NBC Meet the Press Hoda Kotb says ‘the best part of my life started at 50’: Full interview
Aug 31, 2025
Hoda Kotb, the former co-anchor of the Today Show and author, discusses her enriching journey after 50, which includes adopting two daughters and exploring new career opportunities. She reflects on embracing change and personal growth, emphasizing the joy of being fully present in her children's lives. Hoda shares her transformative experiences in broadcast journalism, the importance of resilience, and her wellness journey through breathwork and meditation. Her story inspires others to confront fears and celebrate new beginnings.
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Starting Over Feels Like A Gift
- Hoda describes waking up without a 3:30 a.m. alarm and realizing stepping away from Today was the right choice.
- She calls this a “beginner again” era, learning to sleep, parent, and try new skills in her 60s.
Outwork Rejection To Win
- Hoda says outworking others beats talent and to persist past rejection rather than quit.
- She frames rejection as ordinary and staying on the path as the differentiator.
The One Yes After 27 Nos
- Hoda describes crying when a news director in Mississippi told her, "I like what I see," after 27 rejections.
- That single yes propelled her to outwork everyone and prove herself.
