Making Space with Hoda Kotb

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. Now, Rachel is back with new music and a fresh perspective, using her voice in a new way, on her latest album, “I Am Rachel Platten”. Rachel sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about the next chapter in her life, her music and her career. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 to Hoda about her childhood, and balancing motherhood with her career. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 understand your values, and what she's learned from the death of her late husband, Jack Welch. Her latest book, Becoming You, was released in May 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 battle with cancer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 inspired her latest book "The Book of Alchemy: Creative Prompts for an Inspired Life." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 finance, taking a leap into a different kind of life, and what he discovered on the other side. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 while staying true to herself. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 overcoming doubt and dismissal. Plus, she reflects on the resilience it took to keep going and the strength she found in speaking up. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 feelings of inadequacy, and what it takes to reclaim joy. Plus, she shares how her research and personal experience helped shape a new understanding of emotional well-being. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 intelligent men. From teaching manners and talking through big feelings, to modeling the behavior they want to see in the world, these two are thinking about the long game. Because at the end of the day, the goal isn't just surviving the chaos — it's changing the next generation. To listen to the full conversation now, just search ‘The Parent Chat with Dylan Dreyer’ wherever you’re listening. Follow now for new episodes every Thursday. https://swap.fm/l/tpwddfdew Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 life. Plus, she shares the importance of getting quiet, why a bumpy path may mean you’re headed in the right direction, and the messages that continue to guide her forward. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 keep going, one day at a time. Plus, she shares her plans to come back “home” to TODAY. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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, sometimes she needs…HELP! On The Parent Chat, Dylan calls in reinforcements – from parenting experts with big advice to fellow working moms that can help all parents feel less alone. Because parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but it can come with a group chat.  To follow now, just search ‘The Parent Chat with Dylan Dreyer’ wherever you’re listening. New episodes drop every Thursday. https://swap.fm/l/tpcwddftw Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 and writing her book Dare I Say It. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 up about the emotional note her father left her before his passing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 lifelong health struggles, her relationship with her late mother, and the support she has found in her community, including from fellow stars Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who are navigating their own MS journeys. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hey, Making Space fans! As a bonus, we’re giving you a special preview clip of our new podcast series, Glass Half Full with Craig Melvin. In this episode, Shonda Rhimes joins Craig for a revealing conversation that begins with a decision she made to confront her lifelong shyness. She opens up about her inner world and the shock of becoming a writer suddenly in charge of a massive television show. Shonda also shares what she’s looking for in a partner, what could be next for the Bridgerton world, whether there could be a Scandal movie, and why she considers herself more optimistic than most. To listen to the full conversation now, just search ‘Glass Half Full with Craig Melvin’ wherever you’re listening. Follow now for new episodes every Tuesday: swap.fm/l/ghfew Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 cherish the people who stand beside you matters most. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 resilience, legacy, and why believing in yourself is often the first step toward shaping your own future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 slows down. Keys also opens up about building her wellness brand, Keys Soulcare, bringing her Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen to life, and the peace that comes from finally betting on yourself. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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’s New York City studios to talk about their official beginning as co-hosts, the lessons Sheinelle has learned in the wake of losing her husband, Uche, and how grief and joy can exist side by side. Plus, what having Sheinelle by her side means for Jenna, and reflections on her path to this moment. (Originally broadcast on SiriusXM TODAY Show Radio.) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 tested her belief in herself, all while staying true to her voice and her storytelling roots. In this conversation from July 2024, Wilson sits down with Hoda to reflect on her long road to success, the power of patience, and what it really takes to keep going when the dream feels far away. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hey Making Space fans! As a bonus, we’re sharing the trailer of Craig Melvin’s new podcast, 'Glass Half Full.'Each week, Craig sits down with a celebrity, athlete, comedian, or just plain fascinating person for intimate conversations that feel like catching up with an old friend. With warmth, humor, and curiosity, he explores how setbacks become breakthroughs — and how you never really know when that moment can become the moment that changes everything.Join us. Because who knows? You might just leave with a fresh perspective…and your glass half full.Follow now to hear new episodes every Tuesday: swap.fm/l/gdC024GHmmiP8tWcmwkzWatch episodes on the TODAY YouTube Channel.Follow host Craig Melvin on Instagram. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 every stage of life. Plus, she opens up about life as a grandmother to five and why she believes we are always still becoming. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 should consult their healthcare provider before making changes to their diet or fasting routine. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 wanted to be. Plus, she shares how choosing presence, kindness, and action helped her rebuild her life one decision at a time. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 bond with horses continues to influence how she raises her children. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 latest album, Snow Globe Town, and why doing something tangible is how you can create hope, especially during the holiday season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hey, Dateline fans! As a bonus for you, we’re sharing the trailer for Morrison Mysteries: The Snow Queen, an all-new original podcast series from Dateline and Keith Morrison. In season 4 of Morrison Mysteries, Keith introduces you to best friends Kay and Gerda, who are tested when an evil mirror pierces Kay's heart, slowly turning it into ice. Gerda sets out to save him, but must conquer an old wizard woman, a thieving robber girl and finally, the powerful spell of the Snow Queen herself. Tune in to Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen to hear what happens. Follow Morrison Mysteries now and listen to all episodes on Friday, December 19. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Your Past and Transform Your Future. Plus, she explains why lasting transformation comes from small, intentional shifts, clear goals, and learning to work with reality rather than relying on belief alone. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 moments of wonder that keep him grounded, curious, and open to the world. Plus, he reflects on honoring vulnerability and the importance of remembering who we are and how much we matter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 through truth and self-acceptance. Jane opens up to Hoda about how therapy helped her shed years of shame, what she learned from her relationship with her mother, how Glee continues to impact fans more than a decade later, and why she now finds joy in the quiet moments of everyday life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 glimmers of memory and recognition that mean everything. He reflects on their love story, the humor they still find in simple moments and how this chapter has revealed a deeper purpose built on patience, tenderness, and grace. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 friendships that have grounded her, and why she believes the smallest acts of kindness can spark the biggest change. Plus, she shares where her focus lies today through her work with Pivotal Ventures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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, she opens up about the wisdom she’s gained from her mom, Maria Shriver, her partnership with her husband, Chris Pratt, and why faith and family remain at the heart of everything she does. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 brand, Stripes, writing her book “Dare I Say It,” and why she believes it’s never too late to get started. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 also opens up about creating her wellness brand, Keys Soulcare, her Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen, and the peace that comes when you finally bet on yourself. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 rebuilt her life and career with her clean beauty line, Jones Road, what keeps her grounded as a mother and grandmother, and why she believes the best chapters don’t end with success, but begin when you find the strength to start over. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 from her parents, a surprising run-in with Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and why following her own path turned out to be the most rewarding part of her journey. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hoda to discuss her lifelong health struggles, her relationship with her late mother and the strength that carried her through acting, motherhood and moments of uncertainty. She reflects on her friendships with fellow stars navigating MS, including Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler, and why she refuses to let anything stand in the way of the life she’s determined to live. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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, the importance of accepting help from others and why she views her diagnosis not as “why me,” but as “why not me.” In addition, she shares how she spoke to her kids about her diagnosis and how her perspective has broadened after the trying experience. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 family, teaching, writing, and even advocacy, including speaking at the White House after the 2022 Uvalde school shooting. In this conversation, McConaughey sits down with Hoda to reflect on his evolving relationship with humility, gratitude, and belief and why writing has become his way to understand the world, inspire others, and remind us all to keep believing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hey TODAY fans! As a bonus, we’re giving you a special preview of Jenna Bush Hager’s podcast, ‘Open Book with Jenna.’In the season’s debut episode, Jenna sits down with three-time Grammy-winning artist, and lead vocalist of the Zac Brown Band, Zac Brown.From his humble beginnings playing in coffee shops at age fourteen to his upcoming residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, Zac reflects on the milestones that shaped his path. He opens up about fatherhood, founding Camp Southern Ground, and the creative process behind his upcoming album Love and Fear, which features collaborations with icons like Snoop Dogg and Dolly Parton. To listen to the full conversation, just search ‘Open Book with Jenna’ wherever you’re listening to follow now, or click here: https://www.today.com/open-book-with-jenna Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 from a Joy 101 event earlier this year, Wayman sits down with Hoda to share how she inspired real change in her students and how she’s continuing that work in her latest chapter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Practices for Purpose, Success, and Inner Peace, a guide he follows to be the best version of himself every day. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 March 2024, Brooks draws from his years of research into what makes life meaningful, insights that also shape his new book, The Happiness Files: Insights on Work and Life, out this week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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, her cervical cancer diagnosis, her battle with infertility and her journey to motherhood. Erin continues to inspire on and off the field, as she celebrates the busiest and best season of her life yet. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 MindUp, created with a mission to promote mental health and fitness for children, after facing her own struggles. Goldie sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about her accidental rise to fame, her famous family and where she finds her purpose. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 inspired her latest book "The Book of Alchemy: Creative Prompts for an Inspired Life." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.