Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky

This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with bestselling author Harlan Coben for a conversation about risk, and the emotional heart that anchors every twist he writes. Harlan reflects on the fear and curiosity that led him to co-author a book with Reese Witherspoon, the childhood losses that shaped his most beloved characters, and the belief that pressure is a privilege for any creative life. He opens up about the hotel key he still keeps from his father, why thrillers only work when readers care deeply, and how boredom, insecurity, and paying attention to human behavior quietly fuel his work. Together, they explore grief, humor, the lives we imagine, and the stories that keep us tethered to one another. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with the authors of ALL THE COOL GIRLS GET FIRED, Laura Brown and Kristina O’Neill, for a conversation about identity, resilience, and rebuilding after everything shifts. Laura and Kristina share the story of being fired from their dream jobs, how they moved through shock and uncertainty, and why that moment became the spark for their next chapter. Together, they explore how women are taught to carry shame around career loss, the power of community and humor in hard moments, and what it really means to reclaim your worth outside of a title. Sharing the firing stories of famous women like Oprah, Katie Couric, Carol Burnett and many others, It it is an honest, grounded look at letting go, starting again, and trusting that sometimes the fall is what sets you free.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with artist and author Charlie Mackesy for a warm conversation about softness, grief, and what it means to stay human in a world that urges you to harden. Charlie opens up about the unexpected impact of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, the emotional weight of meeting readers in their most tender moments, and how creating gentle work requires its own quiet courage. Together, in this connecting, deep dive they explore childhood defenses, the ache of losing the people and animals we love, and why storms change us even when we don’t choose them. Charlie also tells us about when his 19 year old dog, Barney, met the late Queen Elizabeth. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with Malala Yousafzai—activist, author, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate whose courage and conviction have inspired a global movement for girls’ education. In this conversation, Malala reflects on growing into herself—beyond the headlines and history—and learning to see her life through her own lens. She speaks candidly about her feminist father, whose belief in equality helped her imagine a future not just for herself, but for generations of women to come.We also explore her evolving relationship with her mother, and how, as Malala gets older, she’s come to understand and honor her mother’s perspective in new ways. And because self-discovery isn’t all philosophy and politics, Malala shares the lighter side too—like deciding it was finally time to wear jeans and the tragic, but clarifying, realization that she looks truly terrible in a cardigan. And if you’ve ever wondered if being brave in activism translates to being brave in other areas — Malala and Monica discuss rollercoasters!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with Adam Scott—actor, producer, and storyteller whose career has spanned cult classics, beloved comedies, and boundary-pushing drama. In this conversation, Adam reflects on the years of struggle before his “big break,” the self-doubt that came with them, and how Parks and Recreation didn’t just change his career—it reshaped his sense of belonging. He shares how the unexpected, global resonance of Severance has opened up a new creative chapter, one defined by leaning into the unknown. We also explore the loss of his mother to ALS and the complicated experience of parenting while building a career.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with Lili Reinhart—actor, producer, and author who’s redefining what it means to live honestly in the spotlight. In this conversation, Lili opens up about her ongoing battle with anxiety, PMDD, and cystic acne, and how learning to be present has become the foundation of her healing. We chat about her relationship to the characters she’s played, from Riverdale’s girl-next-door, Betty Cooper, to the anxious, dread laden Harper of Hal & Harper. Lili also opens up about the inspiration behind her new skincare line, Personal Day, born from years of vulnerability, experimentation, and self-care. A conversation about authenticity, duality, and the courage to show up—exactly as you are.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with actor Grace Van Patten, whose fearless performances have made her one of Hollywood’s most intriguing young talents. Grace opens up about the challenge and responsibility of portraying Amanda Knox (The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox on Hulu), and how she approached the role not as a tabloid figure, but as a complex human being caught in an impossible situation. She reflects on growing up in a famously creative but deeply supportive family, where encouragement and curiosity were constants—and how that foundation helped her stay grounded while pursuing a life in front of the camera. Grace also shares how her college courses in criminal psychology unexpectedly became tools in her actor’s toolkit, helping her build deeper, more layered characters. Together, she and Monica explore how the Me-Too movement reshaped her generation’s relationship to power and vulnerability—and how, through it all, Grace is learning to reclaim her inner child, to hold space for joy, curiosity, and self-trust amid the demands of a difficult world.  Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with Sarah Paulson for a conversation about ambition, empathy, and what it means to be seen. Sarah reflects on the roles that changed her life, from American Horror Story to Impeachment,  and the complicated art of portraying someone like Linda Tripp with both honesty and compassion. Together, they unpack how childhood survival skills can turn into creative instincts, the tension between visibility and vulnerability, and the quiet strength that comes from forgiveness. It is an intimate look at transformation, grace, and the power of meeting your past with understanding.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinskySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with Dr. Mary Claire Haver, OB-GYN and author of The New Menopause. Together they explore what it really means to navigate perimenopause and menopause with clarity and compassion. Dr. Haver explains the physical and emotional changes of this stage, the gaps in medical training on women’s health, and the cultural silence that leaves so many unprepared. She and Monica talk about weight stigma, hormone therapy, brain fog, and the urgency of science-based care. And, since Dr Haver was originally focused on Geology, they chat on Monica’s favorite topic: crystals!Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with Flamingo Estate founder, Richard Christiansen, for a conversation about wonder, reinvention, and slowing down. Richard shares how the collapse of his old life gave way to the garden at Flamingo Estate, reflecting on childhood shame, creative awakening, and the quiet work of softening into love. Together, they explore how convenience erodes meaning, why ceremony matters, and how beauty can be turned into impact. It is a soulful look at what blooms when we choose to live with intention.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.