The Bright Side: A Hello Sunshine Podcast

What if laughter was more than just entertainment—it was a tool for connection and growth? Comedian and author Chris Duffy joins Simone to share how humor can change the way we connect, cope, and care for each other. They unpack his “three pillars of humor,” share stories that hit both the funny bone and the heart, and remind us that sometimes the best way to take life seriously is to laugh at it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on The Bright Side, we're sharing our live podcast recording from Shine Away: Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine's weekend of inspiring panels and meaningful moments that celebrate and elevate women. Simone took the stage at Universal Studios in Los Angeles to interview Chrissy Teigen — cookbook author, entrepreneur, and health advocate. Chrissy was there as a Sanofi spokesperson to talk about something very close to her heart — Type 1 Diabetes — a disease that her son, Miles, was diagnosed with at the age of 6. Chrissy talks about how her and her family got the diagnosis, quickly became a public face of the disease, found a supportive community online, and are now spreading the word about the importance of early screening. To learn more about early screening go to ScreenForType1.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buckle up, today we're getting philosophical! Matthew McConaughey joins us for a vulnerable and reflective conversation that reaches far beyond the pages of his new book, Poems and Prayers. We unpack some of life’s most elusive questions—Why are we here? What does it mean to live well? McConaughey personally opens up about his evolving relationship with uncertainty, the power of reinvention, and how he learned to live in the in-between spaces—where identity shifts, purpose gets blurry, and the answers don’t come easy. This isn’t a conversation about having it all figured out. It’s about learning how to live fully, honestly, and in pursuit of something deeper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two words absolutely nobody wants to hear? "You're fired!" As taboo as we tend to make losing your job, it's something almost everybody will experience. Laura Brown and Kristina O'Neill know exactly how it feels, and today, they're joining the podcast to share personal stories, inspirational narratives, and essential advice from their brand-new book, "All the Cool Girls Get Fired." Together, we're saying goodbye to the shame around getting let go and all the cool girls are tuning in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malin Åkerman is living proof that life only gets better with age. The star of The Hunting Wives joins us to spill on how the role of Margo Banks landed in her lap during a career standstill—and why it’s become one of her all-time favorites. From the freedom of playing a deliciously complex character to the instant chemistry she found with Brittany Snow, Malin takes us behind the scenes of her latest project while opening up about her own evolution. She gets candid about breaking free from people-pleasing, leading with “no,” and trusting her gut. Rooted in her Swedish upbringing and decades of experience, Malin shows us what it means to know yourself and step fully into your prime.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Right now, it feels like everyone is settling down—your childhood bestie, your old roommate, even Taylor Swift! But what if you're still single and searching for "The One?" In the age of dating apps, situationships and breadcrumbing, finding real romance feels harder than ever. Should the single ladies just...throw in the towel? We don't think so! Today, we're sitting down with relationship guru and friend of the show Sabrina Zohar to get her insights—on setting boundaries, learning from past mistakes, and who should pay on the first date.  Get your Shine Away tickets here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the season for Emmy-Nominated actor Karen Pittman. She touched hearts this summer with Netflix's Judy Blume remake, Forever, and this fall she's shaking things up in the fourth season of The Morning Show on Apple TV+. After three seasons of watching Karen's character, Mia Jordan, follow the company line even at her own peril, the UBA executive is coming into her own and taking what's hers. It's a thrilling arc for a dynamic character, and one that Karen knows well. Acting was her second-act career, one that she fought for amid the ups and downs of her personal life. After grinding in the business for 20 years, Karen says it's the journey that she appreciates; a journey that has helped her leave imposter syndrome behind and take more risks — in life and her career. The fourth season of The Morning Show is now streaming on Apple TV+.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

YouTube’s daredevil Michelle Khare is here to help you push through your fears. In her award-winning YouTube channel, Challenge Accepted, Michelle has put her body and mind through a wide range of challenges, from being tased during police academy to pirouetting with professional ballerinas and everything in between. However, her biggest challenge is learning how to push through her fears. Today, we discuss how she sets goals, measures success, overcomes fear, and inspires us to raise the bar on our lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we dive into the meeting point of neuroscience and mysticism. Life coach and spiritual psychologist Gabriella Taylor joins us to share how the brain’s ability to rewire itself can help us move beyond internalized patriarchy and the quiet dynamics—like gossip, comparison, and competition—that so often divide women and erode our sense of self. She explores what becomes possible when we begin to heal these patterns and invites us to consider how we can show up differently—for ourselves, each other, and the next generation of women. Inspired by this conversation, Gabriella created a free quiz just for The Bright Side community: Are You Leading from Your Truth or Your Trauma? This neuroscience-informed tool helps uncover which internalized patterns may be shaping how you lead, love, and see yourself—offering insight as a first step toward lasting change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Bright Side, Simone and actor-creator Yasmine Sahid vision board while unpacking what it means to build a creative life on your own terms. Yasmine shares how she went from struggling to find acting work in LA to creating her own opportunities online, leading to red carpet moments and TV debuts. She opens up about the realities of the creator economy, the pressure of “making it,” and why starting is always the hardest (and most important) step. And yes, there’s also a Love Island rant you won’t want to miss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.