The Bright Side: A Hello Sunshine Podcast

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Sasha Hamdani — known on social media 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 surprising interplay between hormonal changes and ADHD symptoms. Dr. Hamdani also shares her personal insights and expertise in managing her own ADHD diagnosis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danielle and Simone are joined by Chatham Greenfield and Laura Taylor Namey of Reese's Book Club's LitUp program, a fellowship that uplifts and supports underrepresented writers. Chatham Greenfield is a fellow in the inaugural class of LitUp, and their mentor is New York Times bestselling author Laura Taylor Namey. They join The Bright Side to talk about getting Greenfield's debut novel — Time and Time Again — published. You can find Time and Time Again, as well as Laura Taylor Namey's book A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, on Apple Books or wherever you get your booksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When she first made the move from New York City to a farm in Minnesota, Molly Yeh embarked on a whole new life. She is the host of the Food Network’s series Girl Meets Farm and a New York Times bestselling cookbook author. Her new book, Sweet Farm!, is out next year. She came on the show to talk about fall cooking ahead of the holidays, how her training as a classical percussionist informs her work as a cook, and what it’s like to make a life on a farm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claudia and Jackie Oshry are sisters and co-hosts of the pop culture podcast “The Toast.” They join Danielle and Simone to pop off about PDA, repurposing your wedding ring, and unwanted exes coming back into your life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When she first moved to the United States from Brazil as a teenager, entrepreneur, model, and author Camila Alves McConaughey worked as a house cleaner. She soon rose to fame and launched a stellar modeling career. She’s since become an advocate for healthy eating and launched a lifestyle brand called Women of Today. She joins the show to talk about how she lives with integrity in matters of family, career, and for herself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Radhi Devlukia is a plant-based cook, author of the book JoyFull: Cook Effortlessly, Eat Freely, Live Radiantly, host of A Really Good Cry podcast, and Co-founder of Juni Tea. In this installment of Wellness Wednesday, she breaks down the essential practice of eating a plant-based diet according to the principles of Ayurveda, an ancient, holistic system of medicine. She breaks down what it is, how to incorporate it into your daily life, and why it brings her joy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a middle-aged mother of three from Tennessee, Leanne Morgan breaks all the stereotypes of what it takes to succeed in comedy. Yet, after two decades of homing her distinct style of "clean comedy," Leanne's down-to-earth, relatable humor has catapulted her into the spotlight, with the help of a viral video and support from stars like Reese Witherspoon. Today on the show the "Mrs. Maisel of Appalachia" shares her unlikely journey from growing up in a farming family to selling out the Grand Ole Opry, how she never gave up on her Hollywood dream, and why her audience hasn't feel "seen" until now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Indigenous Peoples' Day, author K.A. Cobell joins to talk about her debut novel and the fall young adult pick for Reese’s Book Club, "Looking for Smoke." She tells Danielle and Simone about her own experience within the Blackfeet Nation, how she navigates her mixed-race identity, and why she decided to write a thriller that sheds light on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women epidemic. You can find the "Looking for Smoke" audiobook on Apple Books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special bonus episode, we revisit some special "Shelf Life" conversations with authors from Reese's Book Club. We’ll hear insightful clips from conversations with bestselling writers J. Courtney Sullivan (author of The Cliffs), Alexene Farol Follmuth (author of Twelfth Knight), and Ally Condie (author of The Unwedding). Dive into the complexities of identity and family, explore the nuances of female empowerment, and hear heartfelt reflections on parenting and resilience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Naz Perez is a host, film critic, and founder of the support group Heartbroken Anonymous. On today’s Poppin’ Off we talk about the hottest Halloween costume ideas this year, big Y2K fashion comebacks, and what to look out for next year's "Superfine" Met Gala. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is World Mental Health Day, and author and artist Anna Marie Tendler comes on the show to talk about her buzzy, New York Times bestselling memoir Men Have Called Her Crazy. In her book she recounts her experiences being hospitalized at a mental health facility, her journey to understanding herself in the wake of several failed relationships over the course of her life, and the power of self-acceptance. Anna’s precise, brave account is an invitation to women to break patterns, practice better mental health, and commit to the hard work of rewriting a bold future for yourself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World Mental Health Day is tomorrow. Today’s Wellness Wednesday segment features Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a clinical psychologist, host & founder of the mental health platform and podcast Therapy for Black Girls, and author of Sisterhood Heals: The Transformative Power of Healing in Community. We dive into everything you’ve ever wanted to know about therapy but were too afraid to ask: how and when to start therapy, how to navigate the relationship with a therapist, what therapy is for, and what kind of therapy might be right for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a first for the show, Bright Side alums Amanda Kloots and Gaby Dalkin join Danielle and Simone live from Shine Away in Los Angeles. They discuss the pervasive power of imposter syndrome, and the ways they’ve fought through it — from striking power poses, to best friend pump-ups, to pep talks from Jamie Lee Curtis (!?). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The iconic “Beverly Hills: 90210” star explains her empowering mantra of "I choose me," and dives into her journey through marriage, divorce, motherhood, and self-discovery. Jennie shares her insights on aging, the pressure of societal expectations, and the importance of self-love. Plus, the complicated choice of the nuptial name change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eve Rodsky authored “Fair Play,” a book and card deck designed to help people dive deeper into essential conversations around household equity. After a powerful discussion with Eve in a recent episode, Simone and Daniel take the opportunity to play the “Fair Play” card game, exploring personal stories about gift-giving and breakfast traditions that reveal the unseen emotional labor in family dynamics. Eve shares her insights on how the game not only helps redistribute household tasks but also fosters deeper understanding between partners!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beyoncé drops her Levi’s, Sabrina Carpenter critics need to move on, and autumn rings in merlot nails and other cozy fashion vibes. Here to get into all that and more is Julissa Bermudez, former host of “106 & Park,” star of “Empire Girls,” and the founder of República Skin. She asks the important questions, like why drink a smoothie from a deodorant brand? And how did Beyoncé fit into those Levi’s to begin with?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After starting her path there as an intern in 2001, Ali Goldstein is now the president of L'Oreal Paris USA, one of the world’s most recognizable brands. She joins the show to dig into the surprising origin and powerful legacy of the iconic tagline “Because I’m Worth It,” and its enduring impact on women's empowerment. She also touches on L'Oreal’s Women of Worth program, which honors extraordinary women making a difference in their communities. Plus, join Simone and Danielle in celebrating the new class of the Hello Sunshine Collective, and their exciting journey ahead!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One in eight American women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. In this first Wellness Wednesday of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we talk with renowned breast cancer surgeon and women’s health advocate, Dr. Kristi Funk, about the latest research on prevention and the critical importance of early detection. Dr. Funk sheds light the things within our control when it comes to breast cancer risk — including diet, weight, harmful chemicals, and drinking. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

JoJo is known for her chart-topping hits like “Leave (Get Out)” and “Too Little Too Late,” and she’s back in the spotlight with her powerful new memoir, Over the Influence. JoJo opens up about her journey through the music industry — from her meteoric rise at just 13, the challenges that silenced her voice for years, and the peace she’s been able to find (and protect).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danielle and Simone celebrate an author from Reese's Book Club with an all new installment of Shelf Life. Author and contributing New York Times opinion writer Margaret Renkel joins the show to talk about her book The Comfort of Crows. She was Reese Witherspoon's high school English teacher and she shares what she remembers of Reese as a student as well as her love of literature and the power of paying attention to nature in our digital world. You can find The Comfort of Crows on Apple Books or wherever books are sold. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danielle and Simone discuss this week’s pop culture stories with Amanda Kloots, co-host of “The Talk” and moderator on Live from the Other Side with Tyler Henry. What’s the best way to connect with your child-free friends? And is sharing gum with your partner hot or not? Simone, Danielle, and Amanda weigh in. Check out our episode with Michaela Jaé’ here! And click here for more information on the Elle open casting call. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Natasha Rothwell has gone from the writer’s room at “Saturday Night Live” to on-screen roles in HBO’s “Insecure” and “The White Lotus” to becoming a leading lady in her own show, Hulu’s “How to Die Alone.” Natasha joins the Bright Side to discuss her newest series, why she wants to give people a character to root for, and how it’s a humbling thing to have your dream come true in front of people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is self-reliance? And how can it be used as a tool in the workplace and in life? On today’s Wellness Wednesday segment, global communications strategist and author of “7 Rules of Self-Reliance” Maha Abouelenein breaks down the rules of building self-reliance and puts them into practice for Danielle and Simone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A decade ago, Laverne Cox burst on to the scene with her role as Sophia Burset on Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black,” becoming the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. This month, Laverne stars in the Netflix film “Uglies,” a dystopian story set in a future society where everyone undergoes extreme cosmetic surgery at the age of 16 to become “pretty.” Laverne joins the Bright Side to discuss her latest role, her changing perceptions of beauty standards, and how at 52, she is saying “yes to life.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Kirbie Johnson returns! She’s a beauty guru and co-host of the podcast “Gloss Angeles,” who’s also known for her work with The Cut, PopSugar, and more. She joins the show to pop off on a viral parenting controversy, the pros and cons of wedding content creators, and who’s the real queen of Halloween? Check out our episode with Alexene Farol Follmuth here! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Halle Berry doesn’t need an introduction. She’s the first Black woman to win the Oscar for best actress and has been a fierce advocate for women’s rights, raising awareness about menopause. She’s also got a new horror film out called “Never Let Go,” that she produced through her own production company HalleHolly — just in time for spooky season this fall. Halle joins the Bright Side to discuss her new horror film, what she hopes her legacy will be, and how she paves the way for herself and others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We chronically undervalue the invisible domestic tasks that women disproportionately own. Eve Rodsky took this imbalance head on by authoring “Fair Play” and creating the corresponding card deck. She shares how we often view women’s time like sand, and men’s like diamonds. Plus, she reveals insights from her latest research — relevant whether you're a parent, a partner, or just interested in playing a little bit more fair.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eve made her mark in the rap scene in the late ’90s as the first lady of Ruff Ryders. And over the past decades, she’s had platinum albums, hit singles, and a Grammy Award. She was also one of the first female rappers to have a sitcom, launch a clothing line and co-host the daytime talk show, “The Talk.” Eve joins the Bright Side to share how she’s navigating life in London with a blended family and she’s spilling all the details in her new memoir, “Who’s That Girl?”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julianne Hough is a dancer, actor, Emmy Award-winner — and now she’s adding author to her impressive resume. She’s out with a brand new book titled “Everything We Never Knew,” a fictional book based on her real life experiences. She shares about her healing journey, her new “factional” book, and the moment she reconnected with her body again. Plus, the new season of “Dancing with the Stars” premieres tomorrow, and Julianne shares the secret to success on the show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danielle and Simone take a look at this week’s hottest pop culture stories with actress and standup comedian Sasheer Zamata. They get into the cost breakdown of staying hot by age, Beyonce’s GQ cover story, the differences between celebrities and artists in culture, the CMA Awards nominations, and some of the best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Miranda Lambert has been a major force in country music for over 20 years. She’s the most awarded artist in the history of the Academy of Country Music Awards and a three-time Grammy winner. And with her new album, “Postcard from Texas,” out tomorrow, she is releasing her truest and most real album yet. Miranda joins the Bright Side to talk about the power of going back to her roots, the magic in finding her voice, and the craziest thing she’s ever done for love.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looking for science-backed ways to lift your mood and boost your happiness? Karen Guggenheim is the co-founder of The World Happiness Summit, a pioneer in the global happiness movement and a leader in promoting the science behind happiness. On this week’s Wellness Wednesday, Karen shares the simple, yet powerful steps you can take even when life feels overwhelming and the number one action you can start today to create more happiness in your life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Chiquis’ mother – Mexican American banda star Jenni Rivera – died in a plane crash in 2012, Chiquis, then 27, became the matriarch of her family and stepped up as the eldest daughter to take care of her four siblings. It’s been over a decade since her mother’s death and Chiquis is a banda star in her own right. Chiquis has won the Latin Grammy for Best Banda Album twice and is known for infusing traditional regional Mexican music with the American genres she grew up with in the Los Angeles area. Chiquis joins the Bright Side to chat about living life on camera in her new docuseries ‘Chiquis sin filtro,’ how being a big sister became a crucial part of her life and her latest ‘Diamantes’ tour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson East was 20 years old and a star gymnast when she decided to leave her sport in 2012. More than a decade later, she experienced the Olympics in Paris with kids and to her – it was better than any gold medal. Shawn joins the Bright Side to talk about what life has been like in her current chapter of marriage and motherhood and how retiring led her to see herself as someone who has value outside of gymnastics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danielle and Simone dive into this week’s hottest pop culture stories with Emmy-nominated TV host and fashion designer Nina Parker. They get into Kim Kardashian's contract for her son’s YouTube channel, the latest on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's relationship, and the buzz on “Who TF Did I Marry” — the viral TikTok series from earlier this year now set to become a real-life TV show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2024 Paralympics are officially underway and host Sophie Morgan is checking in! The disability rights advocate is making history as one of the first disabled broadcasters covering the Paralympics for NBC. Sophie joins the Bright Side to share her journey to hosting the games, how she’s leading the charge for change for disabled travelers in the UK, and what fuels her unstoppable spirit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Delve into the fascinating world of psychedelics with Dr. Harriet De Wit, a renowned expert in psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience. Discover what truly happens in the brain during psychedelic experiences, from the science behind microdosing to the potential of psychedelics as treatments for mood disorders and even PTSD. Dr. De Wit provides insights into the effects of MDMA and LSD, the history of these substances, and how societal perceptions are shifting. Plus, get a sneak peek into Reese’s 100th Book Club pick, "The Comfort of Crows" by Margaret Renkl, and how it beautifully intertwines memoir and nature writing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has anyone ever called you too emotional? Or too shy? Too ambitious? Or too inquisitive? Your biggest weakness could actually be one of your greatest strengths and there are stats to back that up. Julia Boorstin is a CNBC senior media and tech correspondent and author of “When Women Lead” – which reveals the odds-defying leadership approaches of women running the world's most innovative and successful companies. Julia joins the Bright Side to discuss what happens when women lead and why we are actually the leaders we’ve been looking for. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Labor Day! We’re celebrating the unsung women of the labor movement with Jenny Kaplan – CEO and co-founder of Wonder Media Network and the host of the “Womanica” podcast. Jenny shares the herstories of the first woman appointed to the U.S. Cabinet, equal pay activists, a labor activist focused on gender and race in the workplace, and a politician engaged in women’s and workers’ issues while she was in Congress.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diosa Femme is a writer, producer, and the co-founder of “Locatora Radio,” a platform dedicated to spotlighting untold stories and shifting cultural narratives. She joins Simone and Danielle to dissect the latest pop culture moments, like the remake of “La Bamba,” whether it’s time for Brat Summer to be over, and Naomi Osaka's bold tennis look.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re back with another segment of “Mom Friend,”a judgment-free zone to explore the often-overwhelming work of parenting. Today, we’re talking back to school – and specifically how parents are navigating that transition. Abby Schiller, founder of The Mother Company and life coach, joins the Bright Side to offer ways for parents to cope with change and at the same time, empower their children to be independent. Have a parenting question? Send an email or voice memo to [email protected]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know perfectionism isn’t necessarily a bad thing? Katherine Morgan Schafler, psychotherapist and author of the book “The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control,” doesn’t want you to see perfectionism as a flaw, rather – a superpower. On this week’s Wellness Wednesday, Katherine shares advice on how to harness that power of perfectionism and use it to our advantage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Best known for her hit young adult novels "Eleanor & Park" and "Fangirl," Rainbow Rowell has been called “the best thing to happen to young adult literature in ages” by Vox. Today, she joins The Bright Side to discuss her new book “Slow Dance,” the Reese’s Book Club pick for August. The New York Times bestselling author opens up about who inspired the characters in her latest novel, the health scare that made her think she might never write another book, and the vital importance of unflinching storytelling for young people, especially as her early work continues to be banned. You can find “Slow Dance” on Apple Books or wherever you get your books. Listen to Rainbow’s playlist for “Slow Dance” here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re spilling the secrets to planning the ultimate international vacation with travel expert and co-founder of the travel agency Elsewhere by Lonely Planet, Alexis Bowen. She joins the Bright Side to reveal the three essentials for making your trip absolutely unforgettable and why going solo might be the best part. Plus, comedian and TV (and Airbnb) host Jessi Cruickshank joins us to talk about coming up in the Canadian comedy scene and how hosting for Airbnb helps her make new family memories.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Co-hosts of the Go Touch Grass podcast, comedians and writers Alise Morales & Milly Tamarez join Danielle and Simone to pop off this week about Jennifer Lopez filing for divorce from Ben Affleck, Venmo moms, and the online conversation on homie hopping. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Asma Khan was in her 20s, she couldn’t even boil an egg. By the age of 45, Asma led an all-female kitchen staff at her acclaimed London restaurant, Darjeeling Express. Today, Asma is an award-winning chef, a bestselling cookbook author and a fierce advocate for women in professional kitchens. Asma joins the Bright Side to discuss how her upbringing in India ignited her to revolutionize the culinary world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should I be taking probiotics, prebiotics or postbiotics? What is a microbiome? Gut Health is in the zeitgeist and there are very few people who can explain it like Dr. Robynne Chutkan – a renowned gastroenterologist, author of several bestselling digestive health books, and host of The Gutbliss Podcast. On this week’s Wellness Wednesday, Dr. Chutkan gives us tips for the lifestyle changes we can make today for our healthiest microbiome and our gut health. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this year, world champion boxer and actor Kali Reis made history by becoming one of the first Indigenous actresses to be nominated for an Emmy for her role as Evangeline Navarro in HBO’s “True Detective: Night Country.” Kali joins the Bright Side to discuss her journey from athlete to actor, telling stories that matter and how she’s using her platform to be a mouthpiece for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls movement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.