Making Space with Hoda Kotb

Dr. Mindy Pelz, a New York Times bestselling author and women's health expert, dives into the transformative experience of menopause. She reframes menopause from a decline to a purposeful evolution, discussing how estrogen loss can foster brain growth and authentic introspection. Mindy shares practical lifestyle strategies to combat brain fog and improve memory, emphasizing the role of nutrition and fasting. She offers hope that menopause can lead to intentional living and encourages personalized approaches to hormone replacement therapy.

Mel Robbins, a New York Times bestselling author and entrepreneur, shares her journey through adversity, including financial collapse and her son’s medical crisis. She discusses the importance of presence and kindness while revealing her transformative five-second rule. Mel reflects on her childhood challenges, the lessons learned from her mother, and how taking action helped her rebuild her life. With a mix of vulnerability and practical insights, she offers tools for navigating uncertainty and emphasizes continuous learning and problem-solving.

From growing up in a famous family to raising one of her own, Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt has found calm through intention. In this conversation from November 2025, the New York Times bestselling author, wife, mother, and animal advocate joins Hoda to reflect on her latest book, Kat and Brandy, and how faith, presence, and daily routines help her stay grounded. Plus, she shares how her lifelong bond with horses continues to influence how she raises her children. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brad Paisley is a Grammy winning artist and one of country music’s most respected storytellers, known for his masterful guitar work and deeply personal songwriting. Brad sits down with Hoda Kotb to reflect on growing up in West Virginia, the grandfather who gave him his first guitar for Christmas, and why giving back has always been part of his life. Plus, he shares the inspiration behind his latest album, Snow Globe Town, and why doing something tangible is how you can create hope, especially during the holiday season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hey, Dateline fans! As a bonus for you, we’re sharing the trailer for Morrison Mysteries: The Snow Queen, an all-new original podcast series from Dateline and Keith Morrison. In season 4 of Morrison Mysteries, Keith introduces you to best friends Kay and Gerda, who are tested when an evil mirror pierces Kay's heart, slowly turning it into ice. Gerda sets out to save him, but must conquer an old wizard woman, a thieving robber girl and finally, the powerful spell of the Snow Queen herself. Tune in to Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen to hear what happens. Follow Morrison Mysteries now and listen to all episodes on Friday, December 19. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Laura Day is a New York Times bestselling author and renowned intuitive who has spent more than four decades teaching people how to use intuition as a practical, evidence-based tool for change. Laura opens up to Hoda Kotb about the pain that shaped her purpose, how science and intuition helped her navigate profound loss, and the actionable framework behind her book The Prism: Seven Steps to Heal Your Past and Transform Your Future. Plus, she explains why lasting transformation comes from small, intentional shifts, clear goals, and learning to work with reality rather than relying on belief alone. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Charlie Mackesy is the bestselling author and illustrator behind the global phenomenon The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse and its follow up Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm. Charlie opens up to Hoda about the overwhelming experience of meeting readers whose lives were changed by his words, processing the grief of losing his mother and his dog, and the moments of wonder that keep him grounded, curious, and open to the world. Plus, he reflects on honoring vulnerability and the importance of remembering who we are and how much we matter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jane Lynch, the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actress known for her iconic roles in Glee and Best in Show, opens up about her journey toward self-acceptance and healing. She shares how therapy helped her confront shame and embrace authenticity. Jane discusses the profound impact of her relationship with her parents, particularly her mother's support, and emphasizes the joy found in life’s simple moments. She also highlights the importance of therapy in deepening her acting and fostering personal growth, while celebrating the importance of living in the present.

Jay Leno is one of the most recognizable figures in comedy and late night, hosting The Tonight Show for a combined two decades. But in recent years, his life has shifted into a quieter, more intimate chapter as he cares for his wife Mavis, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2024. Jay opens up to Hoda about what it means to support the woman who stood beside him throughout his career and her small glimmers of memory and recognition that mean everything. He reflects on their love story, the humor they still find in simple moments and how this chapter has revealed a deeper purpose built on patience, tenderness, and grace. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Melinda French Gates is a philanthropist, business leader, and New York Times bestselling author who has spent decades transforming lives around the world. Melinda opens up to Hoda about why her latest chapter is more personal than ever, how she learned to let go of perfection, and what it means to lead with empathy. She reflects on her lifelong advocacy for women and families, the faith and friendships that have grounded her, and why she believes the smallest acts of kindness can spark the biggest change. Plus, she shares where her focus lies today through her work with Pivotal Ventures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.