What does it mean to be kind? How can we increase kindness in our communities? And what are the surprising benefits of kindness? Jeanette Maré, kindness researcher and Director of the Science of Kindness Community Collective at the University of Arizona, gives the scoop on how we can better implement kindness into our lives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hilarious Fortune Feimster joins the show to share some laughs, inspiration, and Southern charm. With her new Netflix special “Crushing It” out now, Fortune takes us through the evolution of her stand-up — and how she’s found her true comedic voice over the years. She also dishes on the magic of live performances and the joy of connecting with audiences, especially after the isolation of the pandemic. Plus, we dive into her unforgettable Instagram character, Brenda; her mom; and the Southern roots that still shape her today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you throw a great holiday party? Do you pick a theme? Keep the invite list short, or invite everyone you know? What makes a good tradition? Lizzy Mathis is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Cool Mom Co., and co-host and executive producer of “Honest Renovations,” Roku’s home improvement series. She joins the show today to talk about hosting holiday parties, entertaining tricks, and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is only one Raven-Symoné. From “That’s So Raven” to “The Cheetah Girls” to the CW’s original game show “Scrabble,” she is a luminary in the art of television. She joined superfans Danielle and Simone to talk about what she has learned from her tenure as a performer, what is next for her as a director, and why she always asks her younger actors to closely study the slapstick comedians she grew up with.  This episode originally aired Oct. 24, 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s an art to hosting a social gathering. On one end of the spectrum, a gathering can feel tossed together and random. On the other end, it can feel overly-focused on aesthetic perfection: the right food, the right ambience, the right mix of people. Author Priya Parker is on a mission to change the way we think about gathering together. The author of “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters” joins The Bright Side to talk about how to be a better host. Originally aired March 26, 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small changes in what, when, and how you eat can reduce menopause symptoms and even lower your long-term health risks. Sarah Berry is a professor at King's College London, and chief scientist at a nutrition science startup Zoe. With over 20 years of experience, Professor Berry shares fascinating insights from her research, revealing how diet quality and body weight influence symptoms like sleep disturbances, brain fog, mood changes, and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nemonte Nenquimo is the first female leader of the Amazon’s Waorani people, and her memoir, “We Will Be Jaguars,” is the November pick for Reese’s Book Club. It’s an incredible story of resistance, of climate activism, and of protecting the rights of indigenous peoples. She reflects on her culture's deep connection to the land, the spiritual significance of the jaguar, and her mission to ensure that indigenous stories and wisdom are preserved. Plus, journalist and entrepreneur Nicole Lapin drops some knowledge on the power of passive income. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on The Bright Side, we’re talking about giving back and extending a helping hand this holiday season. CEO of Feeding America Claire Babineaux-Fontenot joins Danielle and Simone to talk about how her organization is combating hunger across the country, and how we can all do our part to help alleviate food insecurity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian Rachel Samples joins the show for this week’s Poppin’ Off. Rachel, Danielle and Simone talk about their excitement for “Wicked Day” and Diane Keaton’s new Holiday song. Plus, they get into Issa Rae’s recent hot take on whether or not men can hold a decent conversation– featuring a fun weigh in from The Bright Side’s own, Tim Palazzola.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The busiest time of year can be magical, but it can often lead to burnout — especially if you're a wife or mother. So, on today’s show, we want to break down how to care for ourselves while we show up for everyone in our lives, with inaugural Hello Sunshine Collective member Libby Ward. She is a digital creator, mental health advocate, and creator of the platform "Diary of An Honest Mom." She brings plenty of tips for how to set boundaries with family members and kids, and how to manage your time so this magical time of year can actually feel magical. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.