Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky

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.

This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with the incomparable Allison Janney—Oscar, Emmy, and Tony-winning actress whose depth, humor, and humanity have made her one of Hollywood’s most beloved performers. In this conversation, Allison opens up about the silver screen legends who shaped her early career—Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman—and how their mentorship changed everything. She reflects on her own journey of self-exploration through ketamine, MDMA, mushrooms, and even astrology, sharing how those experiences have helped her see herself, and the world, more clearly. We also explore her profound love for her mother, the unshakable bond she shared with her brother, and the enduring ache of his loss. Allison also reflects on her deep friendship with Matthew Perry, and the shared understanding that comes from loving people who wrestled with pain and brilliance in equal measure.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 Gabrielle Union for a conversation that is both deeply personal and profoundly expansive. Gabrielle opens up about her journey through trauma and survival, the ways disassociation shaped her life, and her ongoing work to reclaim peace in her body and spirit. She reflects on the cultural legacy of Bring It On twenty-five years later, her pilgrimage to Africa for her 50th birthday, and how listening to ancestors has guided her path forward. Gabrielle also shares the story of surviving sexual assault at 19, the impact it had on her relationships and career, and why she has committed her voice and advocacy to changing how we understand and treat PTSD. Later in the episode, psychiatrist Dr. Sofia Noori joins the conversation to unpack how trauma lives in the body and the tools that can help survivors heal. Together, Gabrielle and Sofia talk about their work with Nema Health, the company they’ve helped build to create new, lasting pathways to trauma recovery. It’s a raw, soulful episode about ancestry, survival, advocacy, and the possibility of a life defined by more than trauma.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 is joined by award-winning actor Jurnee Smollett for a conversation about ancestry, resilience, and the radical act of finding joy in the present. Jurnee reflects on the “blood memory” carried through generations, the lessons of her mother and grandmother, and the responsibility of bringing truth to the screen without succumbing to trauma. She shares the spiritual practices that help her quiet her inner critic, the balance of parenting without shame, and the resilience forged at the intersection of her Black and Jewish heritage. Together, she and Monica explore feminine strength, the complexities of history, and how art can heal what feels impossible.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.

Nicole Byer, a vibrant comedian and author known for her body-positive humor, shares her journey through grief and growth. She dives into the profound impact of losing her parents and how it shaped her outlook on love and life. Byer discusses body acceptance and her refreshing take on ADHD, all while promoting her latest book. With a dash of gallows humor, she emphasizes the importance of therapy and candid storytelling as a means to connect with her audience. Tune in for laughs and enlightening insights on personal liberation!

Jamie Kern Lima, entrepreneur and author, is the trailblazing founder of IT Cosmetics, transforming the beauty industry with authenticity and inclusion. She shares her journey from waitress to billionaire founder, emphasizing how resilience turned setbacks into opportunities. Jamie discusses the crucial role of trusting intuition, the power of real representation in her products, and the difference between self-confidence and self-worth. Her conversation inspires listeners to embrace their true selves and reclaim joy in their lives.

Mark Duplass, an actor, filmmaker, and mental health advocate, shares his journey with anxiety and depression. He discusses the importance of open communication about mental health and how embracing vulnerability fosters resilience. Mark reflects on navigating fame, creativity, and the complexities of online connections, emphasizing authenticity over social media perfection. He also highlights the significance of personal growth through challenges and how these experiences shape both his artistry and fatherhood, resonating with listeners seeking genuine dialogue.

Elizabeth Gilbert, bestselling author of 'Eat, Pray, Love' and 'City of Girls,' shares her insights on solitude, self-compassion, and courage. She discusses the liberating aspects of celibacy and the significance of befriending oneself. The conversation touches on the challenges women face in reclaiming their stories against societal norms while embracing personal growth through loneliness. Gilbert also reflects on navigating grief, the empowerment of individual agency, and the transformative power of adversity in shaping one's identity.

This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with Julia Fox—actress, artist, author, and unabashed cultural provocateur who has turned fearlessness into a full-blown art form. In this conversation, Julia opens up about the importance of having a positive male role model for her son, the determination not to let the demons of her past overshadow the blessings of her future, and how she manifested—yes—a sugar daddy. She reflects on her meteoric rise from the New York art scene and doing sex work to breaking into Hollywood, her sometimes rocky relationship with her parents, her perspective on being a muse, and the politics of beauty.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.

Ronan Farrow, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist known for his fearless investigative reporting, opens up about the emotional toll of uncovering the truth about powerful figures. He discusses the nuances of disinformation in today's media landscape and the importance of compassion in a world driven by cruelty. The conversation takes a personal turn as they reflect on the challenges of public scrutiny and the journey of resilience. Plus, hear a humorous anecdote about Monica's experience getting catfished by a fake Greta Thunberg.