The Bright Side: A Hello Sunshine Podcast

Do you remember the first time you saw yourself truly represented on the screen? Today on the Bright Side, we’re talking with Madeline Di Nonno – the president and CEO of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media – to unpack some of the mind-blowing studies the institute has done about women’s representation in TV and film and the possibility that we discover when we challenge long-held stereotypes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special edition of “Poppin’ Off,” we’re joined by our Emmy-winning showrunner Tim Palazzola! Tim, Simone, and Danielle unpack the controversial stripping of Jordan Chiles' Olympic bronze medal, the media's obsession with creating rivalries among women, an odd collaboration on a new mayonnaise-scented cologne, and the upcoming Disney "Villains Land" — a dark, new take on classic Disney lore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma Grede and Ashley Graham are no strangers to starting a business. Emma is the CEO and co-founder of Good American with Khloe Kardashian and a founding partner of Skims with Kim Kardashian. Ashley is a world renowned model, body positivity advocate, and entrepreneur. Together they host Hello Sunshine’s docu-series “Side Hustlers,” where they both invest their own money and offer guidance and mentorship to help shape successful women-led ventures. Emma and Ashley join The Bright Side to share the importance of investing in women’s business ideas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Ellen Langer has been called the “mother of mindfulness” for her extensive research in the field of mindfulness – which she defines as the process of simply noticing new things. Through decades of research, Harvard psychology professor Dr. Langer has proved again and again that we have more control over our health and well-being than we ever realized, and it all begins with our thoughts. On this week’s Wellness Wednesday, Dr. Langer reminds us that we already have a potent tool for improving our health and we may not even know it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez made history in 2022 when she became the first trans actor to win a Golden Globe for her role as Blanca in “Pose.” This year, Michaela Jaé turned 33 and is commemorating that milestone year by turning to music with her debut album titled “33,” out September 26th. She joins The Bright Side to discuss her new album and all things “Pose” and reflect on her historic win at the Golden Globes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At age 94, June Squibb is starring in her first leading role in this summer’s geri-action comedy film, “Thelma.” She plays a mischievous woman who gets scammed and goes on a mission to reclaim the thousands of dollars that as stolen from her by someone pretending to be her grandson. June joins The Bright Side to chat about her decades-long career, finding balance between love and craft, and how it never occurred to her to give up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taryn Delanie Smith and Achieng Agutu are co-hosts of the new talk show “Influenced” from Hello Sunshine. They join Danielle and Simone to pop off about a gold medal podium moment that will go down in history, a controversial relationship trend known as tolyamory, and the media’s impact on body image.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do I make a good first impression? What's the polite way to end an awkward first date? Manners expert and self-described “Miss Manners with a touch of Machiavelli” Sara Jane Ho has the answers. She’s the host of Netflix’s “Mind Your Manners” and the founder of an etiquette school in China and she’s on a mission to help women move confidently through the world. She joins The Bright Side to empower our besties with practical etiquette tips to get you ahead in life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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’s celebrating 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.

The dynamic Gaby Dalkin is a renowned cookbook author, chef, and journalist. Gaby shares her expertise on mastering summer grilling, debunking the myth that grilling is just for men. The woman behind the viral "slutty brownies" also opens up about her deeply personal fertility journey, and how she maintained perspective in the face of it all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keala Settle’s role in the 2017 film The Greatest Showman launched her into the spotlight, but behind the scenes, she was struggling with the fame and newfound attention. Now, the Tony-nominated actress is appearing in the upcoming movie adaptation of “Wicked,” and she joins The Bright Side to talk about her complicated relationship with fame and her journey to self-love.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kirbie Johnson is a skincare and makeup guru known for her work with publications like PopSugar, The Cut, and her popular “Gloss Angeles” podcast. She pops off about celibacy and fidelity, the strange new TikTok trend of “Octopus Eyebrow,” Blake Lively’s new haircare brand, and more. We also learn about her latest project, “The Powder Room,” where she offers a behind-the-scenes look at the beauty industry — starting with an interview with Selena Gomez. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The legendary Andrea Joyce is a Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer who’s covering her 17th Olympic Games in Paris. The author of “Legends of Women’s Gymnastics” shares her firsthand experiences from the Games, including the magical moments of the opening ceremony and the emotional highs of witnessing historic performances. Plus she shares the thrill of reporting from Paris, in the heart of the Olympics (and yes, it might be as great as it sounds).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s “Wellness Wednesday,” we’re looking at the fostering a healthy relationship with money. Lindsay Bryan-Podvin is a financial therapist, the founder of Mind Money Balance, and the author of “The Financial Anxiety Solution.” She breaks down our emotional connection to money, the importance of understanding one's early money messages, and overcoming negative money beliefs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re launching a new recurring segment called “Mom Friend,” a judgment-free zone to explore the often-overwhelming work of parenting. Helping guide us on this journey is Emily Oster — economist, founder and CEO of ParentData, and bestselling author of some of the most-talked-about parenting books of the last decade, including “Expecting Better,” "Cribsheet," "The Family Firm," and "The Unexpected." Emily brings research-backed data to the conversation, so you can make the best, most informed decisions for your family. Can you drink during pregnancy? What about while breastfeeding? How worried should we be about screen time? And when is the best time to freeze your eggs? Listen and find out. Have a parenting question? Send an email or voice memo to [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

J. Courtney Sullivan is the author of “The Cliffs,” Reese’s Book Club pick for July. Known for her multilayered generational narratives, her work has received acclaim from icons like Gloria Steinem, Oprah Winfrey, and Reese Witherspoon. In today's episode, she discusses the central themes of her novel — the constraints and opportunities determined by a woman’s moment in history, and the poetry found when we delve deep into the history of a place. You can find “The Cliffs” on Apple Books or wherever you get your books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel Musto is a celebrity stylist, co-founder of the clothing line Daniel Diamond, and TV personality. He joins Simone and Danielle to pop off about the hottest summer trends: from skorts and thong sandals to the rise of brat green, courtesy of Charli XCX.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 early days at the Food Network, breaking stereotypes throughout her career, and the inspiration behind her latest chapter — the launch of her new platform, Giadzy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finding ways to improve your sleep may feel daunting, but we've got you covered. Dr. Rebecca Robbins is a sleep scientist, Harvard professor, and co-author of “Sleep for Success.” For Wellness Wednesday, she joins the show to teach us how to maximize the quality of our sleep, break down the meaning of sleep debt, and provide us with tips we can bring into our bedtime rituals — starting tonight. Plus, take the sleep quiz Danielle and Simone talked about here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Olympic great Briana Scurry was the goalkeeper for the historic, gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic Women’s Soccer Team in 1996, the year women's soccer debuted at the Olympics. From her childhood dreams of sporting glory to her personal triumphs and challenges, Briana reflects on a pioneering career defined by extraordinary resilience and determination. She discusses her fight for equal compensation for women's soccer, the "angels" in her life, and overcoming the tragic circumstances that led her to pawn — and eventually recover — her gold medals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedians, writers, and partners in life Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allynne join the show to talk about how they first met and fell in love, co-directing their new film “Am I Ok?” starring Dakota Johnson, and a meeting with Reese Witherspoon that may or may not have gone off the rails. Plus, a party bus with Pedro Pascal? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malika Andrews is the host of ESPN’s “NBA Today” and “NBA Countdown.” She joins Simone and Danielle to celebrate WNBA All-Star Weekend and to discuss Serena Williams standing in her power. They also pop off about this year’s Emmy nominations (how is “The Bear” a comedy?), and honor the legacies of three greats we lost recently — Shannen Doherty, Richard Simmons, and Dr. Ruth Westheimer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sanya Richards-Ross is a record-setting athlete and the second most decorated women's track and field Olympian of all time. She’s an Olympic champion and commentator, and has been featured on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” She's joining Simone and Danielle to talk about resilience, what it's like to compete at the highest level in the world, and what she's most looking forward to this summer in Paris.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From P!nk to Alicia Keys to Olympian Shawn Johnson, celebrity fitness trainer Jeanette Jenkins has worked in the health and wellness industry for over 30 years with a range of clientele, from entertainers to athletes. She’s the founder and president of The Hollywood Trainer LLC and the creator of “The Hollywood Trainer Club.” Her mission is simple – to help everyone find the athlete inside them. For Wellness Wednesday, Jeanette joins the show to break down her philosophy on embracing your genetic makeup and cultivating a healthy body image. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jo Piazza is a bestselling author, podcaster and journalist. Her latest novel, “The Sicilian Inheritance,” is based on her own unraveling of a true story about her great-great-grandmother's mysterious death. She talks to Simone and Danielle about all the forms of storytelling she is interested in, how her family has shaped who she is as a writer, and the ways in which fiction and nonfiction intersect in her recent book. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rebecca Lowe is one of the world’s leading soccer sportscasters, having spent over 20 years covering the sport on both sides of the Atlantic for outlets including the BBC, ESPN, and currently at NBC, now in her sixth consecutive NBC Olympics Daytime Host assignment. In the run up to Paris, Rebecca joins us with an insider’s take on not one but many different athletes’ roads to the Olympics. Rebecca gives us a sneak peek of what’s to come at this year’s games. We’ll get up to speed on fresh faces to look out for like 16-year-old gymnast Hezly Rivera and hurdler Masai Russell, the triumphant return of Sha’Carri Richardson, Simone Biles’ unexpected rival, and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julissa Bermudez is a TV host, beauty and lifestyle influencer, and founder of república skin. She joins the show to Pop Off about A'ja Wilson's historic basketball achievement before diving into entertainment news, including newly announced "Devil Wears Prada" and “Shrek” movies. The conversation heats up with Kim Kardashian's new legal series and Ellen DeGeneres' rumored retirement from Hollywood. Plus, wedding dress controversy and Photoshop fails. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alexene Farol Follmuth shares her journey from writing fan fiction under a pseudonym (Olivie Blake) to publishing young adult novels like “Twelfth Knight,” the summer YA pick for Reese’s Book Club. She delves into her passion for adapting Shakespeare and infusing personal experiences — such as dealing with bipolar disorder and societal expectations of women — into her works. Alexene's insights offer a refreshing perspective on creativity, identity, and empowerment in literature. You can find “Twelfth Knight” on Apple Books or wherever you get your books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frustrated with viral skin care misinformation, Dr. Shereene Idriss posted her first video debunking myths in 2018. Since then, Dr. Idriss has grown a community of of more than three million skincare “nerds” across her social media, and has founded a science-backed skincare line called Dr. Idriss. For Wellness Wednesday, the Internet’s favorite board-certified dermatologist joins the show to share research-based advice and break down why less is more with skincare. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

American breaker (not “breakdancing!”) Sunny Choi joins Danielle and Simone in the studio to talk about her preparation ahead of the Paris Games. In just a few weeks, she will represent the United States in the first-ever Olympics to feature breaking. Sunny opens up about finding the courage to turn her entire life upside in her early thirties and pursue a second shot at the Olympics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Glynnis MacNicol, author of "I'm Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself," joins the show to discuss how single women can (and do) embrace joy and self-discovery — and how to redefine success and pleasure in middle age. Plus, Simone and Danielle get into societal pressures, gender biases in success timelines, and examples of late bloomers who defied societal expectations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we revisit some of the amazing food and wine experts who have graced our show. It starts with Joanne Lee Molinaro, the Korean Vegan, who shares her journey blending Korean culture with veganism, emphasizing compassion and empathy in her recipes. Next, Allison Morris, a level-three sommelier, imparts some wine wisdom — like why you shouldn't trust the second-cheapest bottle on a menu. Then, “Top Chef” winner and host Kristen Kish joins, sharing her essential culinary tips (including a love for gummy candy!) and a hilarious “Top Chef” behind-the-scenes moment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this special 4th of July episode, we celebrate American women who shaped history. Mattie Kahn, author of "Young and Restless: The Girls Who Sparked America's Revolutions," shares stories that are often overlooked in history books. She highlights how Mabel Ping-Hua Lee, Claudette Colvin, the teens who helped in the Revolutionary War, and more defied expectations and fought for change. Mattie also discusses Mary Beth Tinker's landmark Supreme Court case and its enduring impact on student rights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Kern Lima founded IT Cosmetics, and followed the little voice inside to go from self-doubt to building a billion-dollar beauty brand. From childhood dreams sparked by Oprah to battling no after no, Jamie shares how she turned rejection into resilience, trusting her intuition against all odds. She shares practical tips on building self-worth and navigating life's challenges with courage and authenticity. Plus, the Reese’s Book Club pick for July is “The Cliffs” by J. Courtney Sullivan. She’ll be on the show later this month, so send your questions to [email protected] and she may answer them on the show!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 “Asking 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.

Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin 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 Home Makeover.” 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.

Andrea Lavinthal is the Beauty and Style Director for “People,” so when it comes to things like body hair, TikTok trends, and “age-appropriate” fashion, you know she has opinions. She joins this week’s Poppin’ Off to discuss celeb beauty hacks like natural lip plumping, the viral sunburn makeup trend, ketchup couture, and much more. Plus, Andrea gives her favorite drugstore beauty buys!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar are sisters — and the bestselling co-authors of “You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey” and “The World Record Book of Racist Stories.” Amber and Lacey share hilarious anecdotes from their childhood in Nebraska to their thriving careers in comedy and writing. From Amber's groundbreaking role as the first Black woman to write on a late-night network talk show, to Lacey's adventures in mistaken identity, they deliver laughs and insights on the unbreakable bond of sisterhood.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Aditi Nerurkar is a leading expert in stress management and resilience. She joins the show to give actionable advice on navigating stress and burnout, and finding joy amidst life's challenges. She lays out how stress impacts our bodies, the differences between healthy and unhealthy stress, and gives practical techniques like "stop, breathe, be" to manage stress in real time. Dr. Nerurkar shares insights from her book "The Five Resets: Rewire Your Brain and Body for Less Stress and More Resilience.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before becoming a beloved advice columnist and the bestselling author of “Everything I Know About Love," Dolly Alderton got her PhD in being an “agony aunt” through decades spent in conversation with other women. She joins us on the show to delve into the intricacies of love and heartbreak, the evolution of female friendships, the tumultuous yet transformative nature of our early thirties. We also learn about the field research for her latest novel “Good Material” and the backstory behind the quote that made her famous.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eleven years ago, Kerry Diamond launched Cherry Bombe, a magazine dedicated to raising a glass to women in and around the food world. Since then, it’s grown into a media empire that includes podcasts, conferences and a fan base known as The Bombe Squad. She joins The Bright Side to talk about doing things on her own terms and how she learned to listen to her gut.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moe Diggs is a journalist, cultural commentator, and podcaster. She joins Simone and Danielle to dive into the juiciest pop culture moments of the week, from dissecting the Tony Awards, to Usher’s latest fasting routine, to Ariana Grande’s recent album. And they debate the best rom-com movies of all time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on The Bright Side, Reese’s Book Club author Ally Condie talks about the crushing experience that led to her first adult novel, "The Unwedding". Ally Condie, author of the hit young adult "Matched" series, had a wedding anniversary trip planned with the man she had been married to for nearly 20 years. After their divorce, she soon learned that he was still going to go on the trip… with another woman. Undaunted, Ally decided to go her own getaway. When she arrived and discovered that a wedding was taking place at her hotel, Ally's imagination took over and her first mystery-thriller was born. You can find "The Unwedding" on Apple Books or wherever you get your books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author and poet Tara Stringfellow spent nearly thirty years writing her first collection of poetry which comes out this month. The book is called Magic Enuff, and it’s a celebration of Black womanhood. She joins The Bright Side to talk about her journey to writing this collection of poems and how she chooses to celebrate her culture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a former matchmaker turned dating coach, the founder of Date Brazen, and the author of Thank You, More Please: A Feminist Guide to Breaking Dumb Dating Rules and Finding Love, Lily Womble has done her homework in the trenches of relationships. She came on the show to talk about dating fatigue, how to be bolder in asking for what you want, and asking tough questions as a way of building intimacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Haley Sacks, aka Mrs. Dow Jones, uses her background in comedy to help millions of people make smarter financial decisions. She joins us on the show to break down the taboo of prenups, shares her Little Black Dress of personal finance tips, and dishes on why money conversations are the key to healthy relationships. With wit and wisdom, Haley navigates through the financial complexities of modern love and wealth-building, proving that talking dollars and cents can be both empowering and entertaining.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chelsea Devantez is a TV writer, the author of the new memoir “I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This,” and the host of the podcast “Glorious Trash.” She joins Simone and Danielle to dive into the juiciest pop culture moments of the week, from dissecting the latest Bennifer gossip, to questioning Ed Sheeran's alleged phone-free lifestyle. They also explore Rihanna's potential return to the studio, and the exciting news about a Broadway musical based on Dolly Parton's life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From her tenure on both “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” Hannah Brown was thrown into the reality TV world of love and relationships. Was it real? And what did she learn about love on and off the camera? Since her stint on the shows, she has made her debut as a romance novelist. She came on the show to talk about what love is — and what it isn’t. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From her iconic role as Ashley Banks in "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" to her advocacy work supporting maternal health through her baby quilt company, Baby Yams, the multi-talented Tatyana Ali shares her journey as a child star, activist, and entrepreneur. Get ready for laughs, insights, and a trip down memory lane with one of the most beloved stars of the ’90s. Plus, we celebrate Josephine Michalak, the world record holder for most units of blood donated in a lifetime.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kristen Kish shares the wisdom she’s gained from a career as a chef, from winning “Top Chef,” and now as host of “Top Chef.” She’s pulled some gems from the agony and the ecstasy of working in professional kitchens — and of course, she’s got some good culinary hot takes too. Plus, we’ll learn about her gummy bear tattoo, and we’ll get some wisdom about leadership — and pizza. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.