Oprah's Super Soul

Janet Mock, the transgender advocate, television host and New York Times best-selling author, discusses her powerful journey, the importance of speaking your truth, and becoming the person you know you were always meant to be. Janet offers insight into not only her transgender experience but also the importance of creating a vision for what is possible, and shows us how to see and accept one another through love. Janet's first memoir, "Redefining Realness," details her bold and inspiring perspective on being young, multicultural and transgender in America. Janet says her journey is similar to that of many people: "I think that we're all searching for the truth. I was constantly, as a person, going through this society trying to figure out who I was in relation to what people were telling me I should be. And so, for me, 'Redefining Realness' was about tapping into my most authentic self. Who am I to me?" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After losing both her legs at age 19 as a result of bacterial meningitis, Amy Purdy survived to lead a life of extraordinary accomplishments. She embodies inner strength as she continues to overcome obstacles and serve as a role model for those who have faced their own challenges. Amy is a Paralympic bronze medalist in snowboarding, a finalist on "Dancing with the Stars". Her inspiring conversation with Oprah is about rising above your circumstances, living with spiritual courage and the power of visualizing your dreams. They also discuss Amy's memoir, "On My Own Two Feet: From Losing My Legs to Learning the Dance of Life." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From "A Beautiful Mind" to "Empire," Brian Grazer has produced some of the greatest films and television shows of the past 40 years. Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Brian sits down with Oprah to discuss his book, "A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life," in which he writes about how expanding our curiosity should be as much a part of our culture as creativity and innovation. Brian not only attributes his success to curiosity but also says it's his daily spiritual practice. "It does get me into the place of truth within the person I'm connecting with," he tells Oprah. "It's the deepest emotional connection." Plus, Brian reveals how to optimize your curiosity in order to live a more satisfying, connected and soulful life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Religious scholar, psychotherapist and former monk Thomas Moore has dedicated his life to exploring the questions at the heart of theology. Thomas' classic 1992 book, "Care of the Soul," redefined spirituality in the modern age, and now he believes we are facing an exhilarating new phase of our spiritual evolution. Thomas and Oprah talk about ways to bring the soul and spirituality back into your life. While discussing his book "A Religion of One's Own," he explains the difference between the part of us that searches for more and the part of us that finds solace in what we have. His broad message resonates with those who see themselves as spiritual but not necessarily religious. Thomas’ latest book is called “Ageless Soul: An Uplifting Meditation on the Art of Growing Older” in which he describes how to live agelessly, embrace our time in life and find the endless joy nestled inside our soul. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oprah’s heart-to-heart conversation with the late Dr. Maya Angelou continues. Dr. Angelou shares some of her greatest life lessons on aging brilliantly and living with gratitude. She is moved to tears as she recalls the revelation that changed her life forever, and reveals the best piece of advice she ever received. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first of a special two-part podcast, Oprah has a conversation with her beloved mentor, the late poet, author, icon and activist Dr. Maya Angelou. She's also the woman Oprah called her mother, sister and friend for more than 30 years. Oprah says, "She was there for me always, guiding me through some of the most important years of my life. The world knows her as a poet, but at the heart of her, she was a teacher." Dr. Angelou discusses her last book, "Mom & Me & Mom," delving into one of the deepest personal stories of her life: her relationship with her mother. Dr. Angelou shares intimate memories of her childhood, including the nine words her nurturing yet fiery mother said to her that changed her life forever, challenging her to find strength in the face of adversity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Underneath his over-the-top hair, makeup and outfits, RuPaul Charles believes that at the core “we’re born naked and the rest is drag.” It’s a radical way of interpreting who we are, but whatever we claim as our identity is considered our drag, he says. A pop culture fixture since the early 90s, RuPaul has preached a gospel of self-love and tolerance that has permeated American culture. Now more popular than ever, thanks to the success of his Emmy-award winning competition show “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” RuPaul shares what he believes is the authentic meaning of “identity,” and how we can all see past the stereotypes and labels to discover true connection with those around us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would you like to expand your wealth and improve your relationship with money? Lynne Twist, author of the groundbreaking book "The Soul of Money," exposes three deep-seated financial myths and explains how letting go of these beliefs can align our money habits with our souls. She explains why our deep-rooted connection to money can be our most unexamined and "wounded" relationship. Lynne says we can even create a spiritual relationship with our finances, transforming our values and ourselves so as to lead a more fulfilling life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Time magazine named Pastor Rob Bell "one of the most influential Christian leaders in the country." Rob's progressive and unique interpretation of the Bible considers new ways of thinking about God, religion and faith. In his book "What We Talk About When We Talk About God," Rob explains why more people are identifying with spirituality over religion, and walks listeners through his three basic principles: "God is with us, God is for us, and God is ahead of us." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Williams is the songwriting legend behind hits such as Barbra Streisand's Oscar-winning song, "Evergreen," Kermit the Frog's beloved "Rainbow Connection" and the Carpenters classic "We've Only Just Begun." Paul says that, at the height of his fame, an addiction to alcohol and drugs nearly destroyed him. After hitting rock bottom in a harrowing public meltdown, Paul got sober and started a difficult journey to discovering the true happiness he feels today. Together with author, director and screenwriter Tracey Jackson, Paul has written a book, "Gratitude and Trust," outlining six affirmations they say can help people become better versions of themselves. The co-authors claim that the affirmations work for fear-based habits like perfectionism, overeating, fear of intimacy and even smartphone obsession. Paul says, "When getting help was important enough for me to let go of ego and do it, I began to connect. And that connection, that brought me to life." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A graduate of Yale Law School, Gretchen Rubin spent a year doing scientific research and practical projects in an attempt to discover how to lead a happier life. This experiment of self-discovery led to her New York Times bestselling book and phenomenon “The Happiness Project.” The book recounts what Gretchen learned about herself and how she was able to become happier and more fulfilled. Gretchen shares her eight personal rules of happiness, which she says can help fill your day with more joy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New York Times bestselling author and weight loss pioneer Geneen Roth was one of the first people to link compulsive eating and perpetual dieting with deeply personal and spiritual issues that go far beyond food, weight and body image. Geneen believes that our relationship to food reveals everything about our lives. She discusses guidelines for mindful eating and the real reasons people binge eat. Geneen also shares her acceptance with losing her life savings to the Bernie Madoff financial scandal, and why it was a positive transformative experience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He’s the creator of some of the most groundbreaking shows in television history. Legendary producer, writer and director Norman Lear talks about changing the landscape of TV, his life as a spiritual seeker and his political activism. Norman shares behind-the-scenes stories from his socially conscious shows “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons” and “Good Times.” Norman explains why he believes there may be no greater unifying spiritual expression than when we laugh together. He also discusses his documentary film "Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You," and his first-ever book, the memoir "Even This I Get to Experience." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you find your purpose? Jack Canfield is co-creator of the worldwide phenomenon “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book series, which has sold more than 110 million copies and been translated into more than 43 languages. Based on the lessons in his New York Times bestseller “The Success Principles,” Jack explains how to align our vision and goals with the fulfillment of our purpose. “Everyone has a purpose on this planet,” Jack explains. “The key is figuring out what you really want, deep inside, by listening to your internal GPS.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The conversation with Harvard-trained researcher and New York Times bestselling author Shawn Achor continues. Shawn offers advice on how to turn down the noise of the electronic, hyper-connected world we live in, which he says is blocking us from true happiness. Shawn also shares how we can increase the levels of happiness for others in our lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you want to be happier? Harvard-trained researcher and bestselling author Shawn Achor shares his simple, achievable steps to diminish depression, increase joy, and shift our perspective to be more positive. Shawn brings to life his research on the science of happiness and the techniques of what he calls positive psychology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sebastian Junger, the New York Times bestselling author of “The Perfect Storm” and “War,” discusses his newest book “Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging.” Sebastian challenges us to rethink some of our culture’s most fundamental ideas about purpose and prosperity. He says, “It’s about what we can learn from tribal societies about loyalty, belonging and the eternal human quest for meaning.” Read more about identity and belonging in the January 2018 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Born in New York City, Pema Chödrön is one of the first Western women to be fully ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun. Pema explains how difficult times can be an opportunity for growth and change if you're willing to embrace the situation and the feelings that come with it. One of the basic Buddhist tenets, Pema says, is that change is constant. "Things are going to keep changing," she says. "If you're invested in security and certainty, then you're not going to feel good a lot of the time." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would you like more fun, love, laughter and adventure in your life? Oscar-nominated actress and best-selling author Mariel Hemingway and her boyfriend, Bobby Williams, a stuntman and extreme athlete, say they have the answers to living a simpler, more vibrant life. In their book, "Running with Nature," Mariel and Bobby show us how to tap into our soul's mission and reconnect with our true selves. Mariel also opens up about her famous family, including her grandfather Ernest Hemingway, and their legacy of addiction, mental illness and suicide. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The New York Times best-selling author Cheryl Strayed talks to Oprah about her book "Brave Enough," a collection of her own quotes, which Cheryl describes as a "mini instruction manual for the soul." Cheryl also says the book urges readers toward their own "incredible capacity for love, compassion and forgiveness." Cheryl's best-selling memoir, "Wild," which recounted her spiritual journey hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, was an Oprah's Book Club selection and was adapted into the critically acclaimed film starring Reese Witherspoon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oprah's conversation with New York Times best-selling author Elizabeth Gilbert continues. Elizabeth shares what she knows for sure about love, happiness and what it means to be a soul mate. Elizabeth says, "A true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that's holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention." She also opens up about her decision not to have children and its impact on her life spiritually. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elizabeth Gilbert’s 2006 memoir, "Eat, Pray, Love," sparked a global conversation about what it means to fulfill your life's purpose. Elizabeth opens up about the soulful lessons she learned from her yearlong quest around the world. She also discusses how the uncertainty of transformation in our lives is never easy or painless, but is essential to experience. Elizabeth gives practical advice on how to start your own spiritual quest and answer your life’s calling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a Harvard-trained brain scientist, describes how a massive stroke gave her a second chance at life. Dr. Jill couldn't walk, talk or remember her own name, but she was able to turn this life-changing experience into a spiritual awakening. Although she was unable to communicate, Dr. Jill says she was aware of the energy around her. She learned a simple, powerful and profound lesson while recovering in the hospital: “Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New York Times columnist, political pundit and bestselling author David Brooks reveals how we can discover and build a stronger, more meaningful moral character and deeper inner life. David shares his personal and well-researched path on the road to “save his own soul.” He takes listeners on a journey through history, sharing examples of people who cultivated their own character with self-sacrifice and honor. David also shares his thoughts on vulnerability, the importance of believing in yourself and gaining strength from those around you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prolific TV show creator, writer and executive producer Shonda Rhimes reflects on her memoir “Year of Yes.” The force behind the hit shows "Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal" and "How to Get Away with Murder," Shonda explains how saying “yes” for one year allowed her to live a more awakened life. She also shares the one sentence to use when you want to say “no” without feeling rude. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Vice President Joe Biden reflects on his political career and his personal tragedies. The vice president shares how his faith informed his toughest moments, including his decision not to run for president and the death of his beloved son Beau. He also discusses a time in his life when he lost his faith and describes the journey to get it back. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three young, socially aware thought leaders from the next generation of soulful thinkers, Marie Forleo, Mastin Kipp and Gabrielle Bernstein, share their unique perspectives and open up about the life-changing events that began their spiritual journeys. They have developed self-made businesses, written reflective best-sellers and lectured to sold-out crowds about how to enrich your life. Each guest gives three simple ways to enlighten your life today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a special edition of "Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations," Oprah presents her latest New York Times number one best-selling book, "The Wisdom of Sundays: Life-Changing Insights from Super Soul Conversations," with an episode filled with Oprah's most memorable aha! moments from "SuperSoul Sunday." It is a soul-stirring hour from an extraordinary group of thought leaders, including Caroline Myss, Gary Zukav, Eckhart Tolle, Sue Monk Kidd, Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith, Jack Kornfield, Elizabeth Lesser, Sister Joan Chittister, Pastor John Gray, Michael Singer, Tony Robbins, Iyanla Vanzant, Brene Brown, DeVon Franklin, Amy Purdy, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Shonda Rhimes, Russell Simmons, former President Jimmy Carter, Wayne Dyer, Dr. Shefali Tsabary, Adyashanti, Shaka Senghor, Bryan Stevenson, Glennon Doyle, Pastor Wintley Phipps, Janet Mock, Tracy Morgan, Malala Yousafzai and Elie Wiesel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1994, iconic actress and author Ali MacGraw left Los Angeles and moved to Santa Fe in order to live her spiritual journey more fully. In a frank conversation, Ali discusses what she's come to know about aging with grace, shares the real-life lessons in love she learned from her marriages to legendary actor Steve McQueen and famed film producer Robert Evans, and opens up about how sobriety allowed her to feel more connected to her soul. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benedictine monk, author and scholar Brother David Steindl-Rast guides us to the source of lasting joy and the essence of grateful living. He invites listeners to exercise gratefulness as a spiritual practice and a source of well-being that can be embraced every day. He also shares lessons on love, hope and life. Brother David Steindl-Rast says, “Hope is something very different from our hopes. Hopes are something we can imagine… but hope, in a truly spiritual sense, is openness for surprise.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith, spiritual pioneer and founder of the renowned Agape International Spiritual Center, offers several practices for manifesting the kind of life you want. He explains that letting go, shifting your vibration and living with intention are all keys to unlocking the blessings that the universe has in store for you. Michael also discusses the four stages of unfolding, an intensive process of spiritual alignment with your life’s purpose. Michael says, “Your potential is always bigger than whatever problem you’re going through.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Visionary thought leader and author of “A New Earth,” Eckhart Tolle explains his view of where we are in the state of the new Earth today. With a shift that has separated millions of Americans, Eckhart teaches us how to lift the pain that can show up for all of us. Oprah calls Eckhart Tolle one of the “greatest spiritual teachers and inspirations here on the planet.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hollywood power couple DeVon Franklin and Meagan Good discuss their faith, courtship and marriage as well as the spiritual keys to their successful relationship. They candidly share how celibacy allowed them to form a deeper, more soulful connection. In their New York Times best-selling book, “The Wait,” they write, “To wait is to delay the temptation for instant gratification in relationships in order to get what you really want in life.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On December 14, 2012, the unthinkable happened when a lone gunman shot and killed 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. One of the lives lost that day belonged to 6-year-old Ben Wheeler. Ben’s parents, Francine and David, share how embracing love, light and even suffering can be a catalyst for transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oprah calls this interview one of the most powerful in her career. Author, mentor and criminal justice activist Shaka Senghor turned his life around after spending 19 years in prison and solitary confinement for committing second-degree murder. During his incarceration, an unexpected act of forgiveness led to his spiritual redemption. Shaka discusses the challenges of fixing the soul of a broken prison system that doesn’t focus on rehabilitation and reintegration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They call him the Zen Master. Legendary NBA coach Phil Jackson says that when he began coaching the Chicago Bulls, and later the Los Angeles Lakers, he drew upon the Zen philosophy of mindfulness to help build both teams. He used tai chi, yoga and meditation to help his players live in the moment and put their egos in check. Learn why Phil says, “What I put into the lives of others will come back unto its own.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

His New York Times number one best-seller, “The Untethered Soul,” is one of the books that is always on Oprah’s nightstand. Author and spiritual teacher Michael Singer reveals practical methods for allowing feelings to pass through you without taking over your life. He says spiritual growth begins by learning to silence the negative thoughts in your mind. Oprah says Michael Singer will “help you find a greater sense of inner peace.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During her iconic 60-year Hollywood career, Oscar-winning actress Shirley MacLaine was also a pioneer by being outspoken in her beliefs about spirituality, meditation and reincarnation. Oprah calls Shirley one of her “great spiritual teachers.” This episode is a continuation of the metaphysical conversation Oprah and Shirley have been having together for more than 30 years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oprah’s conversation continues with award-winning interior designer and best-selling author Nate Berkus. Nate describes how he picked up the pieces of his life after surviving the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which claimed more than 200,000 lives in several countries. Oprah describes Nate’s harrowing story of survival as “emotional, spiritual and metaphysical.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does your home make you feel? Does it lift you up or soothe your soul? Our surroundings greet us each morning and welcome us home each night. Award-winning interior designer Nate Berkus reveals how design can bring beauty, meaning and memories to our lives–and sometimes represent our very soul. Nate says, “When our homes really do reflect who we are and who we aspire to be, that’s when we have a space that everyone is drawn to.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life changing wisdom and insights from one of America’s key spiritual voices. Sister Joan Chittister is a Roman Catholic nun and author of over 50 books. She’s a tireless advocate of justice, peace and equality, especially for women, all over the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the book that Ellen DeGeneres recommended to Oprah. Renowned spiritual teacher and best-selling author don Miguel Ruiz believes there are four agreements that, if applied in your daily life, will bring you freedom, happiness and love. His revered book “The Four Agreements” has been translated into 40 languages, was on The New York Times’ best-seller list for over a decade and has guided millions of readers, including Oprah, to live their most authentic lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can a company have a soul? Oprah interviews the executive chairman of Starbucks Coffee Company, Howard Schultz, who shares his inspiring story of rising from the Brooklyn housing projects to becoming one of the most innovative business leaders of our time. Howard explains how companies can be committed to fostering the human spirit. For him, Starbucks’ motto is “One person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pastor A.R. Bernard is the founder of the largest church in New York City, Brooklyn’s Christian Cultural Center. In his book “Four Things Women Want from a Man,” Pastor Bernard reveals the qualities men need to have for a happy, lasting relationship. The pastor says he can help you make your relationship one that is “built to weather any storm.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cookie Johnson, wife of NBA legend, entrepreneur and philanthropist Earvin “Magic” Johnson, opens up about how her deep faith and spiritual beliefs have guided her through some of life’s darkest challenges. She reveals how her husband’s HIV diagnosis brought her to her knees, and how she found the strength to stand up again. Cookie also discusses how she reconciled her Christian faith with acceptance of her gay son, E.J. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The former U.S. President and Nobel Peace Prize winner discusses how his faith guided him and how his global influence grew after he left the White House. He also opens up about the secret to his over 70-year marriage to former First Lady Rosalynn. Following this interview, Mr. Carter announced he had been diagnosed with cancer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actor Rainn Wilson of “The Office” fame comes with his own list of “Life’s Big Questions.” Rainn reveals his uniquely spiritual upbringing and how it has affected every aspect of his life. Rainn also discusses his meaningful digital platform, “SoulPancake,” which challenges people to be “creative, explore their souls and dig into life’s big questions.” Rainn’s revelations about his beliefs in regards to art and prayer causes Oprah to say, “That made the hairs on my head raise.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been twenty years since Mitch wrote about the most impactful life lessons he learned from his former professor, Morrie Schwartz, who was dying from ALS. Mitch chronicled their weekly visits in one of the best-selling memoirs of all time, “Tuesdays with Morrie,” which has been translated in 41 languages. Oprah and Mitch discuss how Morrie’s lessons continue to resonate because of their universal truths about life and happiness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter Alanis Morissette reflects on passion, art and the spiritual lessons that helped her become grounded. Alanis is candid about the toll that fame took on her life. After admitting she didn’t laugh for two years, Alanis shares what she has come to realize about happiness: “I think happiness is a state, and it’s a temporary state. … Sitting in the seat of awareness can give some relief … but I wouldn’t call it happiness. I would call it the bliss, or the joy, of consciousness.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part 2 of Oprah’s conversation with India.Arie, a member of Oprah’s SuperSoul 100, the Grammy winner reveals how she returned to her spiritual roots, regained her energy and rediscovered her true identity. Oprah says, “India’s honesty and openness moves me deeply.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.