The Bright Side

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.

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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 fi...

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 hello@thebrightsidepodcast.com and let us know!

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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. P...

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 e...

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...

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. 

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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 s...

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 hello@thebrightsidepodcast.com.

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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: hello@thebrightsidepodcast.com. At the end of the episode, Danielle and Simone discuss the  importance of having each others’ backs in the workplace.

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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 C...

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” ag...

“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 hello@thebr...

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 fr...

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...

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 hello@...

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 hello@thebrightsidepodcast.com...

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 giv...