Recharge with David Ko

On Recharge today, David Ko, CEO of Calm, speaks with the one and only Arianna Huffington on the Mental Health Crisis around the world, and how it affects everyone. A Must Listen!

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai joins David Ko to discuss her new memoir Finding My Way and her journey of reclaiming her own story. She opens up about the weight of being thrust into the global spotlight as a teenager, the transformative role of college in helping her find her identity, and her candid experiences with mental health—including panic attacks and therapy. Malala reflects on the cultural stigmas around mental health in Pakistan, how she is redefining traditions for women and girls, and why sleep, friendship, and support systems are as vital as activism. In a year marked by global volatility, she offers a powerful reminder that even leaders need to rest, recharge, and find balance between tradition and modern life.

Dr. Vivek Murthy joins David to talk candidly about why mental health is “the defining public-health issue of our time,” and how leaders can protect their own battery and their teams’ well-being in a chaotic year. He lays out practical habits that fill (sleep, movement, meditation, time with loved ones) vs. drain (doom-scrolling, excess news, the wrong meetings) our “emotional tank,” and shares how modeling boundaries at work turns minutes of true presence into real impact. Murthy connects sleep to resilience (including his own shift from “badge-of-honor” sleep loss to disciplined routines), explains why loneliness is a health epidemic with physical consequences, and offers a simple prescription for volatile times: rebuild community through relationships, purpose, and service.

Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey opens up about his lifelong relationship with sleep, his fight against cynicism, and how belief shapes his outlook as a leader, parent, and partner. He shares how growing up in a household where “sleep was a sin” shaped his habits, why he’s unapologetically a 9½-hour sleeper now, and how daily rituals—from family dinners to naps, puzzles, or even quiet time with his wife—help him recharge. McConaughey also reflects on leadership as both responsibility and joy, the importance of solitude, and his vision of being inspired by “myself in ten years” and who his children are becoming.

This Fall, Recharge the Podcast by David Ko is back for Season 2 with deeper stories, new names, and more takeaways you can use every day. In honor of World Mental Health Day, this season turns the mic toward today’s most influential voices: CEOs reimagining leadership, athletes redefining resilience, and thought-leaders shaping culture worldwide.  From beating burnout to building connection, from overcoming loneliness to unlocking lasting well-being, these honest conversations aren’t just inspiring—they’re a roadmap for living and leading with purpose. Subscribe now and join us on the path to recharging—one conversation at a time.

Emmy-winner Sheryl Lee Ralph brings her electrifying presence to David Ko's podcast, sharing the journey from Broadway's "Dreamgirls" to her beloved role as Barbara Howard on "Abbott Elementary." With trademark authenticity, Sheryl recounts transforming personal tragedy into purpose by founding the Diva Foundation after losing friends to AIDS in the 1980s. Her historic Emmy win at age 65 becomes a powerful testament to perseverance, embodying her philosophy that "it's not over 'til you say it's over." Sheryl candidly discusses fighting for authentic Black representation in an industry that once marginalized her, advising listeners to "build your own table" when faced with exclusion. Sheryl shares touching stories of mentorship and her commitment to mental health advocacy through community walks that blend mindfulness with social justice. With delightful self-assurance, she celebrates embracing the very features once mocked by bullies—her distinctive lips and nose—now admired worldwide. Sheryl's memoir "DIVA 2.0: 12 Life Lessons From Me For You!" and her campaign for mental wellness and racial equity reflect her lifelong commitment to creating meaningful change through authentic representation.

Grammy, Emmy, and Oscar-winner Common explores the intersection of art and activism with David Ko, drawing from his new book "And Then We Rise." The conversation traces his evolution from Chicago's South Side to global prominence, highlighting how his mother's spiritual foundation and the legacies of figures like Emmett Till shaped his worldview. Common speaks candidly about breaking mental health stigmas in communities of color, sharing a moving story about a grieving teenager inspired to seek help after hearing his advocacy. With remarkable vulnerability, he discusses attending therapy with his daughter and how this strengthened their relationship during challenging times. Common reveals his daily recharging rituals: prayer, meditation, walks, and the joy of NBA games, alongside the importance of retreats and intentional "doing nothing" for deeper renewal. Throughout the conversation, Common exemplifies how authentic self-expression can catalyze community healing and social change. Listeners gain insight into balancing artistic creation with activism, maintaining spiritual grounding amid success, and finding personal peace while addressing collective struggles.

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.