The Bright Side: A Hello Sunshine Podcast

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.

Tori Dunlap saved $100,000 by the age of 25. After that, she quit her corporate job to start her own company and teach other women everything she had learned about investing and financial literacy. Today, Tori is the bestselling author of “Financial Feminist,” and her company Her First 100k is on track to generate $5 million in revenue this year. She came on the show to talk about tangible strategies for building wealth and why her motto is “Fight the Patriarchy. Get Rich.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For flirting coach Benjamin Camras, flirting isn’t just about being charming and extroverted — it’s about genuine, thoughtful connection. Online or IRL, romantic or platonic, he lays out how to unleash your inner flirt and cultivate meaningful connections in any situation. So whether you're single and ready to mingle or happily coupled up, he has some advice for you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2008, Queen Harrison Claye became the youngest member of the US Track and Field Team to compete at the Olympic Games in Beijing. Later this month she’s participating in the Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon to qualify for Paris 2024. Queen joined us on the show to talk about empowering female athletes, the mental prep that goes into training, and becoming the co-founder of The Athletic Girls Club, which launches this month. She is also a host on AirBnb. This episode was made in partnership with Airbnb. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To follow her dreams, Kathleen Griffith first had to blow up her life. She’s an award-winning business strategist, entrepreneur, and the author of “Build Like a Woman: The Blueprint for Creating a Business and Life You Love.” From overcoming doubt to finding the courage to pursue your passion, Kathleen discusses the importance of taking the first step towards creating a meaningful life and gives actionable advice to that end. Plus, the Reese’s Book Club pick for June is “The Unwedding” by Ally Condie. We’ll have her on later this month, so send in your questions to [email protected]!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Celebrity stylist Karla Welch has dressed the world’s biggest stars including Tracee Ellis Ross, America Ferrera, Olivia Wilde, and Justin Bieber, but the greatest accomplishment of her life may just be her work to fight period poverty. Period poverty – defined as a lack of access to menstrual products or education – affects millions of people who menstruate every day. As the co-founder and CEO of The Period Company, Karla built a mission-driven business that makes affordable, long-lasting period underwear more accessible to everyone, both in the United States and globally. Karla sits down with us to spread the message and show how you can get involved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the co-creator and star of “Broad City”, Ilana Glazer spent her twenties perfecting the relatable buddy comedy about trying to "make it" in New York. Ilana’s new movie “Babes” also draws from her own experience, this time of becoming a mom in her early thirties, to portray the messy, hilarious, and poignant reality of motherhood and how it can test even our most cherished lifelong friendships. She spoke with us about what pleasure looks like in her thirties, why she hates it when people call pregnancy “gross” and how she’s learned to manage her nerves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yulin Kuang was born for this moment. Growing up, Yulin rewrote movies in her head to include more kissing scenes and transcribed romantic comedies into her diary before bedtime. In her career as a screenwriter and director, Yulin’s credits include “I Ship It”, “Dollface” and the forthcoming adaptation of Emily Henry’s bestselling “Beach Read.” Yulin’s lifelong love affair with the romance genre culminated when her first book, a contemporary romance novel called “How to End a Love Story”, was selected as May’s pick for Reese’s Book Club. Yulin sits down with Danielle and Simone to talk sexual awakenings and learning to sit with your feelings. You can find "How to End a Love Story" on Apple Books or wherever you get your books. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 13 years as one of the most respected and recognizable news anchors at CNN, Brooke Baldwin left the network at the height of her career – not because of the stress of covering the pandemic or the tumultuous Trump presidency, but because of the toxic work culture, bullying, and unequal treatment she experienced. Years later, Brooke calls that transformative time in her life and its aftermath her “unraveling," and she credits it with finally finding her own voice amidst the noise. She joins us to share how she garnered the strength to reinvent herself and what she’s up to now that she has entered her bad girl era. The list is long!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 seven 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.

We revisit highlights from three conversations we loved having on this show. Maryjane Fahey, who created the Glorious Broads community, talks about aging powerfully and living imaginatively. Amanda Montell, linguist and author of “The Age of Magical Overthinking,” gets into how we deal with the incredible amount of information that comes at us every day. And Priya Parker, the author of “The Art of Gathering,” tells us how we can make our time spent with others more meaningful with a little bit of intention.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Memorial Day Weekend, and our sights are set on summer barbecues, patio drinking, and picnics with our pals. Sommelier Alison Morris Rosyln, of Francey Not Fancy, stops by The Bright Side to guide us through the best wine picks for the summer. She drops some wine knowledge, and also gives us some tips on how to pick out the best wines at a restaurant.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Alexandra Hayes Robinson — AKA Hello Hayes — the journey to becoming an advice columnist started when she realized that she was a person with very big feelings. Now, with hundreds of thousands of followers across social media platforms, she uses that introspection to answer questions all about friendships, confidence, and so much more. Plus, Danielle and Simone discuss active listening and couples who sleep in separate bedrooms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jacqueline Novak is the co-host of the podcast “Poog,” the author of “How to Weep in Public: Feeble Offerings on Depression from One Who Knows,” and the force behind the Netflix special “Get On Your Knees” — a comedically highbrow exploration of a less-than-highbrow sex act. She talks about the act of creating something unique, and of being true to who you are. Simone fills Danielle in on a life-changing retreat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The word “iconic” gets thrown around a lot these days. But with two Olympic medals, five World Championships, and nine US Championships, figure skater Michelle Kwan is nothing if not iconic. And after representing the US on the world stage in the ice rink, she has moved on to an incredibly fitting second act: she’s the US Ambassador to Belize. Ambassador Kwan talks about her Second Act, and the lessons she learned in her storied figure skating career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nora McInerny is an author and the host of the podcast “Terrible, Thanks for Asking.” She joins Danielle and Simone for a lively discussion about ephemeral tattoos and women naming their kids after themselves. Then, they dive into a deeper conversation about life after grief, our shared joys, and our shared joys. Would you name your daughter after yourself? Send an email to [email protected] and let us know!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor and activist Jameela Jamil has advocated around body image, diet culture, mental health, and more. Her newest cause: getting people exercising in the most inclusive way possible. The I Weigh founder wants to remove the self-consciousness that many women associate with exercise spaces — and she wants them to feel safe doing it. To that end, she’ll be speaking at “Move For Your Mind” in New York, New York on Monday, May 20th. Plus, this National Graduation Tassel Day, Danielle and Simone give their younger selves some advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These days, broadcaster Cari Champion is leaning into what brings her joy. After leaving ESPN a few years back, Cari says she is building the life she wants and telling the stories she wants to tell. She stops by The Bright Side to talk with Danielle and Simone about her “I deserve” era. Plus, we’re getting a Legally Blonde prequel (!), Gayle King on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and the Kansas City Chiefs kicker is a hot mess express. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor and producer Jessica Biel has done many things in her career, but writing a children’s book about periods was not something she anticipated doing. She stops by The Bright Side to talk about her new book, A Kids Book About Periods, and why she’s on a mission to ease the shame that can come with puberty and menstruation. Plus, Danielle and Simone discuss Molly Baz’s Times Square billboard, and is secretly making your fiancé pay for their engagement ring scammy? Weigh in: [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are few stars that get us as nostalgic for the ’90s as Melissa Joan Hart. The actor, director, and comedian stops by The Bright Side to discuss her new comedy tour, growing up as a teen star, her time hanging out with Britney Spears, self acceptance, and more. What's your favorite Melissa Joan Hart show? Let us know by sending an email to [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After journalist and best-selling author Elaine Welteroth gave birth to her son, she became interested in learning more about the maternal health crisis in America. It inspired her to found birthFUND, a coalition that financially supports mothers who want to use midwives. Plus, Danielle and Simone react to the news that Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie are reportedly reuniting for a new reality TV show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When author Chelsey Goodan started tutoring girls, she realized that what they needed most was for someone to listen to them. Her new book, “Underestimated: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls,” is the result of all that listening. It's a practical guide for those looking to help empower girls and change the narrative of perfection that so many girls have internalized. Plus, in honor of Mother’s Day, Danielle and Simone’s moms stop by The Bright Side studios to drop some motherly wisdom. Have a Mother’s Day shout out? Email us: [email protected]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peloton instructor, “Today Show” on-air contributor, and Love Squad CEO Ally Love joins the show to talk about resilience, the power of pep talks, navigating life’s transitions and whether or not you really need to make your bed in the morning. Plus, Mother’s Day is around the corner and we’re debating which is better: a practical or frivolous gift? Let us know what you think by sending an email to [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get into the fascinating history of women’s health with Dr. Elizabeth Comen, an oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering and the author of All in Her Head. Plus, if your friend wanted to get back with an ex, would you weigh in with your opinion? Tell us: [email protected]. At the end of the episode, Danielle and Simone discuss the importance of having each others’ backs in the workplace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Award-winning actress Regina King and her sister Reina King stop by The Bright Side to talk about creativity, drive, and working together as sisters. The two founded the production company, Royal Ties, out of their love for storytelling. Their latest is the Netflix series “A Man in Full,” which they executive produced and Regina directed. They also talk about their work on “Shirley,” a stunning biopic about Congresswoman Shirley Chisolm’s presidential campaign. Plus, Anne Hathaway’s moment, Miss USA relinquishes her title, and hype-ups that aren’t appearance based. Tell us your favorite hype-up: [email protected]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women are not only natural entrepreneurs, they’re also uniquely equipped to solve the world’s future problems, according to author Brooke Markevicius. In her new book, “The Future Built by Women: Creating a Brighter Tomorrow Through Tech and Innovation,“ Brooke encourages and empowers women to live at the forefront of technological, social, and business change. Plus, Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes talk about parenting at an “older” age, and dopamine decor. What’s your take? Hit us up: [email protected]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Pop culture anthropologist” Blakely Thornton will host his Met Gala watch party on Monday, May 6. He joins the show to dish about what excites him about the red carpet looks, fashion trends, sushi hype, and movie casting what-ifs. Plus, a baby shower secret weapon, Bumble allowing men to initiate, and even more about Lenny Kravitz exercising in his leather pants. Do you like to initiate on dating apps? Send an email to [email protected]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson returns for another “Asking for a Friend.” She lays out how conflict in our friendships is not only normal, but an opportunity to meet a need and ultimately strengthen the relationship. And she gives us some concrete pointers on how to navigate that conflict. Her book “Fighting for Our Friendships” is out May 7. Plus, adventures in recreating healthy recipes at home, keeping tabs on your friends and family, and the girls soccer team that beat a boys team for a championship. Need some friendship advice? Send us an email at [email protected] and we may get you an answer from an expert!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neha Ruch founded Mother Untitled as a community for mothers rethinking their relationship to work. The goal: to give clarity and confidence to women who are considering a career pause or downshift, and to shift the perception of what it means to be a stay-at-home parent. Plus, Danielle and Simone get into the phrases that successful women use at work. Do you use any of these phrases at work? Maybe you have your own? Let us know at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joanne Molinaro, The Korean Vegan, reflects on the wisdom, confidence, and joy she’s found through food. Plus, we’re Giving Her Flowers: High school freshman Naya Ellis’ invented a watch that can detect the signs of stroke in older adults. Her invention won her recognition at the National STEM Challenge. If you know someone in your community who deserves her flowers, send us their name and your reasons for nominating them to [email protected]. We'll be showering praise and recognition once a month. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claire Lombardo is the author of “The Most Fun We Ever Had,” the Reese’s Book Club pick for April. The book deals with imperfect characters, complicated relationships, and dysfunctional families, and it exemplifies one of Claire’s philosophies in fiction: no one’s fully a hero, and no one's fully a villain. Plus, Danielle and Simone sound off on stage names. What’s your stage name? Send us an email at [email protected]. You can find "The Most Fun We Ever Had" on Apple Books or wherever you get your books. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ada Limón draws inspiration from nature — from feeling like a part of a much larger, awesome whole. She’s partnering with the National Park Service to create the “You Are Here” initiative: seven picnic tables at seven National Parks, each featuring a site-specific poem selected by Ada. And later this year, she’s sending one of her poems to space on NASA’s Europa Clipper! She shares insights about her relationship to poetry, and gives a prompt to help all of us get in touch with our inner poet. Plus, Sophia Bush and letting yourself exhale, whether to block an ex, and fake celebrity relationships.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When comedian and “Daily Show” senior correspondent Dulcé Sloan began her memoir “Hello Friends: Stories of Dating, Destiny, and Day Jobs,” she started with the jokes that were too long to tell on stage. She talks with Danielle and Simone about not being famous enough, the tight-knit comedy community, and the perks of growing up in Atlanta. Plus, Caitlin Clark is set to sign a $28 million deal with Nike, Anne Hathaway opened up about a “gross” chemistry test in the 2000’s, and Hello Sunshine’s Mother’s Day gift guide is here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeni Britton Bauer built Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams up from a single storefront in Columbus, Ohio, to a national brand. The ice cream icon’s path to dessert royalty was sometimes a rocky road, and she’s learned big time business lessons along the way from failures, from crises, and from… “The Lord of the Rings”? Plus, the (real!) power of a pat on the back — and maybe you’ve heard of love languages, but how can “stress languages” help inform your relationships? What’s your stress language? Send an email to [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alexa von Tobel is on a mission to teach girls about money. Financial literacy is one of the keys to closing the wealth gap between men and women, and Alexa says you can start teaching kids about money at a very young age. She joins us to discuss ways to get into a healthier money mindset — for both kids and adults. Plus, the Spice Girls reunite, Cher finally enters the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the dichotomy between truth and kindness. How do you talk about money with your kids? Email us: [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Katherine Woodward Thomas wrote Calling in The One in the early 2000s, she had no idea how strongly it would resonate with women today. The therapist and author joined The Bright Side to talk about how to attract the love of your life, and why her book is having a resurgence two decades after it was first released. Plus, we chat about Earth Day, Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department, and a recent study that says America is not as divided as we think.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Jessica Shepherd has seen her fair share of misinformation about birth control. The OB-GYN joins The Bright Side to do some myth busting around reproductive health, and discuss questions around IUD pain, infertility, and weight gain. Plus, Danielle and Simone talk about Taylor Swift’s new album, react to the news that Nelly and Ashanti are expecting their first child, and discuss Emma Roberts’ "doll wall." Do you have any questions about reproductive health for our next conversation with an OB-GYN? Send us a voice memo at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mary Beth Barone is no stranger to doing it herself. For years, the comedian has made her rounds as a stand-up on the comedy club circuit. Mary Beth sits down with Simone and Danielle to talk about her evolution in comedy, working in a male-dominated industry, and writing, directing, producing, and funding her own comedy special on YouTube. Plus, Arianna Grande’s nonna is the oldest person to hit the Billboard Hot 100, “Crazy Rich Asians” goes to Broadway, and the merits of being “unlikeable.” Let us know what you think about being “unlikeable” at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.