The Bright Side: A Hello Sunshine Podcast

Rita Omokha is a journalist and the author of the new book “Resist: How a Century of Young Black Activists Shaped America.” She takes us on a journey through history, sharing stories of powerful young Black activists — past and present — whose courage and determination have reshaped America’s fight for justice, and connects them to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Plus, she explores her own experience of racial politics in the U.S. as a Nigerian-American — particularly after the murder of George Floyd. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How far would you go to get back at an ex? Would you swipe right on an A.I. relationship? To answer these questions and more, Danielle is joined by comedian Tehran Von Ghasri and “The Bright Side” showrunner Tim Palazzola. They also pop off on the changes that come with aging, and the best career advice they’ve ever received.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor, writer, producer, and “Insecure” co-creator and star Issa Rae joins the show. Her latest movie project, “One of Them Days” (out tomorrow, Jan. 17) is a hilarious buddy comedy starring Keke Palmer and SZA. Issa expounds on her contributions to on-screen female friendship, the bold hair move she recommends everyone try at least once, and a lot more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that the composition of a mother’s breast milk changes based on a baby’s saliva? Or that human pregnancy has been compared to running many marathons in a row? These are only a few of the mind-blowing findings researcher and author Cat Bohannon describes in her book, “Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution.” She joins Danielle and Simone to talk about some of the lesser-known superpowers of the female body, and clears up some common misconceptions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor, author, and entrepreneur Brooke Shields' new memoir, “Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed To Get Old,” is out today, and it’s a candid look at her own experience growing up and aging in the public eye. She joins Danielle and Simone to talk about agency, reinvention, and why valuing herself at 59 has been her most provocative choice yet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is for anyone who works, whether you’re a first-time job-seeker or looking to make a pivot to something more fulfilling.  Gianna Prudente and Jamé Jackson Gadsden host LinkedIn’s work podcast “Let’s Talk Offline.” They offer strategies for leveraging LinkedIn to land your dream job — like creating a compelling personal brand, building genuine connections, and more. Plus, they dive into how Gen Z is reshaping the workplace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your fear of rejection is costing you money, according to advice columnist and life coach Susie Moore. She returns to the show to share how the temporary sting of rejection is SO much better than regret — and how reframing rejection can help you overcome it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whitney Wolfe Herd, the visionary founder of Bumble and co-founder of Tinder, gives her single biggest piece of advice on how to make your profile stand out and discusses her groundbreaking work in reshaping the world of online dating.  Whitney opens up about the cultural shift she helped sparked by letting women make the first move, the personal challenges she faced after leaving Tinder, and how she turned adversity into a mission to empower others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to heal past wounds, manifest your desires, and live more authentically? Bestselling author and spiritual teacher Gabby Bernstein shares powerful insights from her latest book, “Self Help,” and introduces us to her transformative system based on Internal Family Systems (IFS). Through a practical, compassionate four-step process, Gabby walks Danielle and Simone (and listeners) through connecting with the protector parts of ourselves, offering clarity, self-compassion, and a deeper connection to our inner wisdom. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever think of trying to run your family more like a business? Economist Emily Oster has. She returns to help guide parents through the less-frequent but more substantial challenges of parenting during the elementary and preteen years. Bringing insights from her book “The Family Firm,” she recommends looking at strategies employed by successful businesses — like identifying your core values, and focusing on "the four F's" — to create a plan for navigating these tricky years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you have a mentor who made a difference in your life? Did you wish you did? January is National Mentoring Month. Danielle and Simone are joined by Delores Druilhet Morton, the CEO of the mentorship nonprofit Step Up, to share the power of mentorships, how mentors show up differently in our lives, and the importance of vulnerability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever had trouble keeping your New Year’s resolutions? That might have something to do with the science and psychology behind motivation. Ayelet Fishbach joins us on the show to talk about how to motivate yourself to set and achieve goals in the New Year. She's a professor at the University of Chicago who studies social psychology, management, and consumer behavior — and the author of the book “Get It Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation." Need some extra help? Download your FREE 2025 Action Plan at DanielleRobay.com and make this the year you go all in on YOU.      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode originally aired on July 2, 2024. We have the power to contact our besties with the tap of a finger, yet we live in a loneliness epidemic. Journalist and author Anna Goldfarb wants to know: why? And what can we do about it? In today’s installment of our friendship advice segment “Calling for a Friend,” Anna delves into the research behind her book “Modern Friendship.” Anna’s findings reveal the importance of infusing your friendships with a shared sense of purpose, the optimal number of friends, and just how many hours it takes to form what she calls a “wholehearted friendship.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode originally aired on July 1, 2024. Clea Shearer and Joanna Taplin are the dynamic duo behind “The Home Edit.” From their serendipitous start over a blind lunch date to becoming a runaway success, Clea and Joanna share their journey from launching their company to landing a Netflix show, and hosting “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” They discuss their unique approach to organizing — including their famous rainbow method — and reveal the secrets behind their successful friendship and business partnership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode originally aired on Dec. 2, 2024. How do you throw a great holiday party? Do you pick a theme? Keep the invite list short, or invite everyone you know? What makes a good tradition? Lizzy Mathis is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Cool Mom Co., and co-host and executive producer of “Honest Renovations,” Roku’s home improvement series. She joins the show today to talk about hosting holiday parties, entertaining tricks, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode originally aired on Sept. 23, 2024. Veteran journalist Connie Chung originally wanted to tell her story through stand-up, but her husband — veteran daytime talk host Maury Povich — convinced her to write a memoir. We’re still hoping for that stand-up, Connie! In her memoir “Connie,” she describes her career as an Asian American woman in a white male-centered industry, and provides a behind-the-scenes look at some of her career-defining reporting. Connie joins the Bright Side to discuss her new memoir and why everyone needs a mentor or a Maury.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode originally aired on June 4, 2024. Even in 2024, menopause is a taboo subject. But lately, women like Halle Berry, Jennifer Anniston, Drew Barrymore, and Gabrielle Union are speaking out. We join the conversation with Dr. Jennifer Ashton to answer all of your menopause questions: from first symptoms, to libido, to muscle building as you age. Dr. Ashton is a double board certified physician in obstetrics and gynecology. She recently stepped down as ABC's chief medical correspondent to launch her own wellness company called Ajenda, which focuses on women’s health and wellness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode originally aired on July 25, 2024. Giada De Laurentiis is an Italian food icon and an Emmy-winning TV personality whose energy is as infectious as her culinary expertise is deep. The former host of “Everyday Italian” and “Giada at Home” shares insights into her Food Network career, her recent departure, and her newest chapter — including the launch of her new platform, Giadzy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode originally aired on Aug. 7, 2024. In the summer of 2013, Laura McKowen hit rock bottom when she drank too much at her brother’s wedding, leaving her four-year-old daughter alone in a hotel overnight. This year, she celebrated a huge milestone: 10 years sober. Laura McKowen is author of “We Are The Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life” and “Push Off From Here: Nine Essential Truths to Get You Through Life (and Everything Else)” and the founder of The Luckiest Club, an online sobriety support community.  On this week’s Wellness Wednesday, Laura takes us on her decade-long journey to self-discovery through sobriety.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode originally aired on May 28, 2024. Legendary singer-songwriter Jewel found success at a young age. When she hit the music scene with her iconic album “Pieces of You” in the ’90s, her authenticity endeared her to millions of fans worldwide and thrust her into the limelight. Her experience with the trauma of fame led her to eventually quit the industry for two years and explore what she wanted to do with her life. She stopped by The Bright Side to talk about learning how to become more self-reliant, the pressure of success, and learning how to be happy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Holidays! Our showrunner Tim Palazzola joins the show with a game of Secret Celebrity Holiday Traditions. We look back at a year of interviews, and quiz the hosts on who loves mulled cider, who looks forward to Christmas cookies, whose kids get double the presents, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you still need a gift for your mother-in-law, your favorite uncle, or your best friend? Should you go with the deluxe salt, the magazine subscription, or the “sisterhood of the traveling champagne”? Don’t fear — “People” Style and Beauty Director Andrea Lavinthal is here to share her ultimate last-minute gift guide for everyone on your list. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Juhea Kim takes art seriously — that’s partially why her stunning novel, “City of Night Birds,” is Reese’s Book Club pick for December. She takes us behind the scenes of her creative process, revealing how her deep love for Russian ballet and classical music shaped her writing. She explores her unique connection to Russian culture and the concept of the “Russian soul,” as well as how she uses music and dance to structure her novels. Calling all artists, writers, and creatives — this one’s for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Sasha Hamdani — known online as @thepsychdoctormd — is a board-certified psychiatrist and ADHD specialist. She shines a light on the unique ways ADHD presents in women, the impact of late diagnoses, and the interplay between hormonal changes and ADHD symptoms. Dr. Hamdani also shares her personal insights and expertise in managing her own ADHD diagnosis. This episode originally aired Oct. 23, 2024. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Succession” to one of this year’s buzziest shows “Nobody Wants This,” actor Justine Lupe has captivated audiences for her distinct humor, specificity, and dedication to her craft. She comes on the show to talk about what it’s been like to be a part of a show that centers a healthy relationship, her journey to film and TV after training at Juilliard, and what she’s learned about balancing work with new motherhood.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The outrageously funny Michelle Buteau is the co-creator of Netflix’s “Survival of the Thickest,” and she just became the first woman to record a comedy special at Radio City Music Hall. Michelle opens up about her journey to self-discovery, the importance of betting on yourself, and how motherhood has reshaped her perspective. She also shares the humor that runs through her multicultural upbringing and the power of embracing authenticity at every stage of life. Her new special, “Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind at Radio City Music Hall,” is out on Netflix on New Year’s Eve. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Roysdon and his mom Barb co-host the podcast “Hold On, I’m Calling My Mom.” They pop off with Danielle and Simone on the terms on Google’s Year in Search 2024 — like “demure,” “Roman Empire,” and “Mob Wife Aesthetic.” They dig into the new Michelle Obama-produced dating show “The Later Daters,” a new non-judgmental Tik Tok trend, Golden Globe nominees, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Creator and star of “Suffs” Shaina Taub talks about bringing history to life with her Tony-Award-winning musical about the American Suffrage Movement. Shaina shares her journey to bring “Suffs” to the stage, how she ended up starring as Alice Paul, and her work with Sir Elton John on “The Devil Wears Prada” musical.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you form new habits and break old ones? And what’s the science behind successfully maintaining healthy habits? Wendy Wood is a behavioral scientist, researcher and provost professor at USC who’s studied habits for decades. She joins the show to talk about the three steps to forming a habit and explains why joy is key.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Etiquette advisor and finishing school alum Myka Meier is back for part two. She gets into the simplest way to simplify your holiday gifting, from what to do if you’re given an unexpected gift to how to tactfully discuss your spending budget. Plus, she answers your listener questions about navigating holiday socializing — and weighs in on the worst etiquette offense of them all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Etiquette advisor and finishing school alum Myka Meier joins us to de-mystify the holidays, from choosing a host gift with the maximum "wow factor" to creating the ultimate sensory experience at your holiday gathering. Myka brings her warm, approachable advice to winter socializing and reminds us of the power of a homemade brownie. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danny Pellegrino is a New York Times bestselling author, comedian, and host of the podcast “Everything Iconic with Danny Pellegrino.” He joins Danielle and Simone to pop off about Bravo’s "Vanderpump Rules" reboot, the best movies of 2024, and the artists that made it on their Spotify Wrapped.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bozoma Saint John is an author, entrepreneur and marketing executive who’s represented some of America’s most recognizable brands. Now, she’s starting a new chapter as the newest member of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” She dishes about her decision to join the franchise, her incredible career, and why trusting your intuition is the key to success.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it mean to be kind? How can we increase kindness in our communities? And what are the surprising benefits of kindness? Jeanette Maré, kindness researcher and Director of the Science of Kindness Community Collective at the University of Arizona, gives the scoop on how we can better implement kindness into our lives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hilarious Fortune Feimster joins the show to share some laughs, inspiration, and Southern charm. With her new Netflix special “Crushing It” out now, Fortune takes us through the evolution of her stand-up — and how she’s found her true comedic voice over the years. She also dishes on the magic of live performances and the joy of connecting with audiences, especially after the isolation of the pandemic. Plus, we dive into her unforgettable Instagram character, Brenda; her mom; and the Southern roots that still shape her today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you throw a great holiday party? Do you pick a theme? Keep the invite list short, or invite everyone you know? What makes a good tradition? Lizzy Mathis is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Cool Mom Co., and co-host and executive producer of “Honest Renovations,” Roku’s home improvement series. She joins the show today to talk about hosting holiday parties, entertaining tricks, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is only one Raven-Symoné. From “That’s So Raven” to “The Cheetah Girls” to the CW’s original game show “Scrabble,” she is a luminary in the art of television. She joined superfans Danielle and Simone to talk about what she has learned from her tenure as a performer, what is next for her as a director, and why she always asks her younger actors to closely study the slapstick comedians she grew up with. This episode originally aired Oct. 24, 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s an art to hosting a social gathering. On one end of the spectrum, a gathering can feel tossed together and random. On the other end, it can feel overly-focused on aesthetic perfection: the right food, the right ambience, the right mix of people. Author Priya Parker is on a mission to change the way we think about gathering together. The author of “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters” joins The Bright Side to talk about how to be a better host. Originally aired March 26, 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small changes in what, when, and how you eat can reduce menopause symptoms and even lower your long-term health risks. Sarah Berry is a professor at King's College London, and chief scientist at a nutrition science startup Zoe. With over 20 years of experience, Professor Berry shares fascinating insights from her research, revealing how diet quality and body weight influence symptoms like sleep disturbances, brain fog, mood changes, and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nemonte Nenquimo is the first female leader of the Amazon’s Waorani people, and her memoir, “We Will Be Jaguars,” is the November pick for Reese’s Book Club. It’s an incredible story of resistance, of climate activism, and of protecting the rights of indigenous peoples. She reflects on her culture's deep connection to the land, the spiritual significance of the jaguar, and her mission to ensure that indigenous stories and wisdom are preserved. Plus, journalist and entrepreneur Nicole Lapin drops some knowledge on the power of passive income. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on The Bright Side, we’re talking about giving back and extending a helping hand this holiday season. CEO of Feeding America Claire Babineaux-Fontenot joins Danielle and Simone to talk about how her organization is combating hunger across the country, and how we can all do our part to help alleviate food insecurity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian Rachel Samples joins the show for this week’s Poppin’ Off. Rachel, Danielle and Simone talk about their excitement for “Wicked Day” and Diane Keaton’s new Holiday song. Plus, they get into Issa Rae’s recent hot take on whether or not men can hold a decent conversation– featuring a fun weigh in from The Bright Side’s own, Tim Palazzola.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The busiest time of year can be magical, but it can often lead to burnout — especially if you're a wife or mother. So, on today’s show, we want to break down how to care for ourselves while we show up for everyone in our lives, with inaugural Hello Sunshine Collective member Libby Ward. She is a digital creator, mental health advocate, and creator of the platform "Diary of An Honest Mom." She brings plenty of tips for how to set boundaries with family members and kids, and how to manage your time so this magical time of year can actually feel magical. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All of us struggle with saying no to situations, people, and dynamics in our lives. Today we’re diving into developing healthy boundaries with licensed therapist and relationship expert Nedra Tawwab. She’s the author of the New York Times bestselling book “Set Boundaries, Find Peace,” as well as “Drama Free” and “Consider This.” She breaks down the difference between healthy, rigid, and porous boundaries and also gives us a great perspective on boundary setting around the holidays. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confidence coach and author Susie Moore shares her expert tips for making the most of networking during the holiday season. By tapping into the "holiday glow" and crafting genuine, thoughtful connections, Susie encourages us to reframe networking as relationship building — whether it's reconnecting with old colleagues or reaching out to new contacts. She also offers practical advice on how to approach cold emails, make meaningful asks, and leverage your existing network to create new opportunities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The holidays are coming fast. Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin of “The Home Edit” share tips for staying organized through the whirlwind that is the holiday season. Plus, they give a sneak peek into ABC’s reboot of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” which will feature Clea and Joanna!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pop culture anthropologist and internet personality Blakeley Thornton joins the show to give an all-access pass to the “Wicked” movie premiere! He, Danielle, and Simone dive into the star-studded fashion, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's emotional bond, and the profound impact the film is having on audiences. They debate this year's Sexiest Man Alive from "People," (John Krasinski…?) and call out some alternatives. Plus, they ask the age-old question: Is it ever a good idea to get back with your ex? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we are back with another installment of “Mom Friend,” a judgment-free zone to explore the often-overwhelming work of parenting. Emily Oster is back. She is an economist, bestselling author of “Expecting Better” and “Cribsheet,” and is the CEO of ParentData. We unpack what the data says about all the parenting concerns that arise from birth through the preschool years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How fluffy is YOUR hippocampus? Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a neuroscientist and expert on brain plasticity, joins to share all about the incredible effects of exercise on the brain. Dr. Suzuki reveals how regular movement (especially aerobic exercise) does more than keep our bodies healthy — it actually changes the structure of our brains, boosting memory, focus, and mood. She shares her personal journey of discovering the power of exercise (even a ten-minute walk!) and explains how we can all use movement to create a “fluffy hippocampus,” improve cognitive function, and protect against age-related decline.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So much of the advice we get on negotiation is about acting a certain way or adopting a particular posture. Negotiation expert and Wharton School professor Mori Taheripour offers actionable advice on how to close the deal — while staying true to your authentic self. She shares her insights on why women often struggle with self-advocacy in negotiations, offering practical tools to boost confidence and reclaim power at the bargaining table. Plus, she reveals her own pre-negotiation pep talk and the ultimate hype song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.