Vicky Nguyen is the NBC News chief consumer investigative correspondent. In her new memoir, "Boat Baby", she shares her family's harrowing story of fleeing Vietnam in 1980, five years after the fall of Saigon.  Along the way, Nguyen's family relied on smugglers, encountered pirates, and eventually lived in a refugee camp on a beach in Malaysia, all while she was less than a year old.  Her family ultimately immigrated to the U.S., and she says her parents embraced the opportunity to give her a "great American childhood".  Nguyen opened up to Hoda about her decision to share her story. Through all the ups and downs of assimilation,  Nguyen says her book is "a love letter to America" - and to her parents.

Maria Shriver joins Hoda Kotb to share how she has learned to live a meaningful life, as the most authentic version of herself ahead of the release of her new book of poetry, I Am Maria. In this special episode of Making Space from October 2024, she joins Hoda live at the Making Space Wellness Weekend in Austin, Texas and reflects on her continuing journey of self-discovery, sharing her wisdom, insight and messages of inspiration with an open heart. She opens up about the lessons she’s learned along the way, including the importance of getting quiet, why a bumpy path may just mean you’re headed in the right direction and what encompasses a meaningful life.(Event sponsored by Miraval Resorts & Spas, furniture and florals provided by our sponsors CORT and Bouqs) 

Elle Macpherson is a supermodel, actress, and entrepreneur. Nicknamed "The Body" at the height of her modeling career, Macpherson appeared to have it all - but looking back, she says she didn't appreciate herself in her twenties and thirties, struggling with addiction and eventually entering rehab for alcoholism. Macpherson's sobriety renewed her commitment to health, and in 2014 she launched her wellness brand, WelleCo. Just three years later, after being diagnosed with breast cancer, she underwent two lumpectomies and chose a holistic approach over conventional treatment. Macpherson sat down with Hoda to talk about her career, her wellness journey and why she feels more alive than ever.

Hey Making Space fans! As a bonus, we’re giving you a special preview of the first episode of an all-new season of Jenna Bush Hager’s podcast, ‘Open Book with Jenna’.In this season’s debut episode, Jenna sits down with bestselling author Rebecca Yarros. Together they talk about how Rebecca drew on her experience with chronic illness and life in a military family to write “Fourth Wing,” and her process to plot out five books in the series.To listen to the full conversation, just search ‘Open Book with Jenna’ wherever you’re listening to follow now, or click here: https://www.today.com/open-book-with-jenna 

Maria Shriver, an author, journalist, and activist, shares her insights on living a meaningful life during a heartfelt conversation at the Making Space Wellness Weekend in Austin, Texas. She discusses her journey of self-discovery and the importance of self-care while balancing family values. Maria emphasizes the power of rewriting personal narratives for fulfillment and finding meaning through adversity. She also addresses the societal perceptions of aging, advocating for a positive shift in how we view vitality and purpose in later years.

Gabby Bernstein is a spiritual teacher, motivational speaker and New York Times bestselling author. For nearly two decades, Gabby has been transforming lives, including her own. After facing her own struggles, Gabby strengthened her spiritual connection, turning her trauma into a limitless source of love and strength. She shares her methods and practices through her books, podcast and live events, inspiring others to heal from their past, and live in alignment with the Universe. Gabby sat down with Hoda Kotb to share simple methods we can all use to turn fear into faith, connect to our power and manifest a life beyond our wildest dreams. To celebrate the release of Gabby's latest book, "Self Help", Hoda is revisiting this inspiring conversation from November 2024.

As Senior Rabbi of Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles for 37 years, Rabbi Steve Leder has learned and witnessed the many ways death teaches us how to live, and love, more deeply by showing us not only what is gone, but also the beauty of what remains. In this inspiring conversation from January 2024, Rabbi Leder joins Hoda Kotb to talk about life, loss and the profound way in which the two intertwine. Rabbi Leder shares his belief that in the end, there is nothing that matters but love, and the simple message that will change the way you live - it’s never too late.

Walker Hayes is one of the top selling and streamed artists in country music. Walker spent more than a decade chasing his dream, when a TikTok video with his daughter catapulted him to stardom. His smash hit “Fancy Like” went from the social media platform straight to the music industry, topping every country music sales chart, hitting number one at country radio and earning Walker his first Grammy Award nomination for Best Country song. Beyond his music, Walker is a man rich in family, faith and love. He’s worked through both personal and professional struggles along the way, sharing his story with courage, vulnerability and an open heart. Walker sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about his journey through sobriety, life as a dad and the inspiration behind his music. 

Tyler Hubbard has had an incredible career as a singer, songwriter and one half of the multi-platinum duo Florida Georgia Line, with 22 no. 1 singles on country radio, countless awards and sold-out tours. Tyler has an unmistakable voice, and recently he’s using it to begin a new chapter, as a solo artist. His self-titled debut album has millions of streams and counting, with hits like “5 Foot 9” and “Dancin’ In The Country”, and his latest album “Strong” reached the top spot at country radio, with songs like “Back Then Right Now” and “Park”. And Tyler is just getting started. Tyler joined Hoda Kotb for a very special conversation, live in Austin, Texas. He opens up about family, faith and finding balance in it all.

In the spirit of the holiday season and all the time we'll spend sharing meals with loved ones this month, Hoda Kotb is sharing something special with you. It's a podcast called Your Mama’s Kitchen, all about cuisine and culture, ingredients and identities, and the meals and memories that make us who we are. Host Michele Norris talks to guests like Michelle Obama, Glennon Doyle, José Andrés, and more about the complexities of family life and how our earliest culinary experiences shape our lives. And of course, each guest shares a recipe for a favorite dish from their youth so you can taste a bit of their story. In this episode, Al Roker shares his holiday traditions, new and old, plus tips on how to perfect his mama’s oxtail stew with dumplings. You can find more Your Mama’s Kitchen at https://lnk.to/yourmamaskitchen!makingspace