The Oprah Winfrey Show: The Podcast

From February 17, 2010: Oprah talks to Jim Jones, Jr., the son of the notorious Peoples Temple leader, about the Jonestown Massacre, why he didn’t “drink the Kool-Aid,” and how sports saved his life. Karen Kuzma opens up publicly, for the first time, about her brother serial killer John Wayne Gacy. She recalls life as they were growing up, the phone call when he was arrested and his last hours before he was executed.

From January 15, 2007: Exercise physiologist and certified personal trainer, Bob Greene discusses his #1 New York Times Bestselling book, The Best Life Diet. He talks through the three phases of the diet plan, reveals the type of food needed to maintain and lose weight more effectively, and gives tips for success on the plan. Guests share their weight loss journey and success using the Best Life Diet.

From February 21, 2007: Child abduction survivor, Todd Bequette, shares his experience of being kidnapped at age 13 and held captive for 18 months. He opens up about the abuse he suffered, the guilt he feels for recruiting other children and how this experience affected him. Elizabeth Smart’s father Ed discusses what happens when an abducted child returns home. Plus, President and CEO of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Ernie Allen, discusses laws that need to change. Todd Bequette died of a heart attack in 2013.

From March 22, 2000: Oprah shares stories featured in Matilda Raffa Cuomo’s book The Person Who Changed My Life, including Emmy-winning actor Martin Sheen and actor, producer, and host Jada Pinkett-Smith. Cuomo also surprises three-time Super Bowl-winning football player Emmitt Smith and actor Andrew Shue with the people who changed their lives.

From April 16, 1998: Author Wess Roberts discusses his book, Protect Your Achilles Heel, and the connection between behavior and intention. He explains the difference between behavior patterns and character flaws, the number one problem in relationships and the importance of selflessness. Oprah also talks to audience members about their biggest flaws.

From April 20, 1998: Oprah talks to mothers who are making preparations for family after their deaths. New Zealand mother Tobi Mills opens up about placing a newspaper ad seeking a new family for her 10-year-old twins as she undergoes treatment for liver cancer. Erin Kramp shares motherly advice in videos to her daughter and husband while fighting breast cancer. Rose and Al Malavolti adopted eight children from a mother who was suffering from a terminal illness. (Erin Kramp passed away on October 31, 1998; her daughter was 6 years old. Tobi Mills also passed away in 1998.)

From April 5, 2007: Oprah talks to parents and siblings of children on the autism spectrum about how this condition affects their lives. Dr. Anshu Batra, a developmental-behavioral pediatric specialist, discusses the three behavioral deficits that define autism, possible causes and early warning signs. Dr. Batra also opens up about the symptoms of her own autistic children and shares coping strategies parents can put in place.

From February 15, 2007 Television personality, author and psychic medium John Edward discusses his ability to speak to the dead. He describes how the process works, performs readings for families seeking to connect with deceased loved ones and provides tips on how the average person can be receptive to hearing from the other side. Allison DuBois, psychic, medium and author of the New York Times best-seller We Are Their Heaven: Why the Dead Never Leave Us, shares her experience working with law enforcement, which inspired the show Medium.

From January 24, 2007 Spiritual teacher and author of the #1 New York Times best-seller The Seat of the Soul, Gary Zukav shares how to transform your relationship into a spiritual partnership. He explains spiritual growth, the principle of intention and the difference between internal and external power. He also coaches couples in becoming emotionally aware and describes the importance of changing yourself before trying to change others.

Original Air Date: 4-9-2007 Oprah talks with a panel of recovering drug addicts to learn about their struggles, their lives, and how they are handling the road to recovery. They also talk about the role forgiveness has played in their healing. Throughout the episode, Oprah also spotlights the latest technology and cutting-edge treatments (in 2007) that are giving hope to millions of people that are facing similar battles.

Original Air Date: 4-9-2008 Readers of Eckhart Tolle’s “A New Earth” reflect on how the book is sparking meaningful transformation in their lives—both in subtle shifts and profound changes. Participants in a global web class related to the book share personal insights and experiences that invite deeper connection to the authentic self. Also, Elizabeth Lesser, co-founder of the Omega Institute, joins the conversation to answer questions and offer guidance on integrating the book’s teachings into everyday life.

From January 22, 2007: Journalist, financial columnist and author of The New York Times best-seller Make Money Not Excuses, Jean Chatzky gives the money lesson that every woman should learn. She also shares four steps to get richer. Plus, her dream team of financial experts helps audience members find ways to make more money with what they already have. Viewers who joined Oprah’s Great American Debt Diet share their experiences and results.

Original Air Date: 9-22-1986 Guests open up about their struggles with gossip—some admit to being obsessive gossips themselves, while others share how damaging rumors have upended their lives. The episode explores the emotional toll and social consequences of spreading and being the subject of gossip. Through candid conversations, Oprah sheds light on the power of words and the importance of empathy.

From June 13, 2002: Sociologist, life coach and New York Times best-selling author Dr. Martha Beck discusses what she calls “the disease to please.” She also coaches women on breaking their “doormat mentality.” Martha explains the K.I.S.S. rule, talks about why people pleasing can become an addiction and shares a quiz to see where you rank on the “doormat scale.” Plus, physician, journalist and New York Times best-selling author Dr. Nancy Snyderman discusses the physical effects of people pleasing and what she calls the “chew and stew” theory, which explains how we think and why we worry.

From April 20, 2005: Writer and mother of four, Ayelet Waldman, opens up about her controversial New York Times article, “Truly, Madly, Guiltily.” She explains why she stands by her words, “I love my husband more than my children.” Ayelet discusses the “all or nothing” proposition of motherhood, disconnection between spouses and how dissatisfaction can turn into anger. Roland Warren, President of the National Fatherhood Initiative, says that there is a clear difference between how men and women think about their roles in a family after children are born.

Original Air Date: 2-9-2007 When Oprah saw a photograph of a child slave in "The New York Times," she was haunted by the image. Determined to uncover the boy’s story, she dispatched correspondent Lisa Ling on a 7,000-mile journey across the globe to uncover what happened to him. What unfolds is a powerful investigation into modern-day slavery, as Lisa seeks answers about the boy’s fate and sheds light on the hidden realities faced by millions of children around the world.

From March 13, 2002: Physician, researcher and author of the New York Times best-selling book Reversing Heart Disease, Dr. Dean Ornish advises women on how to prevent and reverse heart disease through diet and lifestyle. He discusses the importance of knowing your cholesterol level, the physical effect of toxic emotions and how just one minute a day of meditation can improve your health. Dr. Ornish also highlights three categories of food—the foods to eat most often, those to eat in moderation and those to eat least often.

Original Air Date: 1-18-2006 Jennifer Hagel Smith, whose husband, George Smith, disappeared during a honeymoon cruise in the Mediterranean, speaks out about his bloody disappearance. Then, Adam Goldstein, then-president of the cruise line, comes face-to-face with Jennifer. Having conducted a one-on-one interview with Jennifer the day before the Oprah show taping, Gayle King also joins the conversation to provide deeper insight into Jennifer’s journey.

Original Air Date: 4-11-2007 Oprah invites the audience to take a revealing happiness quiz designed to measure their overall sense of joy and fulfillment. She then sits down with five guests to explore their individual results, uncovering personal stories that highlight the unique ways they cultivate happiness in their everyday lives. From overcoming adversity to embracing gratitude, each journey offers powerful insights and inspiration. Joining the conversation is renowned author Dr. Robert Holden, who shares practical tips and strategies anyone can use to invite more joy and positivity into their life.

Original Air Date: 5-11-1987 In this episode, Oprah explores the seven levels of marriage: Beginning, Acceptance, Parenthood?, Family, Rebirth & Reconciliation, Humdrum and Freedom. First, she invites three married couples, each at different stages, to talk about their relationships. Then, Cynthia Smith, author of "The Seven Levels of Marriage,” joins the conversation to further explore how marriage changes throughout each stage, fielding questions from audience members.