The Bright Side

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.

All of us struggle with saying no to situations, people, and dynamics in our lives. Today we’re diving into developing healthy boundaries with licensed therapist and relationship expert Nedra Tawwab. She’s the author of the New York Times bestselling book “Set Boundaries, Find Peace,” as well as “Drama Free” and “Consider This.” She breaks down the difference between healthy, rigid, and porous boundaries and also gives us a great perspective on boundary setting around the holidays. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confidence coach and author Susie Moore shares her expert tips for making the most of networking during the holiday season. By tapping into the "holiday glow" and crafting genuine, thoughtful connections, Susie encourages us to reframe networking as relationship building — whether it's reconnecting with old colleagues or reaching out to new contacts. She also offers practical advice on how to approach cold emails, make meaningful asks, and leverage your existing network to create new opportunities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The holidays are coming fast. Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin of “The Home Edit” share tips for staying organized through the whirlwind that is the holiday season. Plus, they give a sneak peek into ABC’s reboot of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” which will feature Clea and Joanna!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pop culture anthropologist and internet personality Blakeley Thornton joins the show to give an all-access pass to the “Wicked” movie premiere! He, Danielle, and Simone dive into the star-studded fashion, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's emotional bond, and the profound impact the film is having on audiences. They debate this year's Sexiest Man Alive from "People," (John Krasinski…?) and call out some alternatives. Plus, they ask the age-old question: Is it ever a good idea to get back with your ex? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.