Recharge with David Ko

Two-time Olympic medalist Jordan Chiles joins David Ko to discuss her new book “I'm That Girl: Living the Power of My Dreams” and her groundbreaking journey from childhood Nike dreams to becoming a TIME Women of the Year honoree. Jordan reveals how she's revolutionizing gymnastics culture with her unapologetic self-expression through tattoos, braids, and Beyoncé-inspired performances.With remarkable vulnerability, Jordan shares how therapy, artistic expression during COVID isolation, and sometimes confiding in strangers helped rebuild her psychological resilience.The conversation highlights her historic Paris Olympics podium moment alongside two other Black women gymnasts—a first in the sport's history. Jordan distinguishes her impact from teammate Simone Biles with the observation: "Simone changes the game—I change the culture."Beyond athletics, Jordan discusses battling social media negativity while maintaining her authentic self, and finding balance through unexpected pursuits like binge-watching Netflix to quiet what she calls her "creative chaos" brain. Throughout, she exemplifies how embracing one's complete identity can transform not just personal achievement but an entire sport's culture.

Comedian and author Chelsea Handler joins David Ko to discuss her seventh New York Times bestseller "I'll Have What She's Having" and her remarkable journey to self-acceptance. Chelsea recounts her entrepreneurial childhood—from spiked lemonade stands to a neighborhood babysitting business—before sharing how a disastrous Montreal Comedy Festival performance paradoxically launched her career.With heartfelt appreciation, she credits her third-grade teacher Mrs. Schekman for instilling the confidence that would define her career. Chelsea's therapeutic journey becomes a central theme as she discusses processing grief, family dynamics, and developing unshakable self-assurance despite public criticism.The conversation explores practical mental health practices including meditation and quality sleep, while Chelsea offers refreshingly straightforward advice on resilience: embrace failure as essential to growth and maintain authenticity regardless of consequences.Chelsea reveals her personal recharging methods—skiing in beautiful environments and helping others—while emphasizing the transformative power of gratitude. The episode balances humorous anecdotes with thoughtful reflections on finding joy and purpose in a highly visible career, concluding with details about her upcoming standup special and Las Vegas residency.

Hollywood legend Kevin Bacon joins to share his remarkable journey from iconic roles in 'Footloose' and 'Apollo 13' to philanthropy with SixDegrees.org. He discusses the #IGETIT campaign, raising awareness for mental health and empathy. Reflecting on his hunger for fame, he reveals a surprising regret about saying 'no' too infrequently. With humor and wisdom, Kevin highlights the importance of longevity in one's career and the value of personal growth and community support.

Get ready for Recharge with David Ko, a five-part limited podcast series launching this May in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.Hosted by David Ko, CEO of Calm and bestselling author of Recharge: Boosting Your Mental Battery, One Conversation at a Time, the series explores a vital question: How do we replenish our mental energy in a world that constantly drains us?Drawing from his own journey and the lessons from his book, David sets the stage for a series designed to normalize mental health conversations, break the stigma, and empower you to take charge of your mental well-being.Subscribe now and join us on the path to recharging—one conversation at a time.