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.

From February 13, 2002: Life coach, speaker and New York Times best-selling author Dr. Martha Beck counsels overstressed and overscheduled women. She coaches women on how to de-stress and de-clutter their lives. Martha explains the importance of teaching your kids instead of doing for them, how to use your life goals to clean your house and why she believes people pleasing is as dangerous as an addiction.

From June 21, 2000: Oprah talks to people who have made drastic changes to live the lives of their dreams. Plus, spiritual teacher and New York Times best-selling author Gary Zukav gives advice on how to find strength and courage to follow your heart’s desire. He also explains the importance of choice, life experimentation and how to reach what he calls “authentic power.”

From June 8, 2000: Oprah and a team of parenting experts teach frazzled moms and dads how to spend conscious, attentive time with their children. They discuss strategies for having great family conversations, explain what teenagers really want and give tips for divorced parents. The panel also discusses the importance of tradition, rituals and how to recognize what you want your kids to remember from their childhood. Plus, children share how they feel loved and when they know their parent is not listening.

Original Air Date: 5-10-2000 Speaker and author Kathy Peel discusses her book, Be Your Best, and the importance of taking time for yourself. She also shares what she says is the essential question to ask yourself: “Do you see yourself as valuable?” Plus, Kathy identifies what she calls “time robbers,” offers ideas for personal restoration and explains how busy moms can find more time at home.

Original Air Date: 4-28-2000 Businessman and author, Robert Kiyosaki, discusses his New York Times Bestselling book, Rich Dad Poor Dad. He explains why he believes it’s important that we change the way we think about money. Robert details misconceptions of assets and liabilities, using debt to gain wealth and why we should pay ourselves before our bills. Other experts share money saving secrets and investment tips.

What happens when life pulls you so far down that you don’t know if you can make it to tomorrow? In this episode, you will hear the raw, honest experiences of people who have hit rock bottom and found a way back. From despair to triumph, you’ll hear incredible stories of resilience, strength, and survival. The guests include Sandy Purl, author of Am I Alive, the late Mercury Morris, former NFL star, Carolyn Koons, author of Beyond Betrayal, and Dr. Harold Bloomfield, author of Making Peace with Yourself.

Original Air Date: 4-10-2008 In this episode, we hear from David Sheff, author of Beautiful Boy, as he shares the harrowing journey of watching his son descend into drug addiction; methamphetamines, heroin, cocaine, and more. His son, Nic Sheff, author of Tweak, offers his own raw account from the other side of addiction, giving voice to the pain, chaos, and complexity of substance dependency. Together, their stories offer a rare and honest look at how addiction impacts not just the individual, but the entire family. Other families also open up, revealing the devastation and heartbreak that drug dependency can bring and the hope that healing is possible.

Original Air Date 4-6-2000 Psychologist Dr. Linda S. Austin— author of What’s Holding You Back?: Eight Critical Choices For Women's Success—discusses the psychological “glass ceiling” that some women face in their lives and careers. She shares the role that fear plays in holding people back and explains how to overcome it. Dr. Austin also coaches women through making critical choices, like taking risks and learning to deal with difficult people. Plus, Oprah talks to Olympian luger Bonny Warner, who shares her success and how she accomplished her life goals.

Original Air Date 10-28-1999 Oprah highlights the importance of friendship in our lives, and dedicates a show to reuniting women with best friends with whom they have lost touch. Friendship expert, sociologist and Friendshifts author Dr. Jan Yager gives reasons why friendships shift and shares advice on rekindling relationships. She also explains how to recognize if a friendship is worth salvaging and why it’s important to understand that the relationship may not be what it was before

Original Air Date: 3-9-1987 Oprah talks to moms and dads about the everyday chaos of parenting and sits down with experts who offer real-world strategies to help survive it all—without losing your sanity. From toddler tantrums to mealtime meltdowns, this episode is packed with practical, proven advice to help parents feel more calm and in control. Guests include Brooke Beebe, author of Best Bets for Babies and Tips for Toddlers, who transformed her own parenting struggles into wisdom by connecting with thousands of families and child care experts. Dr. Kevin Leman, author of Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours, introduces his no-nonsense “reality discipline” approach to setting effective boundaries. And Dr. James Comer, a Yale-trained child psychiatrist and Parents Magazine columnist, shares valuable insights drawn from decades of research and hands-on experience.

Original Air Date: 4-25-2007 Oprah dedicates a show all about dogs. How to train them, feed them and love them. She introduces her personal dog coach, Tamar Geller, who's revealing a powerful new training method Oprah has been using for over a year and a half — and swears by. Plus, holistic veterinarian Dr. Marty Goldstein, author of The Nature of Animal Healing, joins the conversation to share groundbreaking insights into caring for your pets from the inside out."

From April 9, 1999: Educator, motivational speaker and author of the New York Times best-seller Healing the Shame that Binds You, John Bradshaw counsels three women on how they can let go of the crippling shame they have carried with them for years. He also shares the steps to healing, the difference between healthy and toxic shame, and the importance of embracing the shame you feel. John Bradshaw passed away in 2016 from heart failure.

From January 12, 1999: Jim O’Connor—founder of the Cuss Control Academy and author of Cuss Control—explains why we use profanity, why we shouldn’t swear and which alternate expressions are better to use. Then, life coach and author of Take Yourself to the Top, Laura Berman Fortgang, gives advice on how to live a happier life by giving up some things. She also discusses boundary-setting and offers key questions to ask yourself in order to prioritize what really matters.

Original Air Date: April 4, 2007. Oprah honors extraordinary everyday people who showed incredible courage in moments of crisis. She speaks with Rachel Supplee, who survived a bear attack, and her daughter Daphne, who fought the bear to save her. Alena Yokum recounts being trapped in a sinking car, and Larry Cummins shares how he risked his life to rescue her. Amy Hawkins, who was paralyzed after saving children during a tornado, appears with her husband Jerrod and their sons to share their family's powerful story of resilience. The episode ends with a moving surprise as Oprah reunites the Marines of the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion with their families after seven months in Iraq.

Original Air Date: Initial Airdate: March 30, 2007. In this awe-inspiring episode, Oprah dives into one of her greatest fascinations: Planet Earth, the groundbreaking Discovery Channel nature series that redefined how we see our world. The series explores a different corner of the globe from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains. Oprah shares how the series forever changed the way she sees nature, and she sits down with its narrator, the talented actress, Sigourney Weaver, for a conversation that’s as eye-opening as the series itself. Together, they reflect on the wonder, wisdom, and jaw-dropping surprises the Earth still holds.

Original Air Date: October 22, 1986 In this compelling episode, Oprah explores the mystery of near-death experiences. Guests who were pronounced clinically dead or endured severe trauma share astonishing stories of what they saw and felt after their hearts stopped. From floating above hospital beds to encountering deceased loved ones, and even experiencing a profound sense of peace and unconditional love, their accounts raise powerful questions about what happens after we die. Joining the conversation are Barbara Harris, Jayne Smith, and Helen Nelson, who describe their journeys beyond the brink—and back.

From October 9, 1998: Motivational speaker and author Gail Blanke discusses her New York Times best-selling book, “In Your Wildest Dreams.” She describes how to find your passion, the importance of defining your own life and why living the life of your dreams is the greatest gift you can give anyone. Gail also coaches audience members on how to design their own dreams.

From September 15, 1998: Life coach and author Dr. Cherie Carter-Scott discusses her #1 New York Times best-seller, If Life Is a Game, These are the Rules. She coaches the audience through what she calls the 10 rules for being human. Dr. Carter-Scott details the importance of the lessons life presents to us, and explains why life will continue to repeat those teachings until they’re learned. Dr. Carter-Scott also talks about why she believes we are in control of our life’s outcome.

From October 6, 1999: Teacher, speaker and author of Codes of Love Mark Bryan discusses how to deal with conflicts within the family. He also shares what he calls the “moment of truth” exercise, how to look at the past with a new perspective and coaches two families through the four steps to reconciliation: Remember, Reflect, Reframe, and Reconnect.

From April 27, 1999: Oprah dedicates a show to women who have a hard time expressing their true feelings when in difficult situations and conversations. Assertiveness coach, Jan Ferris, shares the importance of boundary setting and tips for learning how to say, “No.” New York Times Business Bestselling authors of Difficult Conversations, Doug Stone and Sheila Heen, discuss why some conversations are more difficult than others, teach what they call the doubling technique and give advice for tough scenarios.

From April 3, 1998: Oprah talks to people who have survived terrible tragedies. Dr. Paul Stoltz, keynote speaker and #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Adversity Quotient discusses how to turn obstacles into opportunities and how adversity leads to strength. Dr. Stoltz also explains what he calls the “constructive blame zone.” Holocaust survivor, psychologist and author Dr. Edith Eva Eger shares her traumatic experiences at the Auschwitz Birkenau concentration camp and explains how to overcome anything through the power of your mind.

From September 11, 1996: Oprah and Bob Greene, exercise physiologist and personal trainer, discuss their No. 1 New York Times best seller, Make the Connection, a book that outlines 10 steps to change your life, lose weight and keep it off. Oprah shares insights from her own weight loss journey, including how to gain discipline and will power, and why it’s important to care about yourself daily. She also talks to people who have successfully lost weight.

From October 10, 1995: Author and science journalist Dr. Daniel Goleman discusses his New York Times best-selling book, Emotional Intelligence. He explains how to handle our anger, how controlling impulses affect our lives and how we can increase our EQ at any point in our lives. Also, Dr. Martin Seligman—psychologist, educator and author of The Optimistic Child—explains the three aspects of optimism, how optimism increases emotional intelligence, and the correlation between pessimism and depression.

From March 6, 1990: Oprah and Dr. Paul Pearsall, neuropsychologist and author of the New York Times best-seller, The Power of the Family, take the audience through a ‘rituals test’ to assess their family health. Dr. Pearsall discusses why families are failing, the importance of developing the “us” quotient and how just 15 minutes of spending time together as a family unit can make a difference. Dr. Paul Pearsall passed away in 2007.

From October 17, 1988: Do we have the ability to think ourselves well? A panel of doctors and patients debate mind over body cures and share their personal stories of healing through medical and non-medical means. Guests include Dr. Bernie Siegel, pediatric surgeon and author of New York Times #1 Bestseller, Love, Medicine and Miracles; Dr. Sherwin Nuland, author of Doctors: The Biography of Medicine and Orthodox Rabbi Benjamin Blech. Dr. Sherwin Nuland passed away in 2014 from prostate cancer.

From October 15, 2008: Oprah takes her audience through a test to determine if they are rude. Professor at John Hopkins University and author of Choosing Civility: Twenty-Five Rules of Considerate Conduct, P.M. Forni, discusses the principles of respectful people, the difference between being rude and mean and explains why our quality of life depends on the quality of our relationships. Steve Dublanica, author of the New York Times bestseller, Waiter Rant, shares restaurant etiquette that most people don’t know. P.M. Forni passed away in 2018.

From October 12, 1998: Television personality, author and former psychologist Dr. Phil McGraw helps guests dealing with devastating loss. JoAnn Compton Powell shares that she has been unable to move forward after the death of her daughter, Laurie, over a decade ago. Dr. Phil shares his five coping skills for grief, causing JoAnn to have one of the deepest aha! moments in Oprah show history. Oprah and Dr. Phil also speaks to Brian Janette, who stopped taking care of himself after losing his mother.

From March 28, 1989: Oprah talks to adults who share stories of the emotional abuse they suffered as children and how it still affects them today. Psychotherapist and author of How to Raise Your Self-Esteem, Dr. Nathaniel Branden explains the difference between conscious living and unconscious living, and how making small changes to be more conscious in your life can improve your self-esteem. He also explains why some people are able to transcend abusive circumstances when others cannot. Dr. Branden passed away in 2014 at age 84 from complications with Parkinson’s disease.

From October 9, 1997: Oprah talks with author and psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross about her autobiography, Wheel of Life. A pioneer in death and dying studies, Elisabeth shares the greatest lessons she’s learned from those who are dying, how she is welcoming death at the end of her own life and how she’s able to never give up. Also, journalist, philanthropist and author Mitch Albom discusses his New York Times best-selling book Tuesdays with Morrie. He explains how death is an opportunity to teach, and shares why he believes the love we create in our lives continues after death. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross passed away in 2004 at a nursing home in Scottsdale, Arizona.

From June 27, 1989: Oprah talks to grieving parents who lost their young children to handgun violence. Oprah also mediates a discussion on handgun legislation and education with a panel of guests including pediatrician Dr. Katherine Christoffel, National Rifle Association member Marion Hanner and former executive director of the Center to Prevent Handgun Violence, Barbara Laughton.