at just 15 years old as an intern for Telemundo in Miami. After 30 years in the news industry, he says raising his hand for opportunities helped get him to the anchor chair. Llamas is the son of Cuban immigrants, who fled the country when they were young. Growing up in a Cuban American community, Llamas says
Sahil Bloom On The Five Types of Wealth
Sahil Bloom is an author, businessman, and investor. He had a successful career in finance before a conversation with a friend changed his life forever, forcing him to rediscover the meaning of true prosperity. In his book "The 5 Types of Wealth", he writes that a fulfilling life is built around five kinds of wealth: time, social, mental, physical, and financial. He opened up to Hoda about taking
Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Leading with Compassion While Taking Action
In this special episode of Making Space, Hoda sits down with former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern. During this inspiring and thoughtful conversation, Ardern touches on the significance of becoming the country’s youngest Prime Minister in 150 years, plus her reaction to the surprising news she was pregnant just six days after being elected. Ardern also speaks about her unwavering co
Dan Harris On The Life-Changing Power of Meditation
Dan Harris is an author, podcast host, and journalist. Harris worked for ABC News for more than 21 years and currently hosts the 10% Happier Podcast. His journey of self-discovery began in 2004, after suffering a panic attack while live on-air. In the aftermath of that episode, he turned to meditation to confront his drug use, his effort to cope with covering the post-9/11 war zones across the m
Sara Blakely On Learning From Failure and Trusting Your Intuition
Sara Blakely is the founder of Spanx and Sneex and opens up about believing in her products and trusting her gut. She created her revolutionary brand after identifying a problem in her wardrobe: what undergarments could she wear with white pants? Blakely's answer to that question started a shapewear revolution. She used the money she earned selling fax machines to launch her products, which soon s
Dr. Judith Joseph On Overcoming Hidden Depression and Rediscovering Joy
Dr. Judith Joseph is a New York-based psychiatrist, studying happiness. Throughout her life, she's been a high-achiever, graduating from medical school at Columbia and opening her own clinical research institute. She now says she was "pathologically productive" to try to mask feelings of inadequacy. Through her research, and her own experience, Dr. Joseph identified what she refers to as "high-fun
Entrepreneur Emma Grede On Being "Self-Made" And Building Iconic Brands
Businesswoman and entrepreneur Emma Grede has launched some of the biggest brands in fashion. Known as the powerhouse behind companies like Skims and Good American, Grede says she takes issue with the phrase "self-made". Raised by a single mom in East London, Grede worked her way up through the fashion world, but she says her partners and mentors helped get her to where she is today. She opened up
Novelist and Producer, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, On Women Supporting Other Women and Following Your Path
Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas is an acclaimed Hollywood agent and film producer. She's worked with iconic stars like Julia Roberts and Jennifer Lopez, even producing JLO's smash hit movie Maid In Manhattan. Goldsmith-Thomas rose through the ranks at multiple talent agencies, when the was dominated by men. In her debut novel, Climbing In Heels, her female characters navigate "the wild West" of 1980s Holl
Suzy Welch on Finding Your Purpose
Suzy Welch is an award-winning professor, best-selling author, and entrepreneur. She teaches “Becoming You: Crafting the Authentic Life You Want and Need" at NYU Stern School of Business, and helps people discover their purpose by understanding their values. Welch also believes that happiness is not an end goal, but an outcome of a meaningful and productive life. She talked to Hoda about how to u
