Making Space with Hoda Kotb

Grammy-award-winning and multi-platinum singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson has taken the music industry by storm with hits like “Heart Like a Truck” and “Watermelon Moonshine”, solidifying her status as a next-generation icon. Wilson has broken records and reached new milestones, all without compromising her voice. And while it may seem like Wilson is an overnight sensation, she’ll be the first to tell you that her success took time - she faced years of rejection and heartbreak before making it big, but she never gave up on her dreams. Wilson joined Hoda Kotb for a very special episode of Making Space, reflecting on her career, her music and her love of storytelling, marking a milestone as Kotb’s 50th guest.

Steve Harvey is one of the most influential entertainers of our time. But success for Harvey was far from guaranteed, and it didn’t come overnight. In this inspiring conversation from January 2023 , Harvey opens up about his path to success - both the highs and the lows. He sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about the struggles he faced, the lessons he’s learned and his advice for anyone who feels like they’re up against a challenge right now. Spoiler alert - you might as well keep going.

Elise Loehnen, former Chief Content Officer at Goop, discusses perfectionism, insecurities, and self-criticism in her latest book. She explores societal scripts imposed on women, the origins of deadly sins, and the complexities of envy among women. Loehnen shares insights on contentment in diverse pursuits and serving others.

Jamie Kern Lima is a self-made entrepreneur, CEO, thought-leader, founder of IT Cosmetics and bestselling author of “Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life”. After a lifetime spent battling self-doubt, she began to lean in to her own self-worth and turned her life around, all by learning to believe in herself. Lima is living proof that when you change what you believe you’re worthy of, you can change your entire life. Lima sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about the difference between self-confidence and self-worth, dealing with imposter syndrome and her mission to share a simple truth - you. are. worthy.

Legendary singer and music icon Celine Dion sat down with Hoda Kotb for an NBC News Exclusive interview to discuss her life and health since being diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare autoimmune neurological disorder. Dion began quietly experiencing mysterious symptoms affecting her body and her voice, and after more than a decade of testing and treatment, was diagnosed with SPS. Fearful she may never return to the stage, or to her beloved fans, Dion has spent the last several years uncharacteristically out of the spotlight, fighting for her life and her voice. Dion opens up about her health struggles, the impact SPS has had on her life and where she’s finding hope.

Ashley Graham is a supermodel, author, entrepreneur and activist, whose influence has reshaped the fashion and media industries and redefined traditional beauty standards. Graham has spent years advocating for body positivity and self-acceptance, breaking barriers and paving the path for the next generation of women. Graham sat down with Hoda Kotb for a bare and beautiful conversation, opening up about her childhood, what she’s learned over the course of her career and how she’s showing the world that beauty has no boundaries.

As Maria Shriver has navigated her own personal journey, she’s figured out not only how to handle challenging times, but also how to live her most authentic life. She has spent a lifetime unpacking her experiences: whether it’s faith, family or friendship, Maria’s insight and wisdom is always profound. In this intimate and inspiring conversation from February 2023, Maria opens up like never before. She sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about her continual quest to heal, the importance of slowing down and how she finally gave herself permission to be Maria.

Tembi Locke is a New York Times best-selling author, screenwriter, producer, actor and podcast host. Her book ‘From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home’ follows her real-life love story, that all began with a chance encounter in the streets of Florence, where she fell in love with an Italian chef. Her life-changing journey of love, loss, resilience and hope was adapted for the screen by Netflix, in the limited series starring Zoe Saldana. Locke sat down with Hoda Kotb for a beautiful conversation on love, life after loss and how to begin again. 

Selena Gomez has spent most of her life in the spotlight, as one of the world’s biggest popstars and actors. After facing physical and mental health challenges, Gomez is stepping into what she considers to be her true calling, mental health advocacy. She’s partnering with Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy to change the conversation around mental health, and to help youth struggling with the same challenges she’s faced. Hoda Kotb sat down with Gomez and Dr. Murthy for a candid conversation about their mission, the importance of mental health advocacy and where Gomez is on her health journey today.

Tiffany Haddish is a comedian, actress, producer, writer, New York Times Bestselling author, Grammy winner and an absolute force, on and off the screen. Haddish catapulted to fame, starring in films like “Girls Trip”, and has kept us laughing with her signature brand of honesty, humor and heart. But Haddish’s success didn’t come overnight, and it wasn’t easy. In Haddish’s new memoir, “I Curse You with Joy”, she opens up about the high and low moments she’s faced, sharing her personal struggles and the journey to find herself. Haddish joined Hoda Kotb to talk about it all - the joy, the pain and the lessons she’s learned.