Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky

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.

This week on Reclaiming, Monica is joined by Amanda Knox—advocate, writer, and executive producer of the new Hulu series The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox—for an unflinching and deeply personal conversation about identity, injustice, and the long tail of trauma. From being wrongly imprisoned for her roommate’s murder at 20 years old to reclaiming authorship over her own story, Amanda reflects on the cost of being turned into a symbol—and the strength it takes to become a person again. They talk about shame, survival, and what it means to be thrust onto a global stage as a young woman in the public eye. It’s a candid and emotionally layered episode about truth, bias, and the power of finally being heard.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join comedian John Oliver, known for his incisive humor on current events, as he engages in a spirited conversation about the intersection of comedy and accountability. He reflects on his past interview with Monica and the nuances of public shame. The discussion weaves through the ethical dilemmas of humor in today's world, touching on its role as a coping mechanism during tough times. With anecdotes about his encounter with the Dalai Lama and personal struggles, John reveals how laughter can help navigate the complexities of life and personal identity.

This week on Reclaiming, we talked to, beauty mogul, author, advocate, and all-around force, Victoria Jackson,. She built a multi-million-dollar makeup empire out of her garage, TRADEMARKED the no makeup - makeup look, and later helped bring three life-saving drugs to market after her daughter was diagnosed with a rare disease. We talked about reclaiming self-worth, purpose, and joy, and what it means to keep reinventing yourself at every stage of life. OH, AND DID YOU KNOW ONE OF HER MAKE-UP INFOMERCIALS WAS PLAYED AT THE VATICAN. 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.