Making Space with Hoda Kotb

Almost 30 years ago, when she was a local journalist at WWL in New Orleans, Hoda Kotb met another TV reporter by the name of Karen Swensen. The connection was instantaneous, and they’ve been best friends ever since. Together, they’ve navigated some of life’s most challenging moments, like illness and loss, and they’ve also celebrated each other’s joyful moments. As their lives have evolved, so too has their friendship. In this very special episode, Hoda and Karen reflect back on life, love, motherhood, and friendship. Life’s about change — and, together, they’re embracing it.

Maria Shriver has spent a lifetime unpacking her experiences: Whether it’s grief, her relationship with faith, illness, or how she was raised, talking to Maria is always profound. And, as she’s navigated her own personal journey, Maria has figured out not only how to manage situations, but how to live her most authentic life. She opens up like never before, sharing with Hoda what she’s learned through the challenging times, the importance of knowing when to walk away, and how she finally gave herself permission to be Maria.

As the top-selling female country music artist in history, Shania Twain has seen decades of career highs. But, behind the music, Shania experienced incredible challenges. In this deeply personal conversation with Hoda, Shania reflects on her difficult childhood, the loss of her parents, and her battle with the disease that almost cost the artist her voice. Now in her fifties, Shania is once again on top. With new music and an upcoming tour, she is talking to Hoda about becoming the “Queen of Me.”In an earlier version of this “Making Space” Shania Twain episode we misstated her age.  She is 57.

How did Steve Harvey go from living in his car to becoming one of the most influential entertainers of our time? What did he tell himself during those trying moments - and how does he really feel about going through life with a backup plan?Steve shares with Hoda how he got here, and what he’s learned along the way. He also offers advice to anyone who feels like they’re up against a challenge right now. Spoiler alert - you might as well keep going. 

When did the top-selling and most decorated female gospel artist of all time realize she had a gift? As CeCe Winans shares with Hoda, when she sang and saw adults moved to tears, she knew she’d been blessed with something special — the spirit behind her voice. CeCe also reflects on the beautiful role of music in her life, her deep friendship with the late Whitney Houston and she shares lessons about passing faith onto the next generation. All you have to do is believe.

Country music legend Wynonna Judd joins Hoda for a powerful and raw conversation just months after the passing of her beloved mom, Naomi. Together, Wynonna and Hoda reflect on Naomi’s legacy, the impact of her passing on their family, and Wynonna shares how she’s making space for both grief and joy as she forges ahead… tough and tender.

You can change your life. That’s the mantra motivational expert Mel Robbins lives by. And it’s the very reason millions of people around the globe, Hoda included, follow Mel and the advice she shares in her TEDx Talk and on her podcast. Mel believes that change is much easier than we imagine – and we just have to stop thinking too much. She swears by the 5- second rule.In this invigorating, inspiring and very frank conversation, Hoda asks the questions we all want answers to. How can we be better versions of ourselves? When can we expect results? And why should we make these changes? The answer to that last one is simple - because you deserve this.

In what Hoda calls one of her favorite interviews ever, she sits down with real life pals George Clooney and Julia Roberts. The two appear together on screen for the sixth time in the new romantic comedy “Ticket to Paradise,” (produced by Universal Pictures, owned by NBC’s parent company NBCUniversal). They touch on parenting twins, their 20-year friendship and the one thing they don’t see eye to eye on. Find out why Hoda calls their friendship pure magic.

Rita Moreno has been an icon of stage and screen for over seven decades, making history as the first Latina to win an Academy Award for her 1961 performance as Anita in West Side Story. But life wasn’t always easy for Rosita, as she calls her young self. In this episode of Making Space, Rita gets real about the pressures of Hollywood, her troubled romance with Marlon Brando, and how — at 90 years old — she loves what she does now more than ever. Rita also shares about her path to creative fulfillment and self-acceptance, and reminds us of the power of hard work… Sometimes the impossible is just one opportunity away.For more of Rita Moreno’s story, you can watch NBC’s special, “Inspiring America: The 2022 Inspiration List,” celebrating extraordinary people making an impact. You can watch it on demand on Peacock.Rita Moreno shared a story about her attempt to take her own life. If you or anyone you know is struggling, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text TALK (8255) to 741741.

Famed screenplay writer and author Delia Ephron got a second chance at life and love, both later in life. After suffering back-to-back losses, she coped by putting her pen to paper, offering perspective and lessons of hope and resilience. Equal parts insightful and entertaining, Delia connects with Hoda on everything from finding joy after 50 to the frustrations we all feel when taking the first steps on a new path.