Emmy-winning actress and political activist Kerry Washington opens up about enduring childhood trauma, struggles with body image and mental health, and a shocking family secret. She shares how acting saved her life and discusses the transformative role of Olivia Pope. Washington reflects on motherhood, unconditional love, and the importance of trusting intuition. She also explores her journey as a donor-conceived individual and the healing power of water.
Carrie Washington's acting career saved her life by allowing her to express her true emotions and tackle the darkest corners of herself
Carrie Washington realized she had been living as a supporting character in her parents' story and not as the lead character in her own life, leading her to seek answers about her background and find strength, fulfillment, and a deeper connection to herself and others
Deep dives
Carrie Washington's Journey of Self-Discovery
Carrie Washington, in a Super Soul Conversations podcast episode, opens up about her life and personal growth. Growing up, Carrie felt a sense of space and withholding within her family. This led to feelings of not being safe emotionally and spiritually. However, through her journey of self-discovery, she learned to trust herself and let go of the need for perfection. Carrie found solace in acting, which allowed her to express her true emotions and tackle the dark corners of herself. Her marriage to Namdi provided support and strength as they both navigated life's challenges. Carrie's book, 'Thicker Than Water,' explores her family's secrets and the process of uncovering hidden truths. Through this journey, Carrie has found peace and understanding within herself and with her family.
The Power of Being the Lead Character in One's Life
Carrie Washington shares her realization that she had been living as a supporting character in her parents' story and not as the lead character in her own life. This discovery led her to embark on a journey of self-discovery, seeking answers about her background and uncovering family secrets. Through her experiences as an actress, most notably playing Olivia Pope in 'Scandal,' Carrie learned the importance of service and being of service to others. She credits her marriage to Namdi for its role in her growth and the importance of having a spiritual partnership. By embracing her role as the lead character in her own life, Carrie finds strength, fulfillment, and a deeper connection to herself and others.
Healing and Finding Peace Through Courageous Honesty
Carrie Washington's book, 'Thicker Than Water,' delves into her family's secrets and the impact those secrets had on her. By sharing her story, she hopes to inspire others to embrace their own truth and find healing. While the process wasn't easy, Carrie's journey to uncovering her family's secrets led to a newfound peace within herself and her family. Despite disagreements and differing opinions, a sense of trust and support prevails. Carrie's experience highlights the importance of courageous honesty and the power of vulnerability in finding peace, understanding, and deeper connections.
Trusting Yourself and Embracing Spiritual Growth
Carrie Washington's journey of self-discovery and healing has allowed her to trust herself and embrace spiritual growth. From her childhood experiences and struggles with body image to her exploration of the inner self, Carrie learned to lean into her spirituality and seek help outside herself. This shift in perspective and humility brought about a positive transformation, enabling her to navigate life's challenges and find a deeper connection with herself and God. Through her acting career, personal relationships, and writing, Carrie Washington continues to embrace her own growth, cultivating love, compassion, and authenticity.
Oprah invites Emmy-winning actress and political activist Kerry Washington to her home to talk about her new memoir, Thicker Than Water. In this revealing conversation, the notably private Washington opens up about enduring difficult childhood trauma, her struggles with her own body image, mental health, and the revelation of a shocking family secret that changed the trajectory of her life. Kerry explains how acting saved her life in many ways, including the iconic role of Olivia Pope which she says pulled her from "the darkest corners" of herself.
Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPods
You can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode