Making Space with Hoda Kotb

Taraji P. Henson is an actress, producer and mental health advocate. Taraji has shined in roles like “Hidden Figures”, “Empire”, and her latest project, “Fight Night”. Throughout her life and career, Taraji has overcome naysayers, proving who she is and what she has to offer. Taraji joins Hoda Kotb for season 6 of Making Space to talk about the importance of using your voice, speaking your truth and fighting for what you deserve.

Jonathan Haidt is a bestselling author and social psychologist at New York University’s Stern School of Business. In his latest book, “The Anxious Generation”, Haidt investigates the collapse of youth mental health, exploring the alarming effects of excessive screen time on children and what he calls “the great rewiring” of children's brains as they move from a play-based childhood to a phone-based childhood. Haidt sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about his plan for a healthier, freer childhood, and steps that parents, teachers and schools can take to end the epidemic of mental illness and restore a more humane childhood.

Throughout her career, singer and songwriter Rachel Platten has used her voice to lift others up. Her music has touched the hearts of millions around the world, with messages of strength, hope and love, in anthems like “Fight Song”. But despite being known for one of the most empowering songs of all time, Rachel has lived through her own struggles with depression, anxiety and moments of self-doubt. Now also a mom and a mental health advocate, Rachel is back with new music and a fresh perspective, using her voice in a new way, on her latest album, “I Am Rachel Platten”. Rachel sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about the next chapter in her life, her music and her career.

Ina Garten is undoubtedly one of America’s most beloved cooks, known and adored for her approachable style and comforting, attainable recipes. And while Ina has a gift for making everything seem effortless, her many accomplishments have been the result of hard work, bold choices and of course, an exquisite attention to detail. Now, Ina is opening up like never before, in her new memoir, “Be Ready When the Luck Happens”, sharing her remarkable story for the very first time. Ina sat down with Hoda Kotb, reflecting on her difficult childhood, her trailblazing career, and of course, the love of her life, Jeffrey.

Hey Making Space fans! As a bonus, we’re giving you a special preview of Jenna Bush Hager’s new podcast, ‘Open Book with Jenna’.  In the podcast’s debut episode, Jenna sits down with “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert and his wife of over 30 years, Evie McGee Colbert.  Stephen and Evie recently partnered on a new cookbook, “Does this Taste Funny” and sat down with Jenna to share their favorite family recipes, funniest memories cooking together, and why humor is the key ingredient in their marriage. They also reveal who holds the title of ‘best chef’ and who they’d love to invite to one of their famous dinner parties.  To listen to the full conversation, just search ‘Open Book with Jenna’ wherever you’re listening to follow now, or click here: https://link.chtbl.com/obwj\_lw

Arthur C. Brooks is a bestselling author, acclaimed public speaker and professor at the Harvard School of Business, where he teaches courses on leadership and happiness. Earlier this year, Arthur joined Hoda Kotb for a conversation on the art and science of getting happier, and how to build the life you want. The two discuss practices to increase happiness, how to get unstuck, how to parent and why happiness is not a destination, but a direction. Arthur will join Hoda at the upcoming Making Space Wellness Weekend as a featured speaker.

For years, TODAY Contributor Jill Martin has been lighting up our TV screens with her optimism, her joy and her open heart. In June 2023, Jill’s life changed when she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, after she learned she had a BRCA gene mutation. Now, with a clean bill of health, Jill has a new perspective on life. She’s living her life with more intention than ever before, and realigning with her purpose. Jill sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about her journey, and her mission to spread awareness, encourage genetic testing and help others.

Dr. Wendy Suzuki, world renowned Neuroscientist and Dean of Arts and Sciences at New York University, joined Hoda Kotb live at the Making Space Wellness Weekend in Austin, Texas for an enlightening conversation on the brain-changing effects of exercise and movement. Dr. Suzuki breaks down the science of how exercise can boost your mood and memory, and protect your brain against disease, sharing her personal experiences and stories on the impact of these practices. Her practical tips and fascinating insights will empower us all to take control of our mind, and focus on ways we can improve brain function. (Event sponsored by Miraval Resorts & Spas, furniture and florals provided by our sponsors CORT and Bouqs)

Bestselling author Brianna Wiest has touched millions of readers with her books and quotes featuring messages of empowerment, self-reflection and hope. She found healing and growth in the written word while overcoming personal struggles, and now, she hopes to help others through her writing. In this beautiful conversation from March 2024, Brianna sat down with Hoda Kotb to discuss her own journey inward, the impact she hopes her words have and her latest book “The Pivot Year: 365 Days to Become the Person You Truly Want to Be”.

Gabby Bernstein is a spiritual teacher, motivational speaker and New York Times bestselling author. For nearly two decades, Gabby has been transforming lives, including her own. After facing her own struggles, Gabby strengthened her spiritual connection, turning her trauma into a limitless source of love and strength. She shares her methods and practices through her books, podcast and live events, inspiring others to heal from their past, and live in alignment with the Universe. Gabby sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about her upcoming book, “Self Help”, sharing simple methods we can all use to turn fear into faith, connect to our power and manifest a life beyond our wildest dreams.

Goldie Hawn is a Hollywood legend. And while she never set out to be a movie star, the Academy Award winning actress, producer and director has had a prolific career spanning more than five decades, with iconic roles in films like “Overboard”, “Private Benjamin” and “The First Wives Club”. And while Goldie is beloved for her work on-screen, she is also making an impact off-screen, with her charity MindUp, created with a mission to promote mental health and fitness for children, after facing her own struggles. Goldie sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about her accidental rise to fame, her famous family and where she finds her purpose.

Making Space with Hoda Kotb is back for Season 5! Join TODAY’s Hoda Kotb as she continues on a personal journey of self-discovery and learning. This season, she sits down with guests like former NFL quarterback Drew Brees, reggae musician Ziggy Marley, self-help author Brianna Wiest and her very own TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.Catch the premiere episode of Season 5 with guest Savannah Guthrie, Wednesday, February 21st. Follow now

Savannah Guthrie joins Hoda Kotb to discuss her latest book, “Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere”. Guthrie beautifully and vulnerably opens up about the role of faith in her life, the power of divine love and the inspiration behind this collection of essays. She shares personal stories of moments that have tested her faith, strengthened her belief and left her in awe. As Guthrie so beautifully puts it, mostly what God does is love… and you can feel the love in every word of this uplifting and inspiring conversation.

Ziggy Marley is a musician, producer, author, Grammy winner, activist, humanitarian and son of beloved musician Bob Marley. Growing up in the Marley household, it’s no surprise that his life has always been filled with music. Marley joins Hoda Kotb to discuss his father’s legacy, the side of his dad many didn’t know and his role as a producer on the recent film “Bob Marley: One Love”.

Bestselling author Brianna Wiest has touched millions of readers with her books and quotes featuring messages of empowerment, self-reflection and hope. She found healing and growth in the written word while overcoming personal struggles, and now, she hopes to help others through her writing. Wiest joins Hoda Kotb to discuss her own journey inward, the impact she hopes her words have and her latest book “The Pivot Year: 365 Days to Become the Person You Truly Want to Be”.

Keith Morrison is an award-winning correspondent for Dateline NBC, beloved journalist and host of several #1 podcasts. He’s made a speciality of true crime mysteries, and after more than five decades in the business, he’s gained status as a pop culture icon. Morrison joins Hoda Kotb to discuss his prolific career, his upcoming Dateline original podcast “Murder in the Hollywood Hills” and the loss of his stepson, actor Matthew Perry.

It’s hard to imagine Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis survived the childhood she did. Bullied at a young age for being different, Davis now realizes the power — and the potency — of those differences. Davis sat down with Hoda Kotb in spring of 2022 for an intimate conversation on overcoming trauma and how to shape your own future, one leg of the relay race at a time.

Arthur C. Brooks is a bestselling author, acclaimed public speaker and professor at the Harvard School of Business, where he teaches courses on leadership and happiness. Brooks joined Hoda Kotb for a conversation on the art and science of getting happier, and how to build the life you want. The two discuss practices to increase happiness, how to get unstuck, how to parent and why happiness is not a destination, but a direction.

Chip Conley is a bestselling author and co-founder of the Modern Elder Academy, the world’s first “midlife wisdom school”. After an impressive career in the hospitality industry, first as the founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality, then as Airbnb’s Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy, Conley is now leading a worldwide revolution to re-frame midlife. In his latest book “Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age”, Conley is changing the narrative around midlife, helping people to navigate this often misunderstood lifestage. Conley joins Hoda Kotb for an inspiring conversation, sharing tips to navigate midlife with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.

Drew Brees spent 20 years as an NFL quarterback, playing on the New Orleans Saints for 15 seasons. Brees is a leader on and off the field, and in 2010, he led the Saints to their first ever Super Bowl championship, helping to bring back the spirit of the city after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. For Brees and wife Brittany, playing for the Saints was about more than football, it was a calling to be part of something greater. Brees sat down with Hoda Kotb to discuss his prolific career, life after football and their mutual love for New Orleans.